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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  My hard earned money down the drain! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By mccray35453 - October 14 - 12:00 pm

  I had purchased my 2009 Accord in Nov. 11. the brakes sqweaked the next day, and still is now! Had taken the car to Midas, and was told the brakes looks brand new. Yet, sqweeking! The arm rest is wrinkled/bubble. I had read where someone said "the dealer" it was due to body oils. No one sits in the passenger side of my car, so why it it wrinkled/bubbled?! The trunk rattles like nobodys business, the AC makes a funny noise when on low, like it needs oil. Same Honda doesnt stand behind their vehicles, but then again, with these complaints, I would stand behind them either...physically! Here I come Nissan!

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  Hitting 10 years - 2003 Honda Accord
  By emc8 - October 5 - 7:22 am

  I bought this car new Dec 02. I only have 73k miles on it. Reading all the other reviews I am wondering if I need to get rid of it. In the last 14 months I have to replace 3 different sensors to the tune of $1,200. The engine sounds louder than ever.. this is my 5th Honda and have always loved them. My fear if I keep it is the transmission will go based on other reviews. The exterior looks fair at best and this car has been garage kept.

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  245k and no problem whatsoever - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By mike01young - October 4 - 1:02 pm

  we bought this vehicle 5 years ago at 170k and never had a single problem whatsoever.

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  A different Si but still a great car - 2012 Honda Civic
  By druezer - October 4 - 12:45 pm

  I have to admit I was one of the naysayers. I have been leasing a 2008 Si Sedan and have enjoyed the car immensely. However, the stars aligned and I was presented with a deal that I couldnt resist. The new Si won be over in a couple of days. Its a bit more "mature", shall we say. Yes, it leans a bit more and it lacks the dramatic stratospheric top end but its still a great drive: planted and solid with a progressive and fluid driver/vehicle connection. The new mid range punch is delicious and the transmission is another gem from Honda. Ive even warmed up to the interior. Though the navigation system is a bit fussy most of the controls clear and straightforward.

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  MPG Disappointment - 2012 Honda Fit
  By livinglarge2 - October 2 - 11:20 pm

  I have had my Honda Fit since the middle of July 12. I have put 6,000 miles on my car..mostly highway miles. Im wondering if the manufacturer misrepresented the MPG advertised. I drive the car to work...which is mixed highway and city with 20mpg if Im lucky. I have driven this car on long trips and cant seem to get the MPG over 32. This is with speeds below 60mph. Im wondering if Honda came up with their MPG figures based on an anorexic driving this car without as much as a 5lb purse on board. I got 37 MPG on the way home from the dealership, but havent seen it since. Perhaps the dealer used Premium gas? I cant duplicate the mileage. I should have bought the PRIUS.

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  LOVE my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mathspiffy - September 29 - 11:20 am

  We bought our Pilot in Feb. 2012. It had approximately 87,000 miles on it. I upgraded from a Honda Civic to get more space for kids, cargo, and to have a great roadtrip vehicle for the family. Our Pilot has been everything we needed and more. All weve done is regular maintenance, and we have had no problems. It drives like a dream on the highway and has TONS of space for carseats, kid stuff, and other cargo. We are adding a hitch for a cargo rack and the running boards next, and itll be perfect. We are very pleased with our Pilot and will be keeping it as long as it runs!

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  Not perfect, but great value - 2013 Honda Fit
  By richinsd - September 28 - 3:42 pm

  I looked at almost all of the competing vehicles and went with the Fit since it fit my needs best. For the price, its hard to beat considering the legendary reliability of Honda cars. The closest compition is (IMHO) the Scion xD and Hyundai Accent.

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  Horrible drivers seat - 2012 Honda Accord
  By mickrickbob - September 28 - 10:39 am

  I love everything about this car...except the drivers seat. I have had this car for 6 months now and I am in terrible pain because of the seat. My job requires me to commute 1hr each day and I never look forward to this because I know how much pain I will be in when I get out of my car. Im not sure if the problem is the seat itself or the headrest. Because the headrest is on an angle, I find myself hunched over when I put my head back. I really wish Honda could find a solution to this problem because that is the only bad thing about this car.

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  Mine was a very Reliable Car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By warrenam47 - September 23 - 8:50 pm

  I live in the mountains of NC. The roads are very dangerous here, esp. in the winter. I test drove my Pilot in a snow storm, and bought it for its size and great gas mileage. i Never got stuck in the snow. and i drove this past winter for an hour from boone to beech mountain Everyday. nothing, and i mean nothing ever went wrong in the car. the only things i spent money on were literally break pads and a few oil changes. it was at 125k when i recently hit a deer going 70mph and its now totaled and im now heartbroken. there seems to be something seriously wrong with every SUV i consider to replace my pilot with. i loved luxury cars but now im feeling more sensible... and a grille guard is ness

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  Poor MPG - 2009 Honda Civic
  By aminu1 - September 21 - 6:25 am

  At 31,000 miles, my average mpg went down to 24. and ive gotten used to the check IMA and check engine lights on. Acceleration is poor when the IMA battery is discharged - have to downshift to gain some power. Besides, its a good car.