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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  Blew Head Gasket in Early Life, Great Reliability After - 2005 Honda Civic
  By mrsheng - November 25 - 3:01 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used back in 2008 when it had around 30K mileage. My car was particularly unique because it had dealer installed custom interior seats and door panels (black faux leather vinyl). As far as reliability and build quality, I rated it 3 out of 5. My car blew a head gasket at 40K miles. I dont know what caused it, but my only guess was the thermostat. After much research online, it was a common problem. I wonder if Honda had irregular thermostats installed in their Civics. Anyways, after I took my car to the dealership for repair...the car has been working great ever since. 115K miles going strong and engine still sounds great.

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  Sporty Family Sedan - 2012 Honda Accord
  By onthe4frnt - November 25 - 2:23 pm

  The 2012 Honda Accord LX is your typical Honda with slight improvements. This is the 4th Honda I have driven (different generations) and probably one of the best ones. One of the immediate noticeable differences is the road noise. It is greatly reduced, however, still noticeable, just not as noticeable as your typical Honda (barring the 2012 Honda CRV, which has very low road noise). The 5 speed automatic transmission is very smooth and responsive, plus great gas mileage. Im averaging approximately 30 miles per gallon with 60% highway/40% city driving. Handling is much more responsive and tighter than the 2012 Toyota Camry LE (which I drove for 3 months prior).

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  2012 first impression - 2013 Honda Odyssey
  By etj1 - November 23 - 9:30 am

  We traded in our 2006 Odyssey for a 2013. My first impression is its much quieter than the old model. Gas mialage seems to be better as well.Front legroom seems a little less though. Hopefully this one will be as reliable as the last.

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  Long time used civic owner - 1999 Honda Civic
  By jjefrench - November 21 - 4:56 pm

  I have owned Honda Civics for 13 years. My first one was a 1990 and now I have the 1999, which I have owned for 8 years. It is a Civic LX automatic. Green. The mileage I had on it when I got it was 70,000. Now there are 150,000. I have spent more money on repairs for this car than the 6,500 it cost to purchase it. I am angry at the car for this purpose. At least three times something caused me to break down in the middle of the road. I have treated it well and it has not been reliable. I would love to sell it just because of the frustrations I have had over the years.

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  Honda Odyssey ex-l Nav - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By darvesh1 - November 19 - 5:23 pm

  After many debates btw Sienna, Quest, and Odyssey, my wife and i finally decided to settle down on Odyssey mainly because of my long great experience with Honda accord and sporty look of Honda Odyssey. This is a fun car to drive, i love the features and option that are included in this car. I like the fact that it looks like a sporty minivan rather than mamas minivan. Its been three monthes and im enjoying it alot, my only complain is interior material that is very cheap. This wouldve been a top minivan had Honda used some decent interior material. The overall interior design is outstanding but material is very cheap.

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  Supercommuter! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aimgargiulo - November 15 - 11:05 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Honda with 133,000 miles from a man who commuted about 100 miles round trip to work. He took really good care of it, and I purchased it for a steal price of $3,300. Three years later, I have a 150 mile round trip commute to school, and shes up to 216,000 miles with no signs of slowing down! Its passed inspection every time (I do regular maintenance), and its never left me stranded at all except for when the clutch master cylinder went at 200,000-ish miles... but am I really going to complain about that?! I just get in and go with nothing but gas and a monthly oil change... its also a beast in the snow with studded snow tires! What more could a northern commuter want?

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  round 3 12,000miles - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug1 - November 15 - 3:47 pm

  We have taken the pilot to N J and then to disney world.We now have over 12k miles.The pilot has good maners on the interstate.and is comfy on long trips.The mileage seems to average 25.6 or better.I drafted an 18 whlr for a 100 miles and got 27.8 but thats another story.Only things we have found are the audio sys when using a flash drive is unpredictable(songs will repeat come up diff order etc.)And when hot in traffic if you turn right hard then step on gas will 5out of 6 times hesitate before going,will also do same if you leave a light and have to let off gas then get back in it.Over all we are very happy with pilot as compared to Nissan.Wife has hard time backing in driveway at night.

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  My new CRV after 10 years - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By jparedes - November 15 - 10:35 am

  Yes, finally decided to get back into debt (after 5 of no car payments)...it was time, my 2002 CRV (which I bought new) already has 240,000. miles (thats right)...no engine or tramission overhaul has been needed....the car is still in excellent shape, so much that now it was passed to my son... Thats the main reason as to why I bought another CVR .... "RELIABILITY".. The 2013 CVR LX has a very confortable ride, little wind noise in the highway, good visibilty, good handling.

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  Great Car in all respects. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By njoosse - November 14 - 3:28 pm

  I have owned this car for nearly 5 years. Bought with about 45,000miles, now it has about 110,000miles. No Problems at all, changed front brakes once, still has original rear brakes. Changed original battery when the car was 7 years old, changed spark plugs once. Great fuel mileage, roomy, comfortable, handles very well. Fantastic bang for the buck. I own a big block trans am, so I know performance, and this 4 cylinder performs very well, more than enough power for day to day driving. Paint is fading, but hey, its 9 years old... Engine and ABS light are on, but oh well.. Best car Ive ever owned, and the way its going Ill probably have it for a long time to come.

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  Transmission/ECO Managment Shuttering Vibration - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By rcookster - November 12 - 9:20 pm

  Have had my 2012 Pilot 2 months. When driving at constant speed the ECO Variable Management system seems to keep transmission from downshifting appropriately and you can feel a vibration/rough driving until you accelerate or cancel the cruise control. First service had it checked. Tech said it seemed to be a problem but did not throw a code. He called Honda Tech line. Told that they have complaints about this, but it was just characteristic of the 2012 Pilot. Today I went to the Dealer and drove another 2012 Pilot. Yep, it did it too.Thought I would work out a trade of my new 2012 for a 2013, but..you guessed it, the 2013 did it too! Beware -Honda definitely has an engineering issue here!!