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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  17K Miles later... - 2011 Honda Insight
  By nickdapit - November 13 - 4:25 pm

  So far I couldnt ask for much more from the car, I bought the car specificlly for my job as I drive large stretches of the country. My latest trip took me from Los Angeles to Denver then Denver to Seattle then Seattle back to Los Angeles. I have had no problems with the car and average the EPA estimate for driving. (42 mpg) The only thing that dissappoints me is the rear seat area, a six foot man cannot fit even with a 5 foot driver in the front seat. Headroom is almost ridiculous to the point where Honda should have just made an inch or two higher for the rear seats even if that cost the vehicle 2 mpgs overall! The leg room is very tight in the rear. Dont buy if family is large.

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  Little things bug me - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By dukmadgin - November 12 - 3:41 pm

  We got this a few years old for the safety factor. The mileage is not great, but it is a big heavy (hopefully safe) vehicle. The cloth seats are TERRIBLE!! They stain with just water on them and NOTHING cleans them. The idle has a vibration sound that just about hurts my head at stop signs, and if you open a rear window on the freeway, it WILL hurt your ears. It is just okay in my book

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  Bad Paint/Clearcoat - 2004 Honda Accord
  By donthebiker - November 10 - 1:48 pm

  I have owned this car since new. And the paint/clear coat has deteriorated down to bare metal along much of the top surfaces of the car and is showing signs of surface rust. I have taken this issue to Hondas Regional Manager and they are refusing to even pay for part of the repair, let alone all of it. So now I have to decide if I want to spend $4500 (the cost of a new engine, or 10 timing belts) on a car thats worth over $10,500 (with good paint) or not. This is my 6th Honda and may very well be my last, as I am not buying from a Manufacturer that skimps on their paint and clear coat. This problem has been expressed by 100s and possibly 1000s of Honda owners around the world.

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  Back on top - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By a1addict - November 9 - 1:43 pm

  For 2012 Honda addressed many of my issues with the previous iteration. Front end looks way better, the interior looks and feels better, and the mileage has been improved. We were close to getting an Explorer XLT but then I gave the 12 Pilot a run. While they both have strengths and weaknesses, the Pilot just hits more marks, misses less and for the most part just feels more upscale. Its not fast, its not fun (what is in this class/price), but its very capable, spacious and look for it to be very reliable and trade-in-able where the Ford worried me. The HR would have been to give it 30 more hp and lb-ft and the six speed but Id say Honda has a stand up double with this refresh.

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  Transmission Failed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mykidsmom1 - November 9 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased 2003 Odyssey new from the dealer (had to preorder because they were in such demand?) NHTSA tranny recall @ dealer 8/2004 w/39,000 miles. Last week, with 164,000 highway miles (never TOWED) slipping btween 2nd & 3rd gears & lock up 2x on busy highway. Extremely scary could have been hit and killed. Dealer diagnosed "internal transmission failure". American Honda is useless & tried blaming us. Dealer agreed to discount AFTER we asked, they never offered. Inherent well-documented serious tranny problem. Shame on Honda. Just traded our 93 Ford Aerostar w/just 157K miles & never had tranny problem. Wonder why Hyundai is Americas #1 Car Dealer....No more Hondas for us!!!

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  Best in Class - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kerpalsingh - November 8 - 7:50 pm

  I needed a reliable commuter car. I looked at the Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta and Mazda 6. The Civics handling is just as good as the Mazda 3 and the LX has way better standard features. Ive driven almost 1000 miles and have very few complaints. I drive about 60 miles a day (mixed) and with the Econ feature off I get about 36 mpg, when its on I get about 38mpg. The handling and build quality of the car are outstanding. The seats could be more comfortable and the standard speakers have muddy mids and highs, but good bass. I paid almost $1000 less than INVOICE so that was a huge factor in me getting the Civic. I have no complaints about road noise but the engine can get loud.

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  Lack of Power - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By flyguy405 - November 7 - 9:17 am

  Just bought a 2012 last month and have put 3500 miles on it. Biggest gripe is the lack of power from a standing start. Either the gearing in first was changed to somehow get better mileage or the computer is not set up correctly. Power kicks in at about 3500rpm. Actually makes it real difficult to pull into traffic. Dang thing crawls along until you get to that rpm. Just took it on a 2000 mile road trip and averaged 21 MPG. Not bad for 80-85 speeds. (AZ/NM/CO) with hills. Rest of the stuff on it works well. Wish there was a lumbar support on the pax seat and a fulltime power plug.

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  6 weeks of driving - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By dgconnall - November 2 - 7:39 pm

  This Odyssey replaced a 2003 Odyssey with 120K miles, which was trouble free and an excellent vehicle. At first I did not care for the lighter steering on the 2012 model, which has less road feel - but now I like it. Steering is accurate, and effort less. Ride quality, and barking is very good. The engine has not quite the power of the older model, but it gets 25 mpg city/hway v. lifetime 22mpg - and I am happy with that. First time Ive had a nav. device. I like it, although I havent mastered the audio recognition yet. I have only done 2000 miles, but like the car very much, and would recommend it highly. My wife likes to travel in the middle seats, which she says are very comfortable.

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  Honda Odyssey 2012 - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jai2 - November 2 - 12:38 pm

  I just brought it last week, by my experience, the worst part of this vehicle is its Navigation System, I bet, nobody can find the AT&T sore in it, I tried for 2 days to search just to check if it works. They charge 2000+ for Navigation system whereas for 300 we can get the best from Garmin or Megellan so never buy with a navigation. If i place the child seat in the 2nd row middle seat the enterance to the 3rd row is blocked because the bucket seat doesnt fold then. No place to put children toys etc.

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  still drives like new - 2006 Honda Accord
  By iheartbmw - October 31 - 9:24 pm

  had this car for over 5 yrs. 53k miles. still drives like new. cd player died after six months and got changed under warranty. otherwise just gas/oil and one battery change (i lived in cleveland). plenty of inside leg and head room - i am 62. getting 24-26 mpg city and > 34 hwy. best was 40 mpg/hwy cruising at 65mph on flat road with empty car - i thought gas gauge malfunctioned :). got two friends with similar accords (05 model) and they have a similar story. will keep until wheels fall off.