Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Brake, remote, drivers window,cd player - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ceni - March 24 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Honda i bought and i think is the last one. Have had all kind of problems with it, starting with the drivers window too noisy, rear brakes worn too fast , one of the remotes was out in 6 months, mechanical problem with the CD player. you name it. Never Accord again, and never on Oakville Honda again, very poor service.

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  Honda quality? - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Disappointed - March 23 - 10:45 pm

  Now that I have had the car for almost 2 years, I feel qualified to comment on it. The build quality is not what I would have expected from Honda. This is my first and likely last Honda due to the many silly little problems it has. CONS: 1) The clutch started chattering within 15K miles 2) There dash has rattles 3) The coolant is going somewhere unknown and requires refills every few weeks (no leaks to be found) 4) The shifter is notchy. It was not that way new. Sometimes hard to engage gear 5) The brakes make odd popping noises when first used after sitting all day or overnight PROS 1) Fuel economy is excellent (32 city) 2) Peppy for an economy car 3) Quick handling

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  Pulls to the right #2 - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - March 23 - 8:14 pm

  I am a former Toyota RAV4 owner and loved that car but at 180,000 miles it was time to get a new car. I was hesitant about leaving Toyota but needed a bigger car and liked the bells and whistles the Pilot offered in contrast to the Highlander. As soon as I drove the Pilot off the lot I noticed it pulled to the right. I took it to a local dealer and they said the alignment was fine but rotated the front tires and said the problem was solved. It wasnt so I took it back to the original dealer and they said the steering wheel was crooked and it was out of alignment. Well at first it was fine but within a couple of months it is pulling to the right again and now the right front tire is cupped

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  2010 EXL-w/RES - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Wolfeman - March 23 - 7:48 pm

  I love driving this car. It rides excellent and I am still finding cubby holes for storage. I do not have any issues with the vehicle and love the way it looks too. I went from a 2007 Chevy Avalanche to this. The mileage is excellent compared to my truck. It is way more practical than the Chevy. Plus my Chevy was starting to get the 60k issues all Chevys get.

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  Very satisfied with the Civic LX-S - 2010 Honda Civic
  By larry p - March 23 - 7:30 pm

  This is a solid vehicle. We use our Civic mostly in light city driving with infrequent short highway driving. First tank of gas provided over 31 mpg with 90 percent city driving. This Civic is an outstanding city car for commuting to work or for shopping trips. We did not purchase ours to make trips in the hundreds of miles as comfort may be compromised as with any smaller vehicle. Our drive out price was 18,600 and that included about $500 for all the nice extra features that come with the LX-S, the dreaded $498 doc fee for admin work and a 7% sales tax that added about $1200. The dealer was easy to deal with as we went in with a general drive out price in mind.

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  Nice Van but Misled on RunFlats - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alicia - March 23 - 7:19 pm

  I really had not had many complaints about my Honda Odyssey touring. Although last year we took it in and were told that the engine mounts had to be replaced. Walked out $1700 later. Never had to replace that part on any other car I had now with only 27k on my mileage I have to get new tires. Not bad if they were regular tires but no we were sold the run flats. No one told us that each tire would cost $350 plus labor. $1600 later and that does not include the part inside the tire that needs to be replaced after 4 yrs so each one is another $200. We are looking at $2300 to replace my tires. So mad. We are now looking at selling this van pretty quickly.

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  2010 CIVIC LX-S Purchase on 3/22/2010 - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Gary - March 22 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased my 2010 Civic lx-s on 3/22/2010 for $16,555. Trade-in 2008 lx 43,700 miles, and got $10,750 for it. With 0.9% financing and incentives, it was hard to beat. Financing ends 3/31/2010, so hurry up. Got tango red with the black interior-very sharp! In 2-3 years, I will buy another. My 2008 averaged 29.5 mpg in sub-freezing temps to 38.9 mpg on trip to Virginia of 400 miles. Other than oil changed, I put no money into this car for 2 years. So, when I bought my 2010, I did not get the extended warranty. I drive 60 miles a day, so lease was not an option. Great little car!

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  VCM Issue - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Try Again - March 22 - 6:33 pm

  VCM Variable Cylinder Management system needs an off switch. I hate it when it goes into vcm eco mode as it growls and vibrates. Dealership wont turn it off or add an on/off switch. A 6 cylinder engine should not run on 3 cylinders ever no matter what extra counter-balancers and shock mounts you add. Harley Davidson proved that you cant get all the vibrations out of an engine that runs out of balance. Road and wind noise is still a Honda exclusive no charge feature.

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  Armrest console - 2004 Honda Civic
  By bobi - March 22 - 3:36 pm

  The armrest hinge got stuck in the upright position and would not go down. The service dept at Honda found this normal. The part alone (the would cost $162, to say nothing of the labor ($100 plus). I think the armrest should last the life of the car. It was not abused in any way, it just died an untimely death. Everything plastic on the interior of this car has been feeble and junky.The interior lock for the trunk faces upward and is constantly full of sand. It has been replaced twice.The plastic covers for the seat back locks fell off long ago.The paint on the bumpers is all damaged and freckled. Perhaps this is a way for Honda to recoup the admittedly very low initial sales price.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By brigida - March 22 - 3:13 pm

  I have two CR-Vs, a 2005 and 2007, I love them. My daughter drives the 2007 and I the 2005. I am looking to buy another car, not sure what to buy. I need something bigger this time. Not crazy about the Pilot or the vans from Honda. I wish they came out with something else. I love Hondas.