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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  Reliability of Honda now in question - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jimbob - August 18 - 12:19 pm

  I have owned this Pilot since Sep of 09 and initially enjoyed the vehicle with the exception of the hands-free phone operation. I did experience a reliability/quality problem with this SUV when my independent mechanic noticed some leak in the "lower control arm bushings" so he recommended that I take it to a dealer to see if it would be covered. Since I had exceeded the 36k warranty, Honda said it would cost me $1100 to repair this problem and they would not cover any of the costs. It was obvious to me that this was not a simple "wear and tear" type of problem and more likely a defect that did not show itself in the first 36k miles. In any case, Honda was not willing to do anything.

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  Sadly my last Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Greg - August 17 - 12:45 pm

  When I bought the car new I loved it! sporty styling, feel, and supposedly good mileage, but never more than 26vmpg. It turned out to be the worst car Ive owned.@ 2k miles interior trim pieces were falling off. 1st oil change alignment was off and my tires were shot! Honda wouldnt cover it! 20k brakes were shot. A/c has never worked correctly, 7 times to the shop and still goes out! at 30k miles dealer didnt tighten the oil plug and destroyed motor, had to fight to cover it. Now @ 40k miles interior is falling apart, rode noise is horrid, seats are terrible for long drives, jerks when it shifts, and Honda care line is a joke, they dont care. I filed under lemon law. My last new Honda.

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  Very disappointed! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Signature - August 15 - 9:41 pm

  Have only had my car for a few weeks. So very disappointed in the gas mileage. 14.5 around town, 19 on highway. Spoke to our sales guy and he said it takes about 8500 miles before break in. Its only 4 cylinder. If this is the way it is, then I want to give it back! So disappointed about that.

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  Brakes not reliable - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mean guy - August 13 - 4:30 pm

  This car is great in the snow and it rides well. The gas mileage averages about 23 town and 28 highway. Tires are balding at 30,000 and rear brakes started grinding. Honda does not want to honor Warranty saying brakes are wear items, even though service repair guy said that the pads had frozen in place. This is not normal wear. You should not need pads and rotors at 30,000 miles

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  Transmission Failure - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jana - August 12 - 4:40 am

  Ive 2002 Accord SE and my transmission started slipping when I hit the acceleration from 0 to 20 with check engine lights on, and on further tests Honda declares a BAD TRANSMISSION at 96,400 miles. It looks like Im not alone here and I strongly wish Honda to recall this model.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By keith rubio - August 10 - 7:54 pm

  I traded my Silverado z71 for this pilot for better gas mileage. The truck got better gas mileage than this Honda! I have owned many suvs and this is the most uncomfortable one yet! Do not buy this car if you have to drive in snow above two inches. The brakes lock and you MUST turn off the stability control to make it safe. There are a lot of squirrels where I live but this car is the squirreliest thing on the road in more than two inches of snow. Thank God I kept my Suburban so I can drive it in bad weather and feel safe! I wish I had not listened to my wife and bought a Landrover Lr3. Know anyone that wants to trade?

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  This Honda didnt make it to 60k Miles - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Diego - August 10 - 9:55 am

  I bought a Honda Civic because its supposed to last for 10 years or 200k miles. For the 4 years that it lasted me, i loved it even though it wasnt perfect. Two new batteries, two new sun-visors, and a cracked engine block later, my Civic is in the dealership service department under the last 1k miles of warranty in question as to whether it will run again. I took care of it with the all required maintenance over these years. What happened to Honda Civics?

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  Control arm issue - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ANGEL76 - August 8 - 8:43 am

  I am on my third set of tires for a two year old car. Control arm issue that dealer says is not an issue. Control arm not adjustable First set of tires replaced when the car was only a few months old. Horrible on snow and ice. Dealer did not inform of issue of control arm. The control arm is marked with a c so dealer says no problem. Let me tell you there is a problem. Who can afford tires every few months. I want my car fixed and I want the dealer or Honda to pay for the fix.

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  Need to discover noise - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By LEONA WILLIAMS - August 6 - 11:19 pm

  The van has been making a popping and clicking noise in the front took it to the dealer several times the techs can not figure the problem. Right now the problem still exist problem cant be found, car is still under warranty. I received a rental and they called me back stating that the car was fixed, when driving of in the vehicle the noise still exist can someone please give me some legal advice. Thought when I got a Honda, I thought I was getting the best now I feel like I got a piece of junk. Should have gotten a Chevy. I am very disappointed

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  Honda pilot transmission is horrible - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By proudmom0507 - August 5 - 11:40 am

  When I first bought it I loved it. But then soon after I had the transmission go out and after research found a recall on the transmission. Honda has not been helpful at all. Now I have to go pay 4000+ to get my car fixed although it should be their money paying for it since it was recalled. They said they fixed it by putting in an oil jet kit but it is far from fixed! Very disappointed! Also the drivers side seat gets very hot to the point where I start smelling my clothes almost burning! So much for heated seats when you cannot use them.