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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  Had to Sell Her - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Rachel - March 25 - 9:21 am

  Well, I was the only owner, and I had to sell her. I could not get the check engine light to stay off. I had the distributor changed, and that did not solve the problem. The code was P1382. The car was great until this problem came up. I finally got tired of trying to figure it out. I loved the design of this car, and I will miss her.

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  Not a True Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Incurorish - March 25 - 7:33 am

  I traded my 98 Disco in on this Civic coupe and I loved it for the first week. Then I had so many problems. The check fuel cap light comes on, the airbag malfunction light keeps coming on and the interior rattles like a drunk put it together with superglue. Ive been to the dealer four times and next week will be my fifth time. Ive already had talks with the manager and they are incompetent. I wish I bought a Ford Fusion.

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  GreatDeal - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ddetroit - March 25 - 12:30 am

  Never thought a small car could be as comfortable and fun to drive as this one. Whenever someone drives the car they are impressed by the power and handling of the car. My husband will purchase one in Feb. of 2009 he likes it so much, unless something better comes along.

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  Took a friends advice, and bought a Honda Accord. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Caroline - March 24 - 6:42 pm

  After purchasing MANY different new cars throughout my life, in 2006 I decided to take the advise of a trusted and wise Honda owning friend. He had 250K on his 2005 Honda Accord, and he loved the car. My Honda has been THE BEST auto purchase ever, and it is 100% reliable and inexpensive to operate! As a professional marketer and on the road most of the time, this is HUGE. Not sure I can ever part with her.

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  Honda Touring - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dwayne Rolfson - March 24 - 5:36 pm

  Just completed a 7,000 mile plus trip from Maryland to Alberta, Canada.. Vehicle was very comfortable, fun to drive. Disappointed in miles per gallon though. Would barely make 20 mpg during most of the trip, with an occasional peak of 22 mpg.. Previously made the identical trip in a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria, same speeds, similar load, same route. The Ford with a 4.6 liter V8 averaged 24 mpg with peaks of 27 mpg. I expected to do better with the Honda with its 3.5 liter V6 and ballyhood VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) that advertised up to 29mpg... My Ford averages 20-21mpg in our normal around town driving... So far the Honda only averages around 18mpg in the same..

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  Beware Front Seat Back Cover - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By starfortune - March 24 - 3:53 pm

  We bought the Pilot new in 06 and started to have problems with the rear speaker--got it replaced but took 2 visits. The the tire sensor kept giving a code so the truck had to be taken in several times before they figured out the problem. The vehicle gives very good gas mileage on the average of 22 miles of combined city/highway driving. The ride is smooth and road noise doesnt seem to be a problem. Our main problem has been the front seat back cover which has fallen off 5-6 times in the past 1 1/2 years which entails multiple trips to the dealer for replacement. They dont understand the problem and neither do I. Honda America was of no help so this Honda may be the last one.

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  Good reliable transportation - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Johncon - March 24 - 10:27 am

  Bought this new in 2003 and have had few problems with it. The OEM tires are poor and had to be replaced at 24000 miles, but other than that, the car has been very reliable. Great in the snow and comfortable. Replaced the following: Back up light switch 50000 miles Resistor in blower motor 60,000 miles Brakes replaced at 100000 (pads) Battery 110000 miles Serpentine belt at 60000 and 120000 I have been advised to replace front struts due to leakage but as they still work fine I have ignored this. The rest has been normal scheduled maintenance.

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  Best Piot yet! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By shodanusmc - March 24 - 9:56 am

  This is my 2nd Pilot. The first one was an 03, and it ran flawless. The 09 Touring is a big step up. Fun to drive, roomy, quiet, decent power, and a lot of fun toys to make the ride enjoyable. Love the Navi and radio. So far, the first tank averaged 15 mpg in all city. Just a great vehicle. Glad to see the Michelin tires on it also.

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  Be careful when you are merging................. - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Chet - March 24 - 3:42 am

  10/16/2016 Update: I have now had the car to my dealer 3 times. The last was with the assistance of the factory rep who admitted to just having a similar complaint within the past week. The hesitation/stalling has not improved (since i wrote my first review I have seen this problem described as "stalling" and I thinks it fits). I have reduced my "safety" stars to three because I just dont believe the car is safe. I also reduced the "miles per year" number because I dont drive the car if I dont have to. I have another vehicle. The last comment from my dealership was "whatever it is doing...it is normal for the car". I will trade this car in as soon as I can afford to. First, about the performance. There is something wrong with the acceleration when you have been coasting before merging into traffic. When you try to accelerate nothing happens! My dealer says unless I can demonstrate it they cant help but it doesnt always do it. Ive seen other complaints about it but the best my dealer service person would say is that customers have told him if you roll through a stop sign and then hit the gas it hangs up for a bit. Well, it sometimes does the same when you are merging. I almost got rear ended by the guy behind me when it happened the first time. Now I dont merge unless there is a huge gap for me to merge into and Im worried when I do it. Most of the people who complain feel it is the CVT transmission that is the problem and I agree. Now for the head rest. After I bought the car I realized that the head rest was causing me to get a neck ache as it is too far forward. The parts man at my dealership told me he couldnt drive his wifes Accord for the same reason. I tried to find an upholstery person to fix it for me but no one wanted to touch it. I finally I opened it myself and used my wifes carving knife to shave the foam rubber down and stitched it up with mono fishing line. It was a shame to have to do that but Honda (I called Honda customer service) wouldnt help me so I had no choice. At least my dealer parts man tried to help. The head rest was made by two manufacturers so he ordered the other one for me but it was the same. I think he was hoping that would work so he could do the same for his wifes car. By the way, this problem also occurs when parking. If you turn into a parking space and realize you arent straight enough and have to back out and go forward again, the car may stall and then suddenly surge forward so I dont park where there is a curb or concrete block in front of me for fear I might hit it or worse yet go over it. Now for the tech stuff. The email & texting features dont work. They dont tell you that only certain cell phones will work with the system when you buy the car. I am sorry I purchased this car. I also have a 2008 Honda CRV which is a great car (including the head rest) but it also now comes with a CVT transmission. I wont buy another Honda.

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  Great commuter car! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Agntjay818 - March 24 - 2:31 am

  I first bought this car in 2003 to get around school and work. The engines 1.6 liter had about 130,000 miles, it handled well and even made it to San Diego which is 120 miles away from Los Angeles. The engine lasted me another 4 years until it overheated in the summer of 2007 and it was just a few months later when I swapped a new engine (ZC JDM Engine) which has been running well to this day. I have lowered the vehicle and it handles even better! Went to a local paint shop dealer and got it painted for the price of 3 details at a car wash!