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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  In my opinion - The best car ever built. - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Corey In ATL - April 25 - 12:44 pm

  I have had the car a total of 10 years this fall. I have had the brakes replaced 2 times since I bought the car, Ive had the timing belt changed on its scheduled 125,000 mile maintenance, the alternator had to be replaced at 40,000 because of the faulty manufacturer (Honda did not warranty this part.). I have had a lot of worry free driving for many years. I am in the market for a new car but i will be keeping my Honda for as long as it has wheels. I drive this vehicle 500+ miles to Arkansas from Georgia every other month and have felt very confident that I will arrive safely in a car with over 150,000 miles and counting. I am very pleased with this car.

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  My second one - 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By TonyE - April 25 - 7:25 am

  The 15 Touring is my second iMMD Accord in a row. I put 33K miles on a 14 in about 11 months, so I traded to a 15. The cars are identical except in color, old one was red the new one is a dark metallic silver which looks much nicer. My circumstances changed, and for the two years Ive only put 20K miles on the 15, so its brand new. The car is complex, the doodahs are stupid -as such doodahs are for all cars. I disabled Adaptive Cruise Control, all nanny warnings, the whole works.... so I DRIVE the car. What is really good about this car is how EV like it is... gobs of immediate torque off the line... instantly.... smoothness of the drivetrain... its silky. In the 14 we took some long trips and, cruising at 78mph, achieved almost 600 miles per tank, even going over the mountain passes on the Western I5 from SoCal to the Puget Sound. We had to stop for pit stops, not gas. Now, the trunk is a bit small, so we had to pack it tight once for Christmas Gifts but it was big enough for another trip to wine country. Indeed we love this car, but were going to sell it because were on the list for a Honda Fuel Cell Clarity. We have not had any real issues.... driving into the sun for long times (as in the evening) does confuse the ACC camera and will generate errors... they go away when it cools off. But, I dont use ACC, so its no big deal for me. The interior is very comfortable as well.

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  My second Pilot in less than a month - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Navaid - April 25 - 1:40 am

  I bought a Pilot for my wife April 19, 2005. So comfortable! But did not want to buy another SUV for myself, so bought Acura TL. Missed the seating height, the plush ride comfort and the soft seats of my wifes Pilot. Gas mileage was better than the TL. Guess what! Ended up trading the TL for another Pilot. Lost quite a bit of money but am extremely happy to have my second Pilot.

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  Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Richard C - April 24 - 11:46 pm

  I have over 3,000 miles on the car. Very dependable car even though Ive had 1 problem so far; the rear driver side door latch locked with the door open and the door wont close (taking it to the dealer later today). Excellent family car. Excellent mileage, over 32 mpg highway with ac and 70 mph. There is a rather large blind spot to due to the roof pillar.

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  We love this car!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy - April 24 - 9:47 pm

  I bought the new body style as soon as it came out. I have had it for 3 years now and it keeps being the perfect little van.. We love it. It never has problems and drive it into the ground. My hubby wants to by me a X5 but my Van is just perfect for everything. I haul furniture around and kids and groceries and you name it I can fit it in the van.. I never have to worry it has never given me any problems it just keeps going and going and going. I love this car..

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Cliff - April 24 - 8:15 pm

  Never happier with an auto purchase. Love the truck. Able to take a family of 4 on an 10 hour holiday trip with gifts and luggage. With car top carrier we had the same amount of gear that I would fit into an Odyssey.

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  Best car Ive ever owned (and probably ever will) - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Tails - April 24 - 5:59 pm

  My mom bought this car brand new in 1996, when I was 10 years old. This was the car I learned to drive in. It was always pretty reliable, but unfortunately the clear coat started to wear off pretty early, making the car rather ugly from the beginning. My mom handed it down to me when I was 20, and I still drive it today. Its 20 years old now as I write this in 2016, and has 311,000 miles on the odometer. Still the original engine and auto transmission. Have never even changed the head gasket. I drive it every day, and at least a few times a year it makes a 4 to 8 hour round trip to the farther parts of the state. Has literally never broken down on me, the closest it has come to that was the starter hanging up, which I changed myself with an oem rebuilt one. The AC has broken a couple times, but it wasnt too hard to get it going again. Youd think the driver seat would have to be pretty worn and uncomfortable by now, but not at all. I have the cloth seats, and its not even torn yet. Feels perfect still sitting on it. I changed all the coolant hoses in 2015 just to be safe, after one started to leak a little. I have the feeling this things not ready to die yet!

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  You cant complain with 267,000 miles - 1990 Honda Civic
  By ShanaRlene - April 24 - 3:56 pm

  I had this car as a gift from my Uncle. He had been using this to drive to work 120 miles a day until I had it 10 years ago where I drove 110 miles a day. Never had any major problems. Engine is phenomenal - never been repaired since we got it. On top of that, the engine still sounds like brand new, very quiet. Only bad experience with this car was when I had to push it from a freeway to an exit for a gas, it was my fault though - I ran out of gas. However, at an average of 38 miles per gallon with todays gas prices - youll definitely will try looking for this COLLECTIBLE piece of treasure. I love this car!

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  Honda Doesnt Care -- SRS - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Doesnt Care - April 24 - 3:47 pm

  SRS light on, Honda dealer ran codes, says need new SRS module or something, replacement of entire SRS at cost of nearly $1,000. Vehicle problem began at 105K, just outside warranty. I am second owner, purchased from sued dealer at 88k. Tried customer service, which at first sounded willing and able to to the right thing and fix it as a safety issue. Case worker at Honda says NO. It is a supplemental safety system- secondary and also I am not covered for any warranty consideration. Other 2002 CR-Vs had a recall on SRS. Not mine. Honda recently issued Warranty Extension on OPDS system to 120K/10 yrs., but this is NOT related to the entire SRS failure-sensor issue. Honda Corp-shame on you!

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  Favorite Vehicle since 88 CRX - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Daniel - April 24 - 2:54 pm

  Purchased on Good Friday at a substantial discount (26% to be exact). It is powerful, roomy, has an excellent feature set, and big! The 2006 makeover gave it a rugged look all its own (instead of a larger 1st Gen CR-V). Gas mileage could be better, although, considering it is a 4WD, 17-18 combined city/highway isnt bad. Have slowed down considerably since moving from a Grand Prix to the Pilot, which helps with gas mileage. Im a pretty big guy and this vehicle fits me very well . . . plenty of headroom, shoulder room, and hip room.