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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  update on rear brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By eec1 - May 16 - 10:14 am

  I finally had to change my rear brakes at 18904 since the wear sensor was squeaking. No rotor turning (cutting) was needed (I never turn my rotors). I did the job myself with the appropriate Honda brakes (43022-TA0-A40) the new pads also have a spring clip to help separate the pads. Honda pads also come with M77 Molykote brake grease for the shims. I donÂ’t like to use aftermarket brakes since the one time I did for my previous Honda my rotors warped. Since the class action suit for the rear brakes was over I tried to collect by sending a letter to Honda with documented proof of mileage and cost of brakes. Honda reimbursed me for the cost of brakes with shipping.

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  Unexpected Issue - 2011 Honda Civic
  By taffy2011 - May 13 - 4:56 pm

  The first problem I had with this new car is a needed replacement of a front wheel bearing with only 15K miles. It also needed a realign. Now I know why CR didnt recommend the Civic for this model year.

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  Great for the right person - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By 2bogey - May 12 - 9:26 pm

  Having always been a Honda guy I went with the Pilot. Pros- Seats 7, roomy, good passenger storage. The wheel wells are 42" apart so you can fit everything from sheetrock to golf clubs. Drives awsome in the snow and poor conditions. Overall no major mechanical problems. Cons- For the $ you can buy a vehicle with much better creature comforts. No I-Pod jack, Seats are uncomfortable, MPGs are Average for a vehicle this size. Heat went out and was $400 to fix @ 40K. If you dont need or want bells and whisles this may be a good vehicle for you.

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  excellent hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By lalala1 - May 12 - 11:10 am

  My civic hybrid has been through a lot - long commutes, cross country trips, 2 high school drivers. Its still running well with over 170k miles & getting over 41mpg which is a lifesaver right now. As long as maintenance is kept up with it will last a long, long, long time! Im expecting to drive this car for several more years, I love it.

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  Regret buying it... - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By koylee00 - May 11 - 11:54 am

  I bought a 2010 Pilot on 3/2010. The first problem I had was the TPMS light was on the entire time. The sales person said to drive it and it was go off and if it is still on come back and well fix it. So we drove it for one day and took it back the following week. They looked into and said its the sensor. So they replaced it and then we picked it up again and it came back on. It was so fustrating. So then we took it back again and they keep my car for 2 weeks. This time it wasnt the sensor. It was the wire that was installed incorrectly. My boyfriend took a picture and showed me. They had to take the whole dash board off to rewire everything.

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  Fun Car, Too Many Parts Breaking - 2007 Honda S2000
  By dmacinaz - May 11 - 8:20 am

  This is an absolutely fun car to drive. I use it as my daily driver and it is a blast. I have taken it on several trips to the coast and to Vegas and while there may not be a whole lot of extra room in the cabin, the seats are very comfortable and make it easy to drive long distances. Thats the upside to this car. Now for the downside. I bought this car used in 2008 with 14K miles on it. I had 0 problems with it until this past year when at 55K miles the AC compressor decided to go out. $1,500 for that fix, then the clutch master cylinder went out for another $200. I hope thats the last fix for a while.

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  Not for Winter Climates - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By scottmason - May 9 - 9:37 pm

  This van is fun to drive with a ton of features. It is like owning a sports car that hauls a lot of people. The radio is amazing with a six disc changer. The down side is it cannot get through snow. If there is more than an inch of snow, this van slides, spins and is not comforting to drive. Winter driving is horrible. This van has a whistle from the lower part of the windshield at highway speeds. I read this in other reviews and did not believe it. It is very true and a horrible noise. I have owned this van for under six months and will be selling it very soon.

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  08 Accord Coupe - 2011 Honda Accord
  By acc33 - May 8 - 2:54 pm

  I am reviewing a 2008 Honda Accord Coupe v6-L that I recently traded in at the end of my lease. I dont think a whole lot with the car has changed in the past few years and I wanted to share my experience with the car. For me this car is better on the highways than on city streets. The suspension is rigid and you feel a lot of the bumps associated with city driving. The car is long and wide so its not nimble on narrow streets. However, it is very smooth on the highways. Corners great and really grips the road. Acceleration is awesome. Accord steering is the best out there and you feel "in touch" with the road. The car does not do well in the snow. Interior road noise significant.

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  Nice Car. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By kwoods2 - May 8 - 11:00 am

  Bought this car used with 40,00 miles on it. Traded in Bucik Rainier V-8 so naturally the gas mileage is improved. I will say that it is somewhat hard to achieve 30+ mpg because the engine is so big (2.4) You really have to have a light foot and let the transmission do they work. Seats are super comfy and the sound system is spectacular. The ipod issue is annoying. Its somewhat fun to drive because it is rather light so cornering is fun, but its no BMW. My favorite thing is how reliable and easy to own this car is. Honda have really developed a solid car. Not a problem yet for me. Glad I got this instead of Audi A4 because of the reliability. Thanks Honda!

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  Uncomfortable Seats in the EX-L - 2011 Honda Accord
  By rzeles - May 7 - 8:33 pm

  I just leased a 2011 EX-L after driving a Sonata. I should have stuck with the Sonata. I agree with many of the posts I have seen on the seats. They are horrible. Extremely hard and uncomfortable. Im 57" so maybe may body just doesnt fit properly. I bought a $20 cushion from Autozone, and it made it a little better, however, even after a short ride my rear becomes almost numb. The lumbar is also a problem. Frankly, the car just seems a little too big. Nice ride overall and I like the 190hp 4 cyl. Terrible seats for almost a $27k vehicle.