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 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By terry t - April 27 - 10:00 am

  ride is rough & uncomfortable. poor gas mileage.

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  Bad Investment! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Sharyn - April 26 - 5:58 am

  Having a Honda minivan, we thought that the Pilot would be a no-brainer purchase. We were wrong. The mileage is so far off on this SUV that its criminal. I dont think I broke 11-12 mpg on the highway going 55-60 without any cargo or other passengers. The engine is underpowered if you are driving a vehicle that actually contains passengers. The interior is nice, the sound system is good, and all the guages are nicely layed out. The car comes with very little coverage (which is why Honda Care is so strongly "encouraged." After putting some miles on, I am beginning to hear a lot creaking.

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  Seats are Awful - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dissappointed - April 20 - 7:13 am

  The seats are way too hard and the contour is not needed. I cant stand to drive or sit in this car, it is a PAINFUL experience. Honda doesnt care!

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  Honda lies about gas consumption. - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Done with Hondas - April 18 - 2:39 pm

  This car is totally horrible on gas. Any decent features are totally overshadowed by its hunger for gasoline. Honda told me a bunch of lies about how the fuel consumption will improve, but I drove it for 3000 miles and dont see any improvements. For the curious, I get on average 10-11 MPG and thats both city and highway driving.

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  Not all happily ever after.... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Laura - April 18 - 2:06 pm

  I commute 120 miles a day, so gas mileage was of paramount importance. I have always owned Hondas and loved them-except for this one. The passenger/driver sun visors have broken 3 times. The paint is blistering and peeling off the bumpers. The windshield is VERY long, prone to cracking and the sun visor will take up what little cargo space there is. The rear child tethers are so close to the seat, you cannot use them. I was informed today the brakes need replacing every 20-25,000 miles since all the 2008 have a new brake system to eliminate braking noise that results in 1/2 the usual brake life. Id rather have the noise...and a different car. $300 every 8 months is pricey.

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  2012 CRV EXL+Navi, oil leak and cant be fixed! - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By Unhappy Honda owner - April 18 - 12:16 am

  Since it had around 6k miles I saw oil leak under passenger side drive shaft. ( I was changing engine oil thats why I noticed the leak). 1st time took to dealer they changed the whole intermediate half shaft... diagnosis was support bearing was defective. After 6-7 months later same problem came back. Went same dealer and the same exact part was changed again. Another 7 months or so...same oil leak. This time I went other dealership and they diagnosed same problem...changed the same part 3rd time. Last week I decided to go under car and look again. The same leak is there... My bumper-to-bumper warranty is over, but still have power train warranty left for another year.... I complained Honda Corporate and they sent their regional mechanic to check the problem and diagnosed...No "major" problem???? Oil leak on a brand new vehicle and not a No major problem??? They said it is leaking an extra oil from bearing... and eventually will stop. Really???I think it is a lemon that I had to adders which I didnt do anything... when it was under 3yr/36month warranty...now I have to live with. Now People, tell me how this brand is so reliable... that it leaks oil and cant be fixed? It has OK ride but the best Fuel economy we get is around 23-24 MPG. Never was able to go what they claimed 27MPG average. My last Honda Product!

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  Nothing But Problems - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Kristie - April 13 - 5:25 pm

  I purchased this car on 3/7/07, with 111,777 miles on it. The carfax report indicated that this was a one-owner car. At 111,972 miles I needed to have the following parts put on the car: front brake pads, rotors and wheel bearings $458.00, rear disc brake pads and rotors $139.40, left front CV shaft assembly $161.90, replacement of complete exhaust from catalytic converter back $398.54. As of today, 4/13/07, the alternator went out, add another $376.00 for the part (if you want one with a reasonable/and/or lifetime warranty). Also, I guess some type of pump has gone out because the windshield washer fluid doesnt work. Worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Displeased - 2009 Honda Accord
  By John - April 12 - 10:36 am

  Within first month, the brakes started to squeal…I have taken the car to the dealership 6 times & they could not fix it. After the fifth visit, the dealership admitted that Honda knows about this problem; apparently Honda has a Tech Line stating FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL and PREMATURE REAR PAD WEAR on 2008-09 Accord and Accord V6. In addition, I have problems with different buttons squeaking & the only thing they have done is spray oil on them. I have contacted Honda for help, nevertheless, nothing has happened… they are claiming Honda ENGINEERS are working on the brake problem (almost 2 years) & they are not willing to make an attempt to fix it by replacing the pads. I will NEVER buy a Honda.

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  No way 21 mpg! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By john - April 11 - 4:37 am

  I average 15mpg with my 2006 Ridgeline. The service writer told me the best to expect is 18mpg. Low power and poor mpg. Cramped interior. I bought because of the truck of the year hype.

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  Dont buy - 2000 Honda Passport
  By laura0181 - April 10 - 11:10 pm

  I have heard numerous horror stories that are so similar to the problems Ive been having my Passport. Lots of other owners have reported problems with a sporatic gas gauge, non- functioning intermitten wiper setting, ERG valve trouble, and oil that seems to rapidly dissappear mysteriously.