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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  Best car yet - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jorgem1959 - May 5 - 9:00 pm

  After having over 13 new cars this is my first Honda and I really enjoy this car, I really dont know why I did not get one before It would have saved me thousands of dollars. Plus I love the way the people at Tampa Honda land goes the extra mile to help the costumers feel great at every visit for service. I love my 08 Civic

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  The Little engine that could - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Freddie Kwok - May 5 - 6:06 pm

  I brought this car brand new. Right now, this car has 132K miles. I never have any mechanical problem with this car. I usually take this car for long road trip. For instance, I would drive from Camden, Maine to Key West, Florida with this car. I usually get 42 MPG on highway (I-95). 40 MPG from Pennsylvania to Kentucky (Appalachian mountain man) No one cuts me off. I am usually the one that does that. Now, this car has really small engine, but timing is the key, you gonna know when to press the gas pedal and turn your blinker when you are doing 80 mph on the highway.

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  Buy this car! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Brian & Judy - May 5 - 5:33 pm

  Bought this car new in 2000. I had owned Honda cars in the past and trusted them to be reliable. As of today (5 May 08), my trusty CR-V has nearly 150,000 mile on it and still runs perfectly. All I have done is change all the fluids regularly and drive it gently. I changed the timing belt at 100K, but other than that, it has never been in the shop for anything. Still has the original brakes. Paint is still in good shape, too. I like the fabric seats. Tons of space in the rear. Easy to clean. Id buy another in a heartbeat, but I dont think this one will ever wear out.

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  Woeful gas mileage, fun to drive - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By albert - May 5 - 2:46 pm

  Bought a Ridgeline RT June06 and very satisfied with the features and driving experience. But the gas mileage is awful. Drove to vegas back and forth for 300 miles and got just over 18 miles/gal. In our area where there are lots of driving up and down the hills - 12 miles/gal. I may have to install a bed cover, hopefully it can minimize drag and saves fuel.

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  Honda 1999, Honda is not what Honda was - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By srmorrison56 - May 5 - 1:09 pm

  Honda engineering is not what it used to be. Ive got an Odyssey with 175,000 and two things have happened: 1) The second transmission failed. The transmissions that Honda used for the warranty were rebuilds that were rebuilt with the same garbage parts as the original transmissions. Honda did not fix the design issues. So every 85,000 miles you will need a new transmission for you Odyssey. 2) The ignition switch recall resulted in Honda replacing the contact module. It turns out that Honda used the same approach as the transmissions They used the same faulty design for the replacement and I just replaced the The ignition switch contact module for the second time.

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  Space and fuel economy - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Nicole - May 5 - 1:00 pm

  I have one of the first Pilots to hit the road and have already put 1600 miles on this vehicle. My family and I moved out of a 2013 and love our new Pilot. The positives: for this size "minivan" I average about 19 city and 22 highway (actual). This is way better than my old pilot and most SUV and minivans on the market. I would average about 13/15 city on my old pilot. The drive and ride are smooth and it is enjoyable to drive. I like cruising down the road , even in eco. I am happy they added the eco button. It is nice to cut it off if you want a little power behind the wheel. Car has a decent get up and go. A little sluggish depending on how many bodies are in the car. Once the car is moving its nice and smooth and maintains its speed well. Like the interior materials and space in the 3rd row. Can definitely say its nice not to have to use the 3rd row for space since it has room in the trunk area. Most cars in this class have no trunk space and quickly become a 2 row car. Cons: the arm rest in the front do look flimsy. They feel dine but I miss the big bulky one in the middle. I feel smaller in this Pilot. I guess I was used to my big box because I feel a bit dainty in my new one. Not really a complaint. I do not like the touch screen. It is a bit confusing and I miss the volume knob. For the finger prints, I use a 8 inch screen protector. Works like a charm and I reduce the finger smudge imensley. Finally , the USB outlet placement is a litrue strange. Im not sure what Honda was thinking as far as functionality and usage. Overall, I love my pilot. I have had no issues. Very pleased with out quality purchase.

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  Buyers Remorse? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jt007 - May 5 - 11:56 am

  Traded in my Oddysey for better gas mileage and more comfort. So far not super impressed with gas mileage, and comfort, well lets just say my dealership just ordered a new seat cushion for me today. I feel like somehow a Civic LX seat ended up in my loaded Accord. I drive 50k plus miles a year, and am not sure if I will make it even 6 months if they cannot solve this problem and soon. Comfort is my only real complaint. I am 61" tall, 210lbs...not overly large. Seat feels like it cuts into my left leg on long trips. I highly recommend driving this car more than down the street before spending this kind of money! Other features are wonderful. Gas mileage will surely improve, hopefully.

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  Will not buy another Odyssey ever again - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul - May 5 - 10:43 am

  Since I purchased this vehicle, all I had is problems. First, the battery, then a sensor on the automatic doors, then the transmission, which in this vehicles IS MORE EXPENSIVE because is complicated to work on. After 4 months and a lot of money spent, I just traded in for a Quest. I definitely will not buy any Honda SUV or Van ever again. Read the reviews and you will know why.

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  Needs improvement - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - May 5 - 10:01 am

  Picked up my new EX-L on Saturday, by Monday the following negative traits were observed in the first fifty miles: Shudders at idle. The transmission and/or engine surges at cruising speed. Road noise is absolutely horrid at highway speeds. My eight-year-old F250 CC 4x4 is quieter. Ditto for handling. The body lean on curves and corners makes this vehicle feel like it is tipping. Even at low speeds. The aforementioned F250, with much greater height, weight, and ground clearance handles better. Suspension allows the front end to "dive" under just moderate braking. Positives: Brakes are excellent. Interior fit and finish are above average. Audio, though outdated no MP3 disc or USB.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - May 5 - 4:13 am

  The 2007 civic is SO fun to drive, it is hard to park it and go in to work in the morning. The instrument layout is excellent and the way it handles is amazing. Seats are very comfortable and provide excellent support. Interior trim is very well engineered and looks very elegant. Drive this before you buy a BMW 3 series or you will kick yourself.