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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  4WD Touring w/ Nav - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Fantom5 - January 13 - 2:19 pm

  Overall very happy. Loved my 97 4 Runner but this car has much more interior space, better advertised mileage than the 10 4Runner. Quiet, handles very well and luxurious on the inside although some of the trim seems a little cheap. No real complaints. Handled great in our last snow storm. Overall mileage so far according to trip meter 18.1 over 950 miles. Havent been on the highway for any extended period yet. Would expect improvement when broken in and switched to synthetic oil. Great sound and Nav system. Love bluetooth and iPod interactivity-never need to take your hands off wheel. Boxy exterior but you know that going in. No pulling or mechanical issues so far.

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  Handling and braking are excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ChuckfromLI - January 13 - 1:34 pm

  Just returned from a 2500 miles trip to Florida and back, and have no serious complaints. My son is 64", did half the driving, and never lacked headroom. The car is quiet most of the time, except on rough concrete roads. The power level is fine, storage capacity is fine, handling and braking are excellent. Have also driven it on some snow covered roads and it felt very secure. I love the XM satellite radio. The leather still feels plasticky, but it is breaking in. My only "real" complaint is that the fan cycles on and off frequently when the car is idling, and that it is very noticeable and even sets off a vibration that is felt through the steering wheel. Current mileage is around 4500.

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  LuvMyAccord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By LuvMyAccord - January 13 - 10:25 am

  I see I have similar issues as some reviewers. ABS pump went bad around 120k. Master brake cylinder went out around 110k. Right front passenger window very slow to roll up. Im constantly warping after-market rotors, I cant stand hub- over-rotor setup. Going to swap out to rotor-over-hub. Had issue yesterday with tach and speedo dropping to zero whilst driving on highway. Noticed ABS light flickering at about time it happened. Will have electricals checked out. Current issues: Leaking main seal O-ring leaking on distributor About to hit 180k miles, will do timing chain and water pump, likely ask for real main seal to be replaced if theyll reduce cost. Original owner!

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  Just What its supposed to be - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Flordia Car - January 13 - 10:16 am

  I bought this one owner car when it was two years old for only ten grand with only 14k miles on it. I wanted a work car that had nothing to break and was lamenting that base models no longer existed when I learned about the VP. I love rolling up and down the windows knowing that there are no motors to fail there or in the seats or door locks. Its an old school econo car with the most reliable combustible gas engine ever made under the hood & no headaches. I am certain to get 200-300k miles. Highly recommended

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  buyer beware of this year and the 97 - 1996 Honda Accord
  By john - January 12 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased my 1996 EX 4 cyl from a local dealer in MN with warranty in 1999. Had problems about two months later, the check engine light came on, took it back to the dealer and they replaced all they could, covered under the warranty, but the problem still was there. soon after the car started to fall apart, engine bogged, the Vtech failed, gears slipped, figured out later that it was the EGR(exhaust gas recirculation) sensor that made the check engine light come on. Honda made some bad vehicles, I only bought this Honda Accord because it looked sportier than a Toyota Camry and now I regret it.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RaylynnLois - January 12 - 7:59 pm

  I had a 2005 Ex-L Honda Pilot. I loved it from the beginning. Best vehicle I have owned thus far. I am pretty sure it saved my life, with the safety features it has I am very grateful. I was recently in a head on collision and my honda held up its end, I walked away with minor aches and pains. By the looks of it I should have been much worse! I would buy another in a heart beat.

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  Cant wear it out - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By utmsu - January 12 - 2:35 pm

  I have had my Ridgeline since Jan. of 06 and it now has 135,000 miles on it. Have followed the recommended service of my dealership and it has never failed to do whatever I needed. Never had a more dependable truck in 40 years of driving.

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  love my fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By michelle - January 12 - 1:17 pm

  We just bought our vivid blue Pearl fit. It is just beautiful. We love everything about it from the blue lights on the dash to the great gas sipping. We will buy hondas from now on.

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  Very nice econo ride - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Willie T - January 12 - 11:41 am

  I purchased this auto when gas prices started rising sharply. My other 3 cars have V-8s, so I needed a daily driver that was economical and reliable. It took a while to adjust to the 4 cyl. and how light this car was. No secret these are compromise for the gas mileage. I adjusted quickly when I could fill the tank with 10 gallons and drive 300 to 370 miles. The best mileage I got was 37 MPG running 80 MPH on interstate and worst was 30 MPG locally. I also installed a set of Eibach sway bars that were well worth the cost. Over the past year and a half I have become attached to my little Honda. The seats are a little rough for long rides and it is a bit noisy but remember this is a econo car.

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  Great experience - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By PA Vet - January 12 - 8:36 am

  Decided to buy the LX as everyone else was buying the EX model, leaving LXs on the lot. Didnt want the electric doors as I saw that as something that could go wrong. The van has never let us down, gets great mileage, and is comfortable enough. Honda replaced the EGR valve and transmission based on technicians recommendation during normal maintenance. Since the transmissions replacement mileage went up from 24 mpg to 27 mpg on the highway. Otherwise just routine maintenance. Weve kept it simply because of what it can haul, sheets of plywood and more important my kids junk to and from college. Since buying this weve bought 3 more Hondas, but have kept the van for its utility.