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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  Good car/bad car - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ski_momma3 - January 7 - 7:35 am

  We bought this car new in 1/06 and this is officially my last day of ownership! Our family of 5 finds the interior very comfortable and roomy (weve dubbed it the traveling living room). Its been reliable mechanically but is a bit quirky. The steering noise at low speeds (which our Honda dealer "cant hear") has annoyed me from day 1. The braking distance is unsafely long and has not improved with a complete brake job. I feel like I almost have to stomp on them to get the car to stop. The sliding doors have been finicky and the tracks easily get warped with kids coming in/out. When this happens, we have to turn the auto off and the doors are heavy for manual operation.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kristin - January 6 - 10:31 pm

  I still have this car as it is hard to turn it back in since its a lease. Ive not had one problem with it (Very Reliable)! Just the regular maintenance. I would recommend this car to anyone! Its been one of my favorites. You can never go wrong with buying a Honda!

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  Good, Bad and Ugly Part II, or III - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By wen - January 6 - 4:58 pm

  This is our second Odyssey, so we are a fan! But it has its flaw too. Although I love my van, tires seem to wear very fast, I was told there has been numerous people complaining about it, then it was the rear engine mount that I had to replace today, $700, ouch!!! Expensive part, and I dont recall ever had to replace engine mount in any other of my vehicles, two of which were mini van. Then, along with the tires, it was the alignment, because tires were wearing different even though I was good at rotating them, I am wondering if there is anything to do with alignment ability.

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  Very Reliable Vehicle - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Mike - January 6 - 2:16 pm

  I just bought a Used 2004 Honda Accord EX V6 with a good price. It has about 72k miles but its body condition and driving condition is like new. Since its V6 it is equipped with 240Hp which runs fast on a easy acceleration. Its performance both in high way and city is excellent. It has good Fuel Economy for a V6 midsize sedan. The interior is roomy and provide good safety features like front and side curtain air bags. I feel happy and safe when im behind this Accord. Even though i didnt bought it when it was new. But overall, its very reliable car anybody could depend on.

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  2010 pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By denise - January 6 - 12:35 pm

  Traded in our 2007 Odyssey for pilot. Miss the room the van provided have three kids who play lots of sports. Interior quality could be better. Have not seen pull to the right issue, but did mention that as a concern when we bought and the salesperson said never heard of that! Didnt really test drive many other suvs although gmc Acadia has gotten good reviews. Stuck with Honda for reliability factor. Hopefully wont be disappointed.

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  BEST SUV SO FAR - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By bob - January 6 - 11:36 am

  I never thought of purchasing an SUV, I was looking at sedans last year but then I never have enough room when I drive home for vacations. I looked at the pathfinder, highlander, 4runner and the aspen. Then while driving home I was passed by a fast moving pilot, I went for a test drive on all SUVs mentioned above but the pilot was the cream of the crop. It had everything I wanted and more for the price the room and comfort sold me. I wish the gas mileage was better since it has a engine management system but I already knew what I was getting into since it is an SUV.

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  Off-Road Review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By autophotographer1 - January 6 - 10:12 am

  I photograph vehicles for a living and I drive all sorts of different types of vehicles. I have to say, this was the most fun I have ever had driving an SUV off road for my pictures. I took a Chevy Avalanche in the same area I took this Honda CR-V. I had a hard time getting the Chevy Avalanche to climb this solid 45° slope for pictures, however this little CR-V took the slope like it was NOTHING! Im a fan of large trucks and SUVs but guess what. Those larger trucks and SUVs are not going to make it through tight trails behind woods like this little fox can. Its more comfortable than it looks and has a lot more room than portrayed.

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  Aweful Fuel Economy- 25 MPG average - 2009 Honda Civic
  By rich6139 - January 6 - 9:40 am

  Purchased Honda Civic LX sedan in September 2009. EPA mileage estimates were 25-36 MPG. I have had Honda Civics for the past 14 years and have averaged 36 MPG. This car has had awful fuel economy. My main reason for purchasing a Civic was for fuel economy. Contacted dealership- "nothing they can do" contacted Honda USA case manager- "cant make any promises they can do anything about it". 22-25 MPG is what I am getting with this car, not the average of 36 MPG on my previous Civics. If it cannot be corrected, I will have to get rid of the car.

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  Whatta great truck!!! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Rob - January 6 - 9:37 am

  A common theme seems to be praise of the in bed trunk... It is a life saver. Its one of those things that once youve had it... you CANT live without it. The AWD is awesome. We recently had a snow storm w/ 20". It was the first snow storm weve had since I owned the truck, and I couldnt believe how great the truck handled. I could not make the truck fishtail...even when I wanted it to. Snow aside... I thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle year round, regardless of the weather. I can honestly say that the when I replace my Ridgeline... it will be with a Ridgeline!!

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  Timing belt problem - 1993 Honda Accord
  By doubtfulowner - January 5 - 9:49 pm

  My dad gave me his 1993 Accord a year ago - 79,000 miles and well-maintained. It had a new timing belt put in at 40,000 miles as preventative maintenance. My daughter had the car at college where the timing belt just blew at 81,000 miles and as a result, the car now needs $4000 worth of engine work. The car is clean and still relatively low mileage, but this seems to be a serious design flaw -- a (relatively common) breakdown that causes total engine failure.