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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  Shop Around - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BuyersRemorse - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Just drove the vehicle on a +800 mile trip around Washington State. Sorry I bought it. I believe that it is unsafe. It sways more than any vehicle I have driven in a decade. Uneven road surfaces produce a tail-wagging effect when loaded. Couple this with an over-sprung/under dampened rear suspension and it spells nothing but trouble. Best milage for the trip was 20-mpg.

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  Honda Dropped the Ball - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By dblardner@aol.com - August 8 - 3:26 am

  This vehicle vibrates, shudders, motorboats, however you want to describe it, will shake you thru your bones!! Acceleration is good, fuel economy is good, ride is a bit noisy, storage is adequate. Honda has admitted to the shuddering problem but has not fixed it. Ive had the car for 1 1/2 years and they keep telling me to be patient. I definitely would NOT recommend this vehicle, and because of the way Honda has handled the issue, I would not recommend any Honda product.

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  The worst car I ever owned - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Daniel Allentown, Pa - July 31 - 1:33 pm

  You have heard about the Honda Civic lasting forever... think again. This has been the worst car I have ever purchased. My problems all began when I had to take the vehicle to get the rotors resurfaced at 7800 miles. They told me it was because of wear-and-tear. BULL. I had to replace the rotors three times w/in 50000 miles. I had to get the carpet inside replaced twice because it was getting a hole under the clutch because there was a piece of metal underneath that was not smooth. I also had to replace the button and locking mechanism for the lever that opens the trunk and the gas cap. That happened twice. The worst was when I tried to unlock it and the whole thing came out.

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  Wouldnt buy another Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mitsumi - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Immediately after the 36000 mile warranty expired, the doors started to rattle. The car is not even 2 years old. Honda is falling in quality work it looks like. I did a search on the Accord and a lot of people are having problem with this car. Wouldnt recommend this car to anybody. I will be ditching this car once I have enough money for a downpayment.

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  So-so car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Maddy - July 29 - 9:14 am

  Car is cute - love black leather interior. Not that great on gas...also with only 15000 miles on it, tires are wearing out

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  I expected better - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Yuckcord - July 27 - 2:00 am

  When you first start the car after it has set a while it has loud engine noise,The dealership told me it is normal. Constantly adjust stering on highway. When windy you are all over the road. Seat springs made noise so they adjusted and lubed them now noise is back. Compartment door under radio broke, The idle jumps up and down sometimes, no bulletins and no codes The heater and air conditioner suddenly slow way down sometimes, The car turns over quite a bit before starting in cold weather, The fit and finish is nothing like they claim. The gas mileage is not that good. Now the brake pedal is starting to make a noise.

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  Not What I Paid For - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Stephanie - July 26 - 3:04 am

  I bought the 2016 Elite in December and right off we had transmission problems. Lots of jerking at low speeds. The dealer flushed the transmission and that went away...for right now. My idle stop stopped working also and dealer said it was fixed..2 days later it stopped working. A week after the idle stop was "fixed" my check engine light comes on. Dealer said it was probably just a loose gas cap. They obviously dont know a thing about their vehicles. The pilot doesnt come with a gas cap. So, now the dealer has it for idle stop not working, engine light, remote start-sometimes it will start, sometimes it wont. If it does remote start then the seat warmers dont work. You have to shut the engine off and restart then they will work. Ive owned 4 other Pilots and Ive never had a problem. I will be contacting Honda Corporation today. Hopefully this will be resolved.

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  Bad Buy - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Kelly S - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  I loved this vehicle when I bought it. Honda is a good buy in general, but I soon discovered this model had an Isuzu engine which had been discontinued due to problems. After one year my transmission died. Under warranty $1700 then a year and a half later, $4900 to fix the blown engine and replace computer for engine. Its been only six months since and AGAIN my gears lurch when increasing speed and brakes grind. Interior plastic around windows have fallen off, and gas gauge is broken. Plus the engine light which comes on all the time. Very bad buy. Expensive fixer upper.

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  Truck like ride - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By R. Neal - July 24 - 3:45 pm

  Most everything on the vehicle will get a passing grade, except for the ride. On the highway road noise is very loud and on back roads the ride is downright harsh and uncomfortable. Typical of stiff suspension and short wheel base vehicles. I am also disappointed in the gas mileage. I would have thought a four cylinder engine would get more than 20mpg highway. You get what you pay for, I guess. I would not buy another one.

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  Not what I would expect from Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Laura - July 23 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my Civic Coupe hoping for a car with great fuel economy, reliability, and a good Honda design. The car handles very well, however, I am very disappointed with the quality of the interior cosmetic items. After 2 months the drivers side sun visor broke, then the passenger side visor broke soon after that. Just last month I noticed the drivers side interior pull handle plastic strip was loose. I brought it in to have the panel replaced, went home, and the whole plate came off. I would expect more from Honda. If you have this model, make sure you use your sun visors because I understand many others are having the same problem. The gas mileage for city driving is only 23 mpg.