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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  Buyer Beware! - 2011 Honda Element
  By mmhblg - February 5 - 1:02 pm

  Our Element is less than two months old. It has failed now to start twice in the morning. The first time the dealer determined that a faulty window switch was the cause. The dealer was unable to identify the cause of the most recent failure and could offer nothing more than a suggestion that we bring the car back in should the problem happen again - although they were unclear what additional steps they could take at that point. We currently regret the purchase. We had hoped to use this vehicle as our main car for out of town trips but now are not confident driving away from town should the vehicle leave us stranded. Not willing to take that chance from a safety perspective.

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  Beware! The rough, slow start problem. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By neurite - January 29 - 2:33 am

  The civics of 2009, 2010 has the rough, slow start problem even as a new car. Google it and you will see many complaints about the same problem. My civic has about 10,000 miles. It happens a couple of times a week that the car starts tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-tu-wuuuun. Sometimes the first start eventually fails and need to restart. Very annoying. I have been having this problem since the first week I bought it new.

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  its ok - 2008 Honda Accord
  By evilkev - January 21 - 2:55 pm

  I came to this from a 2001 Maxima SE. Have put 59k in 2 years on it. Only repair has been the back brakes at 32k. The cons: in same driving environments, only averages 27-29 mpg with a 4cyl, compared to the Maxima that got 26-28 w/6cyl. Thought the Accord would do better than that. Front seats are not very comfortable. Didnt notice in the short test drives, but daily driving 2-3 hours a day results in discomfort. Interior seems to suffer from louder road noise than the Maxima. Stereo is not bad. Wasnt thrilled with the center dash, but its not horrible. The good: It does handle pretty well. When on 100% highway, I have gotten 32-35 mpg. I do like the body style of it.

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  Ride - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By gdion - January 5 - 8:06 pm

  I like my pilot I was excited to get it but I am disappointed in the ride. It seems that when you take it above 55 mph it has a vibration just enought to annoy you while your driving. I have taken my Pilot back several times, it has 3000 miles on it, they have replace the tires, rims, reblanced and road balanced the tires and it still there. Unfortunatley I have made a complaint to Honda and hopefully they will help me out. If any of you have the same problem please let me know but it seems like I may have a LEMON!

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  2008 Civic MT problems - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mwitt - December 29 - 3:49 pm

  I have had my 2008 Civic 5 speed manual for over 2 years now. I have 47,000 miles on it. I am very disappointed. First minor problem: One of my rear tires cupped and had to be replaced. OK, maybe not Hondas fault. Next, drivers side window has a problem. Sometimes it goes up and sometimes it doesnt. Now, a big problem. My clutch is not working. Car jerks and vibrates when shifting into 1st and 2nd gear. The dealer said I need a new cluth at cost of $2000. Ive had Hondas before and have loved them for their reliability. I dont think I will be buying one again.

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  Poor quality and terrible support service - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By klim - December 22 - 10:41 pm

  My first car was a Civic and enjoyed driving it for many years and had a very good impression with Hondas reliability. I also have friends and family who bought Odyssey (2002, 2007 and 2010 models) and all recommend it. When I shop for minivan, I was thinking between Sienna and Odyssey. Then, Honda announced a new 2011 model (Sienna is coming with new model in 2012),and I bought it 3 weeks ago. To my disappointment, the quality is very poor-- Third row (magic) seat doesnt fold down a few times. Second row seat doesnt lock in place after you adjust the seat, it slides. Entertainment system doesnt shutdown today even after I removed the key and lock the door. Honda dealer is not helpfu

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  Do NOT buy! Poor design, not worth the money - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By purdue_flunkie - December 14 - 4:10 pm

  Car has serious engine problems. Idle is very rough and you can feel vibrations transferring to the steering wheel. Problem occurs when the engine is fully warmed up and idle drops to 700 rpm. There is an unstable operating point which causes engine to resonate. I tested 3 different vehicles and all of them have this issue. This is clearly a design flaw and Honda refuses to acknowledge existence of the problem. Every time you stop at the light, you can feel vibrations like you sitting in an old American car.

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  Poor Gas Mileage, poor acceleration. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ttomaka - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Nicely-designed car but never did better than 40 mpg combined city/highway. I recently received the Honda-directed firmware "update" which has radically altered the hybrid propulsion system. Fuel economy has decreased by 5 mpg, and the car often is incapable of accelerating when you need it. Honda refuses to admit to a problem.

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  Very disappointed in Honda - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Mike - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I originally liked the idea of a cooler looking sportier Prius not made by Toyota, but buying the Insight was a very bad decision. Sure, it was fairly easy to exceed the fuel economy ratings, but in return you get a very insubstantial car and in many ways a poorly designed car. Many things on this car had me wondering if anybody at Honda even tested it for more than an afternoon. It got to the point to where the battery would recalibrate and die unpredictably, leaving you wondering if you had enough power to pull out into traffic. I found the drivetrain very jerky and unrefined, especially when starting and stopping, and it often felt as though the wheels were driven by a rubber band.

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  Tire Wear - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Amanda - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car brand new. Since I have replaced the tires twice. I have the tires rotated every other oil change and the guys at the shop say they have uneven wear. The rear tires are very noisy. I have had the alignment checked several times and its ok. It seems to be a factory defect. Also my sun visor broke. Honda needs to do a recall on this model year because I will never purchase another Honda if theyre no going to stand behind their product. Very Unhappy Customer.