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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  Very Reliable Economical Transportation - 1998 Honda Civic
  By exhaust_fan - December 17 - 9:12 pm

  I have had this car for about six years and have only done one repair. Replaced the windshield wiper motor. Everything else has been maintenance. I get excellent gas mileage. 34-44. Great commuter car

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  Best of the best - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By elewsader - December 17 - 7:22 pm

  *at the time of this release - this has been the definitive minivan for the market segment. I tend to pull up to intersections with multiple Odyssey in line which doesnt bother me because I can feel comfortable knowing Ive selected the best available option for my money. If you find yourself on the fence on deciding whether to go with the Sienna or the Honda which I did I have no regrets with this car. The fit an finish just far exceed all other minivans in this segment and this has been one of the few rare purchases in my life that Ive not regretted.

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  Great car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By bpuharic - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My goal with any car is low cost of ownership. The Honda CRV (2000) is an AMAZING value. I bought mine with 5000 miles on the odometer, and kept it for 10 years. Its transmission finally gave up the ghost at 210,000 miles. Other than shocks, routine maintenance (timing belt, water pump, tires, etc.) it needed NO repairs, not even a headlight replaced. Its not the most comfortable or stylish car but it is one of the best values in the world.

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  check your oil - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jimmyh1 - December 17 - 7:06 am

  we owned the vehicle since Aug 09 and it has ran very good. I am concerned about the oil consumption Burning oil) Had all but an oil changed at the dealer,one at the local mechanic. Before going on longer trips, I always checked the fluids. Saw the oil was low. topped it off and then checked periodically. We have 25K miles on it now and used synthetic oil. It appears I am not the only one complaining or noticing the low oil level. check out carcomplaints.com. Going to see what the dealer has to say and have it documented. Please check you oil level also and if you are low, bring it to their attention. Perhaps with enough complaints, honda will have to do something, . (

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  Transmission!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sweetpea2009 - December 15 - 6:35 pm

  I have a 2004 Honda Accord EX-L w/ Navigation. This is the 2nd Honda I have owned and I still owe $6,100 on it and it is sitting in a transmission shop right now :( And my quote is $3,000 to fix it. The car is only 6 years old and only has 144,000 miles on and the transmission goes out, there is something wrong with hondas Transmissions and to keep there customers happy they need to make good on their product . I really used to love Hondas but not anymore, I have changed my mind and to anyone that is getting a review on this car before you buy it, I would say that it is not a good investment and I just would not do it, I would look at a Toyota before you go this route!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  great budget car - 1994 Honda Civic
  By rodmanzer - December 10 - 3:22 am

  I purchased this car in 2009 with 149,900 miles. The paint was original but the clear was coming off and the color was fading. It came with all new belts,hoses,radiator, ignition wires that I can see. It is an automatic with A/C and power steering. Disappointed no anti lock brakes they were an option.It runs perfect and a year later still does, it burns the normal amount of oil all engines do no matter the miles. It is a gutless wonder, rids like crud and you have to punch it just to get going but it gets great gas mileage and is very reliable. I worked for Honda in the service department so I knew what to get as a economy car used and I like to buy American GMs they are great too.

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  Surprising - 1990 Honda Civic
  By rpthorp - December 8 - 2:41 am

  I went from an 88 Iroc-Z, to this 90 Si, and surprisingly, I still had fun. I bought it because I wanted something more reliable, with better gas mileage that was still fun to drive. The handling was wonderful. The combination of double-wishbone suspension and the lack of power steering made you feel like you were connected with the road. And because it was so light, it really didnt need power steering all that badly. But then she bent a rod... I lost respect for my Si, along with some money, but no hard feelings. Pay attention to the belts and you wont have any problems.

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  Deficiencies in the CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car about a month. The drive is nice, fuel economy is reasonable for a CR-V and the interior space is more than adequate. However I find the Honda information on the CR-V EXL with Navigation deliberately deceptive. Two examples (a) there is no caller ID available on the unit with the Navigation system even though the technology guide that comes with the car says there is. (b) Honda says there are "heated driver and passenger seats". Well that is true but they dont say that the driver side seat has a heated bottom and back where as the passenger side has only a heated butt. Big difference ! Hope theres a law suit so Honda is punished for these deceptive practices.

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  Bit of a letdown - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  My second Pilot, upgraded from the 2004. Although I love Hondas reliability, the quality of this Pilot is a bit of a disappointment. Driven for almost 2 years now. I have had issues with the windows rattling from the start. Very annoying and they have been unable to fix. Seat fabric in the EX is not easy to clean and can stain. Seats squeak in the back, seat belts rattle on plastic if not straight. Overall doesnt feel as well made as my "04." It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. I love the large size, fits everything. Gas mileage isnt great but I didnt expect it to be. Due to rattles and squeaks, will probably be my last Honda. Need better quality on the inside.

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  Wifes 1st honda- continued - low oil now - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jimmyh1 - December 6 - 2:00 am

  We had the vehicle for 24,000 miles and it is running good. I did notice at about 15,000 miles before an oil change it was low on oil, not low enough for the light to come on though. I been monitoring the oil level since then wondering if it was dripping for the filter or the oil plug, but nothing. Now with 24,000+ miles I still notice I need to add a quart of oil in between oil changes. Started looking on-line to see if anyone else is starting to notice the same as myself, YES they r. Check your oil level in between changes to see if your vehicle is also consuming oil too. I had been using synthetic oil at every oil change. Im curious if other owners are noticing the consumption. Look forward