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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  Honda Doesnt Care -- SRS - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Doesnt Care - April 24 - 3:47 pm

  SRS light on, Honda dealer ran codes, says need new SRS module or something, replacement of entire SRS at cost of nearly $1,000. Vehicle problem began at 105K, just outside warranty. I am second owner, purchased from sued dealer at 88k. Tried customer service, which at first sounded willing and able to to the right thing and fix it as a safety issue. Case worker at Honda says NO. It is a supplemental safety system- secondary and also I am not covered for any warranty consideration. Other 2002 CR-Vs had a recall on SRS. Not mine. Honda recently issued Warranty Extension on OPDS system to 120K/10 yrs., but this is NOT related to the entire SRS failure-sensor issue. Honda Corp-shame on you!

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  2000 Honda passport and ethanol gas - 2000 Honda Passport
  By lilk9or - April 22 - 8:12 pm

  Do not mix, ever since they changed the gas to having ethanol in it my Honda dies on me and stalls like crazy and I read in the owners manual that it says not to run methanol or ethanol in it otherwise it will have mechanical malfunctions. I do not recommend getting this vehicle since they are changing the gas to having ethanol in the gas. But all around besides that problem I like it a lot but with all the problems I think I am gonna get rid of it. Do not buy it!

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  2009 Honda Pilot Touring - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By me - April 19 - 5:20 am

  The fuel economy is a farce plain and simple. We have had the car for 1500 miles and have not averaged over 14.5 mpg. Not to mention that you can’t drive this vehicle over 75 as the body roll is unsafe. Other items to be aware of, the cargo area slope is a really bad idea. The remote locking system must be unlocked again to open hatch and cant click to lock if any door is still open. The lack of adjustment in the passenger’s seat as well as heat only on the seat not the back of the passenger seat. Not the easiest to get into the 3rd row. The noise at highway speed. Park sensors that aren’t on the front of the front bumper so you could pull into something straight on without warning.

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  Poor build quality - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By wnick - April 17 - 2:23 pm

  Bought a brand new 2008 Pilot EX in southern California in Feb 2008. A day later, replaced a defect door trim, and about 30 days later spotted many rusty parts underside the car. Some of them appear to be very rusty and must have started a while ago. Contacted both dealer and regional Honda office. They claimed that surface rusts are not covered by the warranty and declined to fix it. So before you decide to buy a Honda, it might be a very good idea to check out the underside paint carefully. We never expect this poor paint quality. We also have a 1999 Camry. Even today, it shows no underside rust at all.

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  Not Again - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - April 12 - 6:50 am

  Have had my AWD 2015 CRV since October. When buying I had asked the salesman @ Stevens Point, Wi. Honda when the 16s were coming in. He stated in the spring. A month later the 16s were on the lot. So he lied to me to make room for 16s. This vehicle is made for those about 58" or less. Its a little cramped. When the front seat is all the way back you can not fold down the back seat all the way without hitting the back of the front seat. The AWD doesnt tell the driver when its in AWD. Driver has no idea when the vehicle is in AWD. I am sure this is a decent vehicle for the city but if you live out in the country in WI, MN or other snowy states this is not the vehicle for you. My driveway has a small hill. When its slippery out the front wheels spin. The AWD never kicks in. In other words, I dont actually know if I have AWD. The radio system isnt user friendly. The CD system behind the screen is a little weird. Mileage has been good getting between 32-35 on highway. 28.6 overall since owning.

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  Belt noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pdoff - April 10 - 4:28 pm

  Would like to write a review, unfortunately, the car was been in repairs since I bought it. Heard squeaking like a fan belt slipping on day one. Returned it to dealer and they started replacing parts, (belt tensioner, alternator). Seems like they are just guessing. Tomorrow is day three and maybe will get it back then, maybe not. Fourth new Honda, third in 8 years. Will see how dealer/ Honda handles it. So far obviously not impressed. Performance and fuel economy are guesses, less than 100 miles on it. Fun to drive, its a practicable conveyance or should be.

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  4 Transmissions to date!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Steve - April 4 - 7:11 pm

  We bought our 03 Hybrid Civic new we currently have put 105,XXX miles on it. The transmission "judder" started at 22,XXX miles, had that trans replaced (w/a rebuilt one) at 25,XXX miles, then that was replaced at 35,XXX (w/a new one) & received a extended warranty for 75,XXX miles for that one. Now we have just got the car back with a remanufactured Trans at 105,XXX miles. We are not able to get any help from American Honda The current "Case Carrier" is a snide, rude, arrogant. The dealer is going to do his best to help. If anyone has a similar story or good contacts to help please let us know, to ALL who read Honda "reputation for reliability" is GONE!!

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  one poblamatic element - 2007 Honda Element
  By west texas element - April 3 - 1:29 am

  We bought a 2007 Honda element sc model silver, 18 inch mags sc package, right now it has a little under 6000 miles on it and its been in the Honda shop a total of 4 times. First it had a noise underneath the driver side, so they said it was a strut assembly. The replaced under warranty which is good still the noise was there. We take it back the second time for another kind of noise on the driver side doors they adjusted them fixed for a while again back in the shop now said they hooked up some microphones all over it and found out the noise underneath is the steering rack? So in the shop again oh yea this thing gets very poor gas mileage, the power is lackluster and the windows are noisy

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  Ill never buy a Honda again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J Elkin - April 1 - 12:31 pm

  So were do I start? I could start with the creaky and rattling interior. Or I could talk about what a joke the gas mileage is compared to what they claim it will be. But most of all this car is just a piece of garbage. Cant wait until the lease is over and I can go and get a decent truck or SUV. Honda may do a good job with cars, but trucks and SUVs are not their thing . For what the Ridgeline cost me ($32K) I could have purchased a number of other better trucks or SUVs. Do yourself a favor and dont make my mistake.....buy something else.

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  not built to last - 2005 Honda Element
  By a de la ossa - March 26 - 12:15 pm

  After only 15,000 miles the authorized Honda service dealer has had me replace the battery and tires-- 15,000 miles. In addition, the exterior body is extremely prone to dings, as the metal is very thin. Dent Doctor franchisees love this car. This car has soured me on Honda.