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:

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Greg Sauls - October 17 - 4:25 pm

  Very good reliable vehicle. Never had any problems. Smooth riding. Pull my 21 foot boat up the boat landing like it is not even there. Love this vehicle.

• 

  Very poor residual value after 5 yrs & 70K miles - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Guy Gaspar - October 17 - 4:44 am

  This Honda Pilot EX-L (it has everything except navigation) does not hold its value like a Toyota product, which is very disappointing. My Toyota Tacoma 4X4 w/90,000 miles, is two years older and has a higher trade-in value. I have not had to repair anything on it, just fluid and oil/air filter changes by the car computer notification, a few recalls, new battery at 5 yrs., new Michelin tires at 30,000 miles which greatly improved the ride quality. The tires still look new after 40,000 miles. I want to keep it but she wants a new vehicle at her retirement. I purchased it certified used with 20,000 miles. MPG mostly city is 16.5 MPG, while highway got up to the best at 22.5 mpg. at speeds between 60 - 75 mph. Jan. 5, 2017 update: Made several dealership visits over the past week and have received trade-in offers between $14K - $18 if I purchased their vehicles: 2016 Acura MDX demo w/5K miles trade-in offer of $14K one day then $15K the next day. A new 2017 Buick Enclave trade-in offer went from $16K to $18K as I walked out the door. A new 2016 Honda Pilot Elite trade-in offer was $15.5K. A Mazda CX9 offer was $14K. Although these offers are within Edmunds published values, I turned them down because they wanted me to pay their bloated prices that were above MSRP prices in most cases for their add-on trinkets of $1K -3K. Still hunting for the best "win, win" deal.

• 

  leader to perfection - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jissac - October 17 - 1:23 am

  I have had this car for a while and Ive have not had no problems with it. I just cancelled my extended service contract cashing in on it because of the reliabity my Accord has! I fill safe and I also have a piece of mind knowing that Im driving a awesome car. I purchased my Honda in Mexico City under the a certification program which is similar to the USA program but would not cover me on a brake down in the USA, thats odd. The only problem I really had was the maintaince light comes on but I just reset that puppy I think it had something to do when I brought it from Mexico City and US customs made me change the odometer from Kilos to miles, that was a bummer!!!!

• 

  06EXCIVIC - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dw - October 17 - 12:20 am

  Good looking, fun to drive, easy on the pocket book. Just an all around nice economy car, for kids from 18 to 65.

• 

  Awesome vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Linda - October 16 - 10:14 pm

  I love this SUV. The only down side is the gas mileage which did not bother me until the prices have risen. It is comfortable, looks great, has been maintance free! People ask me about it all the time and tell me how great it looks. I will never own a GM product again!

• 

  Honda SUPER Van - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By mike shinkus - October 16 - 6:01 pm

  This is my second Odyssey. My first was a 2000 EX. I kept it 9 years and had around 121000 miles on it. I would NOT purchase any other. We have traveled all over in this Odyssey and it runs flawlessly. You can store more stuff in the back than you could imagine !!! We traveled with it loaded to the gills plus the hard shell, OME, on the roof and NEVER had an issue. The SINGLE warranty item was a rear wheel bearing when the van had about 2000 miles on it. Nothing else. Replaced the timing belt at 130000 along with the water pump and all the pulleys. Changed oil and filter every 3K miles even though I know it isn`t required but I am old school. Replaced the front rotors twice so far along with the pads. I always buy the best replacement parts and they work well. No Advanced garbage. My Odyssey likes Firestone tires as they last the longest and handle the winter weather we get here in PA. Yes, I do put snow tires on it but sometimes get caught with the all seasons on. Highly recommend any one to purchase the Honda Odyssey. Simply THE BEST !!!! I will be selling this one in 2 more years, I keep them 9 years as long as they deserve it and this one does !!!!

• 

  Just a great car... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Maverick33 - October 16 - 1:04 pm

  Ive had this car for a year now and I have no complaints what so ever. I bought it last year from Carmax, a fine establishment, and the funny thing is I didnt intend to buy anything at all. I saw the car in the inspection garage on a tour of the facillity and I had to check it out. I test drove another accord that was a 4-banger and it just didnt have enough for me, so when I saw this V-6 model, I decided to give it a whirl. It had enough power (200hp) and it was a better looking car then the 4-cylinder version. I knew that I was picking up a quality car from this place, so I didnt have any hesitation buying it. Im glad it all worked out.

• 

  Most fun car Ive ever driven!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By oreesmom - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After many months of research I finally purchased a 2004 Honda Element Ex. What a fun and functional SUV!! I love the versatility,and the sound system is AWESOME! LOVE the subwoofer!! I have a teen ager, and she and her friends think the Element is "The COOLEST car EVER!!!

• 

  Love It! - 2004 Honda Element
  By nsipn - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Yes, you may get the occasional stare from other cars, but regardless of its appearance, its a great car (of course it is a honda). It rides well, not to bad on gas, and the inside is pretty cool. My only complaint is there is no vanity mirror on the drivers side.

• 

  Love It - 2004 Honda Element
  By srnowick - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle because my son had liked it. Now that we own it, we love it! We havent had it long enough to determine service and reliability but we love it after driving it.