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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  Somewhat disappointed with my Accord - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Lucky 7 Honda Owner - March 9 - 9:41 am

  This is my 7th Honda in over 20 years, and Im the most disappointed with it. The car has some great features, but its becoming clear that Honda cut corners to keep the costs down. Its a good looking car and is roomy. However, Honda service is not great. Spent too much time at the dealer, and they are always suspicious that its my fault rather than manufacturing defects. Im sorry I traded in my 2006 Accord for this one because it was just a better built car without any issues. Honda needs to get back their core basics.

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  Still Going Strong - 1998 Honda Civic
  By PSUEng - March 9 - 8:33 am

  I wrote a review on this car back in March 2008 after I purchased. I currently have 102,000 miles and this car is still cranking out the miles. Since last August(95,000 miles or so) I had a front passenger axle replaced due to CV boot/joint failure AC system serviced brake system serviced (but no new pads/rotors needed!) over the axle pipe on the exhaust replaced new spark plugs and my oil pan gasket was leaking. All this totaled about $800 parts/labor at my indy mechanic. I may have a front crank seal leaking and the clutch is going, but well see. It burns no oil and has yet to leave me stranded. Started every time this past winter in frigid outside temps. Fantastic little car.

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  Feel safe in CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Texas - March 9 - 8:31 am

  After doing all my home work on small SUVs I settled on a 2007 CR-V with the sleek new body style. I was weary of the 4 cylinder engine not giving me enough power, But she proved to do the work, hauling round bales of hay up hill. The back seats drop forward to make a larger bed. Plenty of room for 4 adults comfortably and cargo area.

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  Worn out brake pads - 2009 Honda Accord
  By nanc - March 8 - 9:45 pm

  I chose to buy my third Accord because of the reliability of the past two. I was extremely shocked to find that I need rear brake pads after only 16,000 miles. My 2002 Accord did not need brakes until 54,000 miles. My driving habits have not changed, mainly highway, over the years. If I would have known that I would be spending $200 every 15,000 or so miles, I would not have purchased this vehicle. Also, another disappointment with this vehicle is the Blue Tooth and nav. system. The microphone does not pick up the pitches and determines it own thinking of what I am saying. It is truely frustrating and therefore I do not use those luxuries that I spent extra money for. Think Twice!

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  Excellent Car to Own - 2001 Honda Accord
  By E Johnson - March 8 - 8:30 pm

  I have always owned "foreign" cars--this Honda is second only to a 1996 Mazda 626 that I literally drove until it died. The Accord is super comfortable, the V6 is surprisingly fast with a LOT of get-up-and-go, and is as reliable as the sunrise. This car, despite being driven on average over 24,000 miles a year, has NEVER EVER broken down on us--all we have had to do is change the oil, fluid, belts (as called for at 60,000ish miles), and filters and keep gas in it! Speaking of gas, for a car with as much pep as this one, the gas mileage can not be beat! Best vehicle investment you can make!

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  Good Ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Bud H - March 8 - 6:48 pm

  This has been an excellent SUV. I use it often like a truck. I am able to fit a 16 foot extension ladder inside with the rear hatch closed. It has been 100% reliable. We have never had a problem with it. The OEM tires did wear out around 20,000 miles. New Goodyear tires are not even half worn at 40,000. No maintenance except oil changes and tire rotations. Fit and finish is very good. No paint issues. No leaks or rattles.

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  I think its a pretty good car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By karringt - March 7 - 10:48 pm

  I have to start with commenting on some reviews posted. If you are 6 ft tall or over and you are complaining that the car is too small that is your fault. You should have seen that. Thats why they have Accords. I will also say that I am 411. I have no problems with the size of the car. I love the way it looks, I love the digital speedometer. I will say that it isnt the most comfortable of cars for a long drive. I do have back problems and after being in the car for 2 or 3 hours nonstop i start to stiffen up. I dont regularly make long trips though. I also am not terribly happy with the road noise but I know a lot of that is because its a lightweight car. Overall, its a great car.

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  Pull to the right, low mpg - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By jrock258 - March 7 - 10:44 pm

  Bought a 10 Pilot in 8/09. The pull to the right was obvious from the start. The car would drive off the road in 3-4 seconds. After 5 trips to the dealer, pulling stopped. The first 5 trips incl. switch fr and rr tires, replace 1st bad tire, rear alignment, front alignment and adjd steering wheel. None fixed the problem. On trip #5, (6 if you count the test drive with the Serv Mgr.), tires were tested for tire pull (Google Hunter gsp9700), 2nd bad tire was replaced and the pull stopped. On Edmunds, there are +15 complaints about the 09/10 Pilot pulling to the right. All complaints are for the LX/EX with Good Year Fortera H/L, Last count for Tourg model complaints with Michelins. = zero

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  Honda Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Eric Hoover - March 7 - 8:32 pm

  I have owned my Fit for approximately 6 months and the auto has proved to be very reliable. Overall the Fit is well constructed, but a little bit on the cheap side for features. One example is the front wiper blades - I cannot remember a recent car or truck that did not have true intermittent wiper blades! The Fit rides sporty, but a "little" on the bouncy side. The noise level inside the cabin can become fairly loud at times, such as during acceleration. The front seats are also on the uncomfortable side - the seats could be better designed and have at least an adequate armrest for the driver and passenger. The gas economy computer is also a joke - even GM can do this right.

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  Transmission at 70K? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 7 - 7:16 pm

  Bought used Accord EX with 41K. Our transmission failed at 70K but I reported issues much earlier. Honda America was rude and irresponsible about transmission failure. They refused to own up and replace my transmission despite the class action suit requiring them to do so. Honda quality is far overrated. Parts and labor are very expensive also. Ride is not great on 2000 and seems worse in newer Accords. Interior is very nice although seats are not comfortable on long rides. Hope new transmission makes it to 150K. Honda has had a lot of issues with transmissions on Accord, Civic, and Odyssey. Like I said, much overrated for quality. Daughters 99 Accord was an absolute money pit.