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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  Use to LOVE the Honda Odyssey! So sad the love affair is over - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By exhondalover - August 29 - 1:15 pm

  We have owned a 2001, 2006, 2009, and now just leased a 2012. If you are thinking Odyssey, think of other vans. Definitely do your research. The storage and plushness or the van has really cheapened through the years. I was going to explain myself more, but this forum limits your characters. I am very happy that we lesased and did not buy. Honda has gone cheap on me! The upholstery in the interior is junk. I always loved Honda for its functionality and every day conveniences of storage and comfort, but at the same time style and class. They have replaced their simple beauty with cheap plastic and less functional storage and conveniences. It is no longer a pleasure to have a Honda!

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  Back Problems - 2012 Honda Accord
  By pamgattie - August 28 - 5:57 am

  Since I bought my Accord at the end of February, I have had lower back problems for the first time in my life. I have had to take a leave of absence to undergo epidural steroid injections. It wasnt until a recent long trip that I made the connection, When it was my turn to drive any lengthy amount of time, the pain returned just the same as the first case of back trouble. I cant go through this pain again and have nothing else to drive. Contacted Honda....we will see.

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  Transmission problems on a new Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ajit5 - August 27 - 6:29 pm

  I am extremely disapppointed at the quality of Honda. I had purchased a 2011 honda pilot EXL as a family vehicle in October of 2011. With 9200 miles on it I already have a transmission problem. Luckily I bought extended care on the vehicle, but this is the second time in less than 1 year. First time they had to replace a valve and now they are saying they have to replace the transmission. To top it they say it will take 10 days to replace the transmission but will pay me only for 6 days of rental. This is my only car. Any ideas as to who I can go to for help.

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  The most uncomfortable seats - 2012 Honda Accord
  By remiszj - August 26 - 7:18 pm

  This car has the most uncomfortable seats of anything that we ever tried. Our short test drive wasnt enough to set the alarm, but my wife commutes 140 miles a day and after the first day complained about very uncomfortable seats. After two weeks of driving my wife couldn’t take it any more with severe back pain, so I started suffering in this brand new Accord. I tried every combination of settings of this power seat, but no matter what I did there was annoying hump sticking out above the lumbar area. When driving for more than just a few miles you cant stop switching position in search for a more comfortable one. I’m 5’11” 170 lb, and my wife is 5’5” 130 lb so we don’t carry extra weight.

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  Good but not great - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jax19 - August 25 - 10:54 am

  I bought a 2012 CRV-EX L and have been driving it for about 3 weeks. So far, I like it but have found a few things that could use improvement. I test drove several SUVs such as the Chev Equinox, Mazda CX5, and the Nissan Rogue. All were good, but I really liked the Honda engine and the ride. I needed a vehicle where I could put two bikes inside (dont like bike racks), and with the back seats down, its a very easy fit. I expect to get several years of good performnace from this Honda.

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  So far so good........ - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fukengroovin - August 21 - 10:22 am

  I bought my 2004 Pilot EX-L in Dec 2008 with 52,900 miles. Im now at 110,300 miles. I am a DIY mechanic and have done all the scheduled maintenance myself. The 17 city and 22 hwy fuel ratings are not accurate. Best highway was 21 and routinely get 18-19mpg in mixed driving at high altitude in Colorado and Wyoming. When I lived in Southern California, I routinely got 15-16mpg in mixed driving and a highway best of 19. So fuel quality and altitude definitely effect fuel economy. Ive replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, shocks/struts, timing belt, and valve adjustments. Overall a great vehicle with no transmission problems.

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  practical SUV for practical person - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By hafasa - August 18 - 3:39 pm

  Had my pilot for 2 years, excellent family SUV. very comfortable on long trips. no major issues. had 2 minor issues one with the side decoration in the back kept coming loose dealer ship replaced them, the other issue was with the AC ventilation system distribution motor stopped working and had to replace the motor which also covered by the warranty. My main concern about this vehicle is the braking stopping distance way to long and it become obvious after driving different SUVs or cars.

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  6 month review - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By njvtec - August 17 - 3:32 pm

  We replaced my wifes Porsche Cayenne S Titanium Edition with two VW Touaregs. Although the Touaregs are built on the same chassis they are worlds apart and we were very disappointed by the Touaregs and specifically the support or lack there of from the manufactures and dealers. With two children under the age of two we decided to look at minivans. Having owned and raced a number of Hondas over the years I didnt have to look much further then the Odyssey. We ended up leasing a new 2012 Odyssey (at a great rate thanks to Hondas great residual value). The Odyssey is a brilliant choice for anyone with children. Maybe its not as "cool" as a luxury SUV but it is way more practical.

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  first pilot ongoing updates - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By twowhldoug1 - August 15 - 3:45 pm

  Well.my wife has 3,6500miles on the pilot already and it has averaged 21.6 MPG.Not bad for its size.She is very happy with it and the only thing she is missing from her many Nissans is the inteligent key system.We are leaving soon to go to N.J.(we live in Chattanooga Tn) for a wedding.I guess we will really get to know the pilot on this trip.Instead of taking a pack of audio CDs to feed the bose I am carrying one jump drive.It has 665 songs on it.She has already gotten a flat tire but the tire warning system did its job and she knew before there was a danger.Myself I think it is a little sluggish but you cant have everything.Will update again after return.Should be about 3,000 mile trip

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  Love my CR-V!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By crv_lover - August 13 - 5:27 pm

  I purchased my CR-V in the spring of 2010. It was ordered from the factory and arrived a month after ordering. My biggest complaint with the car is the open front seat floor area. Cans, bottles, etc can roll from the back seat into the front seat & under the pedals. Having said that, I LOVE this little suv!!! Yes, its a bit sluggish on the acceleration. If you wanted a sports car BUY a sportscar!!! I have taken this vehicle off roading and it performs very well. First set of tires seemed to go rather quickly but the tires that came with it were not the highest quality. I have 25,000 miles on it and am still having fun with it!