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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  Dissatisfied Pilot Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By scoot3 - June 14 - 9:15 pm

  Most everything is OK with the Pilot with the exception of the transmission. I would strongly recommend that anyone buying a Pilot to plan on trading the Pilot before the power train warranty runs out. If not, you will be facing a $2500 fix. Pilot had a transmission recall but it was not a very good fix. Also radio and CD player are poor quality. Had to replace.

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  2006 Honda Odyssey worst than any car i have owned - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Emerson - June 14 - 6:40 am

  Do not buy a 2006 Honda Odyssey. Read the reviews and purchase a different vehicle. We purchased our 2006 EX-L new from our local delership in Dec 2005. THe first few years we enjoyed car with good handling, comfortable, reasonable gas mileage. As the car became 4 or 5 years old we started having reliability problems such as rear motor mount, power door motors, AC compressor and Evaporator, Brake Master cylinder, Power seteering pump. Also from the first set of tire till today, we average about 25k miles per set of tires, regardless of brand, treadwear warranty, having them rotated, and periodically having alignment checked. Fast forward to today at 160k miles and we have replaced the 2nd power steering pump, 1st alternator (not too bad), 2 starteres (the first remanufactured starter failed quickly). During our thanksgiving road trip Nov 2016 our transmission decided it had had enough. The tansmission was taken care of much bettern than most with transmission fluid change by the dealership a every 30k miles. THis service apparently allowd us to drive 168k miles before its days are through (and stuck out of state). Quotes for replacement used transmission and rebuilt transmissions from H&A or Jasper will essentially equal the market value of the odyssey today. Most likely we will be offering it for part....

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  Losing Reliability Status - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By g - June 10 - 4:58 pm

  Have had the car less than 2 years and engine makes noise, needed new battery, and A/C does not get cold enough, and A/C not covered by warranty.

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  Civic Coupe Review - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DJ - June 7 - 7:43 pm

  Im fairly happy with the car. However, the power to gas milage ratio is disappointing... Avg. 25 mpg at freeway speeds with A/C on (rated at 38 mpg).

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  Diappointing Ride - 2015 Honda Accord
  By SATEESH MAGAL - June 7 - 8:25 am

  After the 1993 Accord and a 2009 Accord, both in the LX Trim, the 2015 Honda Accord is a huge disappointment. The Ride of the Car is Poor. The Rear Suspension emits a Sound as though a Strut has failed. Also the McPherson Strut Suspension is a Step down from the Double Wishbone Suspension. The 2009 Accords ride was similar to a Mercedes E-Class but the 2015 Accord is a downgrade.

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  To pricey for what you get - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By brian blackburn - June 6 - 3:10 am

  Good overall but a lot of others out there.

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  Good and bad about CR-Vs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Arnie Orloski - June 4 - 11:16 am

  Had great success with 98 CR-V, so we bought this 03. Like the peppier engine, but like some others before, we bought one when Honda was having trouble with AC compressors. In addition, spent $600 on new brakes and now need a new clutch, and we still havent hit 50K. With the 98 CR-V, we traded it in at 110K with the original AC compressor and even original clutch! Nonetheless, in very snowy northeastern WI, the AWD has performed well, mileage is okay, and amenities (sunroof, 6 CD player, etc.) are nice.

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  Not crazy about CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By HDONEILL - May 27 - 9:22 pm

  Both my wife and I are not thrilled with our CR-V. Mileage is poor 23 on highway or around town, seats not all that comfortable. Very uncomfortable on long trips, black stickers on door pillars peeling-rear differential was howling and had to have fluid changed (on going Honda problem) tires almost at wear indicators with 20,000 miles- we have had regular maintenance. Honestly we are considering getting rid of it and replacing with a RAV 4.

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  Not what I expected from Honda :( - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lyopa - May 23 - 12:23 pm

  After only one months of ownership, about 1300 miles driven, the car broke down. The following warning lights came on: "check engine", "VSA", "4 wheel drive" and "!" The car was barely moving and I called the dealership for a tow. It took 3 days to figure out what was wrong with the Pilot. Apparently some pin came out around the fuse box. Nothing major but what an aggravation! This is not my first new car purchase but my first Honda. I never expected the car to go down in 1 month. Never happened with any of my other cars. Actually, in 20 years of driving, I never had to call a tow. Now I am not sure if the car is less reliable in general than I expected or if it just had this one thing.

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  VERY surprised and disappointed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Andrew - May 18 - 2:50 am

  It started on the day of purchase. I noticed grit under the paint on the hood - more like small pebbles. Reluctantly, the dealer re-painted the hood. Then, the left rear wheel sensor went out. Then - a rattle developed in the trunk area. After multiple visits, still a rattle. It sounds like a mid-70s Chevy hatchback - the rattle is that bad. Each time the daler says - "fixed it." Each time they lied. The rear windows rattle when cracked. The center console rattled for awhile. The drivers window area squeaked for awhile. The steering wheel is off center - meaning when the wheels are in perfect alignment, the steering wheel is not. The black leather is turning white, etc., etc.