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 2016 ex-l - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Js - October 29 - 2:18 pm

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  A/C Compressor "Black Death" - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Beth - October 29 - 1:27 pm

  I have been a victim of the A/C compressor defect, along with countless others. I have a 2005 CR-V, which had the first compressor go bad at 56,000 miles. I bought it new from Coral Springs Auto Mall in 08/05. In 05/08, the A/C system failed to blow cold air. I took it in and the dealer told me that the compressor "exploded" and shot filament through the whole system, hoses and all had to be replaced for 3200.00. I am a single mother, and could not afford that. I called my own personal mechanic, who told me that my compressor "locked up", brought it out, and showed me what happened and how it worked. He fixed it for 1300.00.

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  Worth EVERY Penny - 2006 Honda Accord
  By jeffandheather123 - October 29 - 9:06 am

  Great lease special, comfortable ride, enough power to get by, although Id like a little more, great gas mileage, unbeatable deal considering no one else makes a coupe (nissan, toyota) to directly compete with this. For those who are looking for more features, the EX-L is a great car, a little pricey but excellent value.

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  #1 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed L. - October 29 - 6:53 am

  This truck has been so much fun and works great on the sand as well on the pavement. If youre looking for a truck with pizzazz and durability the Ridgeline is the answer!

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  Awful van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By amy - October 28 - 11:47 pm

  Initial problem started only a few months after purchase! There was a squeaking noise with braking and dealership said it was the brake pads. It had to be replaced twice, then rotors was resurfaced. To this day, I still have problems with the brakes and they cannot find anything wrong with it. It whines at low speeds when I turn, and whines when I slowly release the brakes! After 2 1/2 years, air conditioning failed! Then the axle seal leaked. I took the van several times for vibrations when vcm was on and for a year I was told there was nothing wrong! It turns out the rear engine mount collapsed! Have changed the batteries twice. Called corporate about probs. but nothing.

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  I love it - 1999 Honda Passport
  By cav - October 28 - 6:47 pm

  I really like it for being a foreign car. I have heard nothing but the best about Honda so I bought one. Its great except I dont like how they go through a quart of oil per month that bugs me. I have tried my hardest to get it stuck but that 4x4 low comes through every time. Im excited for the snow - see if I cant get stuck in that.

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  Ok but not up to what I expected - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - October 28 - 1:48 pm

  I sold a 4-runner when getting this, and despite it being a Honda, it has been far more problematic than it should be. Ill start with the pros though... Pros: Comfortable seats, roomy, third row, good view out, good power. Cons: Handling is boatlike around corners, road noise is more than I would have wanted, the interior has so many squeaks and rattles that Ive given up having it at the dealership to fix them, various delivery defect: tire belt problem, warped rear brake rotor, multiple key FOB problems. I am hoping that the long term reliability outweighs the various downsides.

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  2009 Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By beth - October 28 - 8:20 am

  Because I lease a new car every 3 years and because I research everything there is to know about a car, I can honestly say that this is one of the best SUVs on the market today. The ride is great and it is comfortable enough for a 64" 250 lb. guy. It holds the family and everything you want to haul and its residual value is far greater than its competitors.

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  Do Not Buy A Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tanya - October 28 - 7:27 am

  I am on my 4th Honda. Where did the quality go? My back brakes went out at 16,000 miles (and I am not hard on brakes!). I called Honda and they said they KNOW there is an issue with their back brakes, and they are "investigating" it and dont know when that will be completed-and that I am out of luck. They MAY at some point reimburse me for the expense of getting them fixed. It used to be that Honda offered great customer service and reliability, but apparently not anymore. I will buy a Toyota for next car. They know there is a brake issue and are not fixing it? A big NO-NO in my book!

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  Happy with Honda! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By happyhonda - October 28 - 7:24 am

  This is our second Pilot, our first was a 2004 EX and we loved that pilot! So we have comparison experience! First of all this is our 5th Honda in 10 years and have never had an issue out of some small recalls. This new pilot drives and is more comfortable than our 04. For an LX model it comes loaded with features. The power is OK but my wife drives it mainly so she thinks its good enough. The seats are more supportive and comfortable. The steering is tighter without that small dead spot that the 04 seemed to have.