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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  Not so great - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jenny - September 17 - 8:42 pm

  Our family has leased a new Honda Pilot every 3 years since 2003.Our current lease is up and we went to get a new Pilot. Needless to say, we did not like the redesigned Pilot. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of improvements to the new Pilot, but the overall style is more of a minivan than an SUV. The quality of materials is significantly better than our current 2012 Pilot and we like the captain chairs. The one button to move the middle seats is very easy and the camera in the passenger side mirror is very cool! The ventilated front seats are comfortable. What we did not care for is the minivan style flip down arm rests on the front seats and touch screen audio system. You can see every finger print on the screen. Our Acura also has the touch screen audio and the fingerprints never go away. It drives me crazy! The touch screen is bit more labor intensive to change the station or volume, so you will be more distracted from the road and traffic. There are controls on the steering wheel for some functions though. Our Acura also has push button start and both my husband and I would prefer an actual key. It is very easy to leave the car running, especially how quiet cars are today. The push button transmission selector is in a really bad location. I have visions of a beverage mishap and a very expensive repair to follow. Why the transmission selector is electronic and not mechanical is also a concern. The visibility is very good from the driver’s seat and the ride is awesome. The engine start-stop is something I would have to get used to, although. I really don’t see the saving as the mpg is rated the same as what we get in our 2012 Pilot. The steering and handling on the new Pilot is a huge disappointment. The steering is weak with a weird bottom heavy feel and it is slow to respond. The steering does not feel substantial enough to handle a vehicle of that size and weight. Needless to say it is very unnatural and not something I would want to deal with every day. The new Pilot has significant body roll on right hand turns, but seemed to be Ok turning left. If you take your turns at a snail’s pace, it might not roll as much. I am also not fond of the exterior styling. It screams “Me To” as it looks like an expanded CRV. We have been driving Honda’s and Acura’s for a very long time and have been satisfied and loyal customers, we are now looking at other manufacturers for our next SUV.

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  Civic LX 2001 - 2001 Honda Civic
  By maria1 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I always wanted to buy the civic ... not any more. Car had so many problems. I could not belived it ... car was in shop almost every month. I had to wait 5 weeks for parts first time car broke (some computer problem), next time car broke I wait 6 weeks for air-bag sensor.The honda service was terrible. They totally do not care. I sold the car few weeks ago - what a relife. I done with honda.

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  Worst. Honda. Ever. - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Comic Book Guy - August 24 - 9:42 pm

  Worst. Honda. Ever. Constant A/C problems, sliding doors that CLOSE if you bump them. In fact, you could make the door close on, oh, say, a toddler, simply by pushing in a few of the brass, pencil- sized "finders" in the door itself. Extremely uncomfortable to ride in - build for "little people". Noisy. Eats tires. Transmission problems. Lots of recalls. Words cannot express my disappointment with Honda. I guess they join the long list of companies that USED to do it right (H/P comes to mind), but have declined into mediocrity. Honda owes anyone who bought this lemon $10,000 for pain and suffering.

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  Disappointed - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill - August 23 - 9:06 am

  We purchased this minivan thinking that with Hondas reliability, we would have years of service. We were very wrong. We have had repeated power door problems, suspension problems, several recalls, and a replaced transmission. The engine now leaks oil and has less than 100,000 miles. Having owned this vehicle, I now know that I will never own another Honda again. There apparently is a myth about Honda reliability. If foreign cars are no better, why do we continue to buy them?

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  Bad Civic 2007 - 2007 Honda Civic
  By badcivic2007 - August 20 - 2:16 pm

  I have a 07 Honda Civ & I have had several problems.I had to have my front brake pads/rotors replaced after just over a & 10Kmi. I received a recall for the steering column & ABS Wheel Sensor. My calipers stick & Honda told me that it was not under warranty. This is a major car part that PREMATURELY wears down the brake pads. My VERY trusted mechanic informed me that he noticed a lot of problems with Hondas braking system. I will NEVER buy another one. I got all of the factory scheduled maintenance including regular oils changes. I only drive this car to school & work,9K mi/yr, & in CA so the weather has never been a factor. My car may be 1 of a few lemons, but it is DEFIANTLY a LEMON!!!!

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  crappy sound - 2016 Honda Fit
  By dan - August 15 - 3:49 pm

  I leased a honda 2016 fit last month. The storage capability is great. However, my biggest complaint is the manufacturers sound system. Granted, this is the lower-end version, but it just plainly sounds horrible!! From the ancient knob-based search for radio stations to the just plain horrible bad-transistor radio speakers, it makes me want to shove needles in my ears to stop the aural pain! No matter if I play my cds, or use my ipod or cell phone through the aux jack, it makes great-sounding recordings sound awful! I cant take it anymore! Im going to have that crappy sound system (and Im being kind calling it that) removed and go to a Big Box store and get a decent one put in. Ill put the crappy one in a box and have it re-installed when it has to be returned.

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  My new 2001 Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By My 2001 Civic - August 11 - 10:33 am

  I bought a new 4 door LX Civic with standard transmission. Gas mileage is great, but have had a continual plague of mechanical problems. Air dam fell off many times- finally left it off. Gas filler door release failed. Passenger window will not go up when it rains. Front wheel bearing failed at 45000 miles. Engine mount failed at 60000 miles. Headliner fell down in back seat at 65000. Air bag SRS light comes on, 67000 miles the front end bounces and moves on the road when you hit small bumps.Rear window defroster does not work

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  2003 Honda Accord Ex-V-6 Complaints - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gw - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Compared to my 2001, the car has significantly more rattles and road noise - the sound deading material seems non-existant.

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  Not as good as I though... - 2001 Honda Accord
  By infinifrog - August 8 - 10:00 am

  At its 7,000 miles, the car refused to start, and the dealer said it is normal... it happened again for a couple of times until I traded it in for a Nissan Pathfinder after 15 months The VTEC V6 engine is good... very powerful and smooth...but style is just so-so and interior looks cheap... the leather seats just look like plastic...the painting is horrible...I can even scratch the bumper with my nails...

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  very diappointed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By not impressed - August 1 - 8:56 pm

  It is the most uncomfortable car I have driven. I am at a little over 600 miles and only getting 25 mpg on the hwy! I did months of research and THOUGHT i was making a wise buying decision. I wont buy another.