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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  Upholstery the WORST ever - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By erin16 - September 25 - 9:46 pm

  We have the 2008 Honda Pilot with fabric seats. This upholstery is hideous. There is no way to keep it clean and/or stain free and EVERYTHING (even water) causes stains that are next to impossible to remove--even by a professional. We are so disappointed by Honda. We love the car, but each time we get in and have to sit on and look at this nasty upholstery, the loves lessens a bit.

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  What I expected... - 2012 Honda Civic
  By miami305 - September 22 - 10:19 am

  It is what I expected. I bought this car for the better gas mileage. Its a traditional civic.. hard to park straight and completely in the parking spot, with the sloped hood and windshield, but I suppose I ll get used to that eventually.

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  1 year review- Great car, some "squeak" issues - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dkoet - September 19 - 11:40 am

  Purchased the van in August 2010 as a used certified pre-owned vehicle. Mechanically, we have no complaints with the van everything mechanically works well and functions as it should. It is great to drive. However, it has BSR issues (Buzz, squeak & rattle). Squeaky drivers door, interior plastic component noises and warped front window cowl which caused a annoying whistle.

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  1990 civic hatch - 1990 Honda Civic
  By 90_mike_ef - September 16 - 6:41 pm

  LOVE this car!! ive had it for 4 years, and have loved every bit of it. this has been a great car for me, ive put 80k on it, and it now has 270xxx on it. i put the 5 speed trans in it, rear disc brakes, si seats, hx gold wheels, and tons of other little stuff here and there. over all this is a great little car, and is more fun to drive than you would think for 70 hp.

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  10 Years, 160K Miles, and Still Running Strong - 2001 Honda Civic
  By rtwoods - September 16 - 11:05 am

  We purchased this car from the original owner in 2006 with about 100k miles. We now have about 160k miles and this Civic has been super reliable. Simple maintenance only (oil, brakes, timing belt). A couple minor, weird issues: had to replace both automatic window regulators, throttle and acceleration are becoming slower. Overall, Id highly recommend this car. Plus Ive achieved over 40 MPG on numerous flat trips.

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  Honest - 2012 Honda Civic
  By objectionist - September 16 - 6:30 am

  The exterior of this vehicle is very nice, a drastic improvement over the last model. The interior leaves something to be wanted. It really doesnt do anything for me. The ride is nice, and the fuel efficiency is great for a gas engine. I averaged around 42 mpg on the interstate. The greatest grip I have is the "eco-boost" of the HF model, and the transmission of all. I think some work needs to be done in both areas. The automatic transmission acts more like a manual due to poor downshifting, and make sure to be a complete stop before changing into Drive, even if you are rolling forward. Overall, its a Honda, so I expect to have it well past 300K miles.

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  140,000 and still going strong - 2007 Honda Civic
  By nolander01 - September 15 - 12:39 pm

  I use my 07 civic hybrid as a communter car to and from work. I average 35,000 miles per year and have had no problems. I do all the required maintanance ( most of it myself) and expect plenty of more miles to come. Intertior had held up strong with no issues whatsoever. All electronics work perfectly with no sign of impending failure. As for the IMA battery...I can tell it is going to go fairly soon. However, I do not plan on fixing it due to the nature of my driving. It will operate without an IMA battery, Just dont expect to get the accel youre used to. Overall, wish I would have purchased the non-hybrid version. But, Ill drive this one into the ground. Hoping thatll be a long time.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By wrogers3087 - September 14 - 9:52 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 30,000 miles on it. I did not get a carfax and after I bought it, I found out that it had been in a front ender. I now have over 140,000 miles on it, and it has been through ONE set of brakes, and TWO sets of tires. Nothing else, ever. I have not been very kind to this car. I forget to get oil changes, and I have wrecked it six times. You cannot kill this car if you tried. I am finally buying a new car for better looks, but I am passing this car on to another family member who can easily get another 100,000 miles out of it. BEST CAR EVER!

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  I couldnt give this car less then 4..... - 2006 Honda S2000
  By yelis - September 13 - 2:14 pm

  My previous cars: e46 M3, e92 335i, B7 A4, and a few Maximas. S2000 is super fun, simple yet nice design, engine is work of art, fun factor compared to my previous M3. Now the bad: should be at least 0.5 seconds faster, NOT as reliable as I thought...I have 33k miles and check engine light for multiple misfires (common on S2k) all 4 coil packs were cracked ($650 job at dealer w/ diagnostics), at 33k miles car already needed valve adjustment ($340 at dealer w/seal and diagnostics)....and I heard that injectors on this car can also fail soon.....remember my car has had ALL maintenance and was never raced on track. Kind of disappointed since I bought this car for "Honda reliability"

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  Standout - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By sherm624 - September 12 - 2:07 pm

  Sold my 1999 Pathfinder and purchased the Pilot. Its larger in every dimension, has full time 4WD, has 70 more horsepower, is heavier, and still manages to get better gas mileage! Car has great unique style inside and out, decent power, good braking (Edmunds review is off the mark), and a usable 3rd row - boxy design allows for headroom. No middle hump and extra width provides for 3 across comfortably. Drove on vacation 250 miles to destination (highway) - got 26+ MPG. Tire pressure monitoring saved me twice. Second row windows roll all the way down, optional built in sunshades are great, flash drive for music, hands free cell phone interface works well (clear).