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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  Disappointed - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By toobad - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first Honda in 1985 I have purchased one every 5 years since. Once purchased, I never had to worry outside of routine maintenance. Around the year 2000 I started noticing minor issues and a decline in the fit and finish. The dealership would always pooh pooh my concerns and never find anything wrong. I purchased a 2005 Pilot 6/05 that developed major electrical problems at 100k miles. I traded it for a 2010 Pilot 3/10. I had it in the shop 3 times the first 3 weeks, 6 times the first 6 months. The blew me off with the sunroof issue. Now I have electrical problems, the drivers door wont open and close properly, the list goes on.

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  Fire Hazard! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mike - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car caught fire in my driveway. Thankfully, no one was hurt. The insurance company originally said that the fire was caused by a short in the wiring harness. They later stated that the cause of the fire was undetermined. There is no TSB for this problem, but there is a report on NHSTAs web site from another 07 Civic owner whos car ignited because of a faulty wiring harness. Honda needs to do something.

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  Great Car Unless you are over 511" - 2007 Honda Accord
  By reid - September 11 - 2:00 am

  When test driving, this car was exactly what I wanted. Very reliable (I had a Volvo that cost thousands of dollars a month in repairs), nice looking, safe. I planned on driving it forever. I am about 62" and it is clear after driving this car for 3 months that it is NOT designed to be comfortable for people over 511". When I drive the back of my leg is raised off the seat and requires me keep my leg elevated. I have tried every seat position and steering wheel adjustment and nothing works. Also, the brake pedal is in front of the gas pedal and requires me to lift my leg to move from one pedal to the other. This combination is extremely uncomfortable for tall drivers.

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  Current Accord, Not your typical Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By JohnD - September 9 - 2:00 am

  As a long time owner of Hondas and Acuras, this car has been a great disappointment. Within the first year of ownership we have had to take it in to the dealer 9 times for repairs (not including the scheduled maintenance). Seven of the nine times related to interior parts, including the driver side sun visor spontaneously falling off and dangling in front of the driver. Two of the repairs were on the brakes. Honda is involved in a class action law suit regarding the rear break issue (Google it). The front brakes also had to be replaced this is a separate known issue for which there is a service bulletin. Ask the dealer about the break issues before purchasing this vehicle, I wish I did.

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  Terribly dissapointing - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By abscsx - September 6 - 5:47 pm

  Looks better than in pictures. Seat is nice but adjustment for height is proper as it tilts at the same time. Shifter is very good. Rear wheels are too much tucked inside the fenders. The car is reluctant to accelerate at any rpm. Engine noise is not what one would expect from a Honda. Revs built slowly. Brake pedal feels unnatural with no initial bite. Steering does not feel connected, like most electric steering systems. Clutch is very too soft, hard to feel the engagement point.

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  The Car That ONLY Last 6 Months! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Liz - September 4 - 10:24 am

  I have had my Insight for almost a year. I love the lights in the inside and the cool gadgets within the car. There is just one major problem! The car completely falls apart. I can take apart ever piece of my car without any muscle used. Between the water protective rubber around the windows and car.. to the visors and handle bars within the cars. The paint job is poor and the car always feels like is having a hard time slowing down. Not the smoothest ride. The back ceiling is very low. Too low in fact.

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  Not So Sure - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Peacegirl - September 4 - 7:26 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 5 months now and I cant seem to bond with it. This is my third CR-V. Had an 02 and an 06. Traded the 06 for the 10 and have regretted that. Acceleration is very sluggish blind spots backing up and changing lanes- just cant see out of this vehicle. Liked the rear door that opened to the side on the previous models. If this vehicle is wet (rain or dew) and I open the rear door I get a shower. If its raining I have to keep the wiper going to clear the rear glass, not so with my 02 and 06. If you drop something between the seat and console, you wont see it again. Thought of trading this for a Subie, but they dont rate much better.

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  MPG Disappointment - 2009 Honda Civic
  By c.hack - September 2 - 10:37 am

  After driving the Civic hybrid for 27,000 miles, I had gotten used to sacrificing performance for fuel economy. Unfortunately, after the last tune-up Honda applied some sort of firmware change that has killed both my MPG and my performance. MPG on 50 mph rural roads (optimal conditions) has dropped from 47 to 41 and acceleration is almost non-existent. This cars performance is so bad it is almost unsafe to drive.

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  Engine troubles - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - September 2 - 8:59 am

  The van was nothing too special. The wireless head phone have never worked. The power steering pump is load most of the time. The road noise is load. The sound system is just average. This van will get stuck in 2 inches of snow! The real problem came at 80K. The engine light came on and the engine lost power. I thought that maybe we may have had a clogged fuel filter or something of that nature (I wish). One of the spark plugs broke off and fell into the engine and ruined it. $6000 dollars to fix it. Not under warranty! What happened to Honda? So disappointed I will never buy another.

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  Great car from a distance - 2009 Honda Accord
  By devan - September 1 - 6:41 pm

  Purchased this as my 4th Accord and may not buy another after it. Started out pleased, became disappointed quickly. Brakes have 2 speeds - slow and leave rubber on the road. Seat on this later and higher model adjusts less than my 99 did, not good for a short person. Rear window glass can be wavy, auto-adjust rear mirror doesnt adjust to rising/setting sun and can be blinding. Mileage is also disappointing. Paint is chipping all over the car and Honda has denied any problem.