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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  Love it! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By 5th_Honda - May 28 - 11:34 pm

  I traded in a 2006 Accord SE for a 2008 Pilot VP. I got a great deal because SUVs are no longer in high demand and the new body style was due out the following week. I only use about 2-3 gallons more per week than I was using in the Accord, so a few extra bucks in gas is well worth the extra room for my kids (car seats, stroller, sports gear, etc). It was actually cheaper than my Accord and my insurance has decreased. Go figure.

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  Bye Acura! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By namadnav - May 28 - 11:12 pm

  Ive always been a big fan of Acura tls but since U.S. economy sucks lately, I had to downgrade (or so I thought). I bought an 05 Accord ex with everything, from tire pressure sensors, to heated seats, XM and navi. Features that I never had on my 2000 rl. Gas mileage is great, handing is awesome. Styling is just as good as Acuras. Speed is ok, but for the price? You just cant beat it! Oh did I mention 100k warranty? From burnt light bulb to blown engine, they cover it at no cost. Buy one!

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  2008 Honda Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By gulfcoast23 - May 28 - 10:50 pm

  Solid SUV. Average performance for HP and torque. Average gas mileage - could be better about 13 mpg in city driving. Solid build and ride, good comfort, excellent value due to the big discounts on 2008 Pilots. Value is what sold me. Looked at Murano, Acura RDX, RAV4 w/V6, and Honda CR-V. So far so good...

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  OIL SENSORS - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SOUP FAMILY - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  We are very disappointed in our CR-V. It is our first Honda. Even with perfect maintenance, we have had two oil sensors go out which causes the engine to choke. We were traveling at 70 mph the second time and were almost hit. We have had to replace the cam shafts also which is very unusual. At 65000 miles, our air conditioner blew a whole in the condenser. As you can see, we feel ours was built on a Friday at 3:00 p.m.!

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  Overall experience is ok... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - May 28 - 6:51 pm

  We purchased this van in 2007, it was used but only had 40,000 miles on it. Runs very well but needs constant maintenance. We havent had any transmission probs yet but Idle Air Control Valve needs to be replaced ($300). The doors need to be cleaned and oiled regularly. Inside is very spacious. I have four kids and it fits us very well. I can even pick up my niece and bring her with me.

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  Just four repairs in 15 years. - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Dekkie - May 28 - 5:04 pm

  Purchased my Civic LX new in March of 1993. Almost 170k miles later still drives fine. Even with the automatic I get about 38 mpg on the freeway. Collision damage aside, the only repairs were to replace the rear main seal, distributor rotor, muffler (rust) and igniter. I didnt expect this car to last more than a decade but then again Ive never owned a car made in Japan before.

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  Early Insight - 2010 Honda Insight
  By IBWong - May 28 - 4:03 pm

  Perfect commuter car. Great gas mileage and safety features. Useful trunk size and helpful Eco-Assist info in terms of helping one optimize ones driving habits for best economy. Rearward visibility a bit restricted with highback childs booster seat installed.

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  Honda cr-v 2015 still vibration after 3 modes - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Vale - May 28 - 2:14 am

  Honda company is disregarding the issue of the Honda cr-v vibration. It is been 7 months after some many vibrating trips to the Honda dealer to fix it and no solution. I am discouraged, disappointed, and unsatisfied with them . They trick people to buy this garbage with out letting them know that there is an issue. I am alerting those buyer dont be a victim like me. NEVER MORE BUSINESS WITH YOU HONDA FULL OF HYPOCRISY

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  Honda Pilot Elite - Awesome car! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kate - May 27 - 9:23 pm

  The Pilot Elite has an extremely smooth ride with lots of cool conveniences. Love the sound system, heated/air conditioned seats & the heated steering wheel! You wont be disappointed!!

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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.