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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  Great vehicle but discovering some flaws - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Shree - August 5 - 7:49 pm

  The size and Honda reliability are what drew me to the Pilot. Ive owned it a little over a year and Im still pleased but have a few issues. The drivers side sun visor is drooping and after some research it appears this is common with numerous Honda models. The MPGs are about 19 not what Honda rated. Theres a clip on the back of the middle seat that pops off. Not thinking its good for whatever reason it was put there if it pops out when someone is in the seat. Otherwise, the size, storage, features and drivability of the SUV are great. I enjoy driving it!

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  2015 Honda Accord EX 4 drs V4 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Honda buyer - August 4 - 6:07 am

  Just got the car with OTD $24,000. Impressed with this car. But Honda still has a lot of road noise.

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  Annoying vibration!!!!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By LDM - August 2 - 9:32 am

  When at a stop the vehicle has an annoying vibration........Honda please fix!!!!!!!

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  Grandama demanded the Civic VIP - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Davie Boy - July 30 - 8:03 am

  This model is a good used choice car for those looking for basic transportation. Replacement parts availability is excellent. Heads-up - this car has a timing belt which requires replacement at 105,000 miles (not a chain). I would only buy a used civic that has less then 55,000 miles. Back in 2004 my 80 year old mother needed a new car and demanded the CIVIC with manual windows so I got her a brand new 2004 VIP. The car cost $15,000 OTD with no trade-in. It is a very basic car but thats what she wanted. Since then she has put only 12,000 miles on it and the only time it was in the shop was for the airbag recall. It runs and drives like new after 11 years. This car feels quite "tinny" although its fit and finish are flawless. The designers clearly focused on interior room, fuel efficiency, reliability and the drivers outward visibility. The designers sacrificed suspension, breaking, acceleration, cornering/steering, cabin soundproofing and the overall fun driving experience. The rear suspension, in particular, has been crammed into a small space to make the trunk bigger, yielding an oddly bouncy ride. The rear brakes are drum which make for very poor stopping capability and the single overhead cam engine is quite pathetic. That said, its amazingly reliable, economical, well assembled, easy to drive with excellent outward visibility and boring - which is, apparently, what must drivers demand judging from this cars popularity.

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  Huge car value itty bitty trunk opening - 2015 Honda Accord
  By F.A.Newsom - July 28 - 3:00 pm

  Id like to give this model 5 stars, but there is one rather large problem: the Honda Accord has a nice BIG trunk but a tiny trunk opening. We cant get either of our ice chests into the trunk. We can put the chest into the back seat, but I dont know what people with kids in the back seat will do.

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - July 28 - 2:51 pm

  Overall, I love this car. I wasnt too thrilled the first week. The VCM (variable cylinder management) system is kinda clunky and going from a smooth CVT to this led me to believe I was having transmission issues. This is not the smoothest SUV. It does great in every other gear but when I hit 20mph and downshift into 1st gear (I believe) there is an audible clunk that you can feel. It was a little annoying but only because I previously owned a Ford Explorer with tranny issues that started similarly to this. After taking it in to be looked at, it was explained to me that this is normal. With the car constantly turning off and on 3 cylinders, it does make the ride "less smooth" but you get better fuel economy in exchange. I will say that its a great highway cruiser with lots of nooks, crannies and cargo space. The A/C blows cold as soon as you start it up! (Even in the hot VA summer.) I love the interior of the new pilot. Its a huge step up. The interior is a little dated. I wouldve waited a couple weeks and bought a 2016 but I dont want a mini van. Which is what all new SUVs look like nowadays. I had to choose between interior aesthetics or exterior aesthetics and I chose exterior. I want my SUV to look like a SUV. Not a mini van. So, I chose the 2015 instead and got the square body SUV I know and love, but at the price of a dated interior. I do love this car. Aside from the VCM, I will say braking distance is poor, but its s great vehicle overall. If the 2016 Pilot kept the same body style but updated the interior to what it is now, I wouldve bought a 2016 in a second. This looks like the last true SUV in the market Ill ever be able to afford. I turned down a 2015 Pathfinder strictly due to the mini van design. Had the pathfinder kept true to its SUV design, Id be the owner of one right now. I understand gas mileage is important. Especially this day and age. But, me personally... Id rather sacrifice a few mpg and have a real SUV, not a minivanified SUV. Overall a great car. It has it quirks but its super reliable and super comfortable and looks like a real SUV. What more could you ask for. Id give it a solid B+ overall. Now is the time to buy a 2015 Pilot. With the new 2016, lots of dealerships are offering their 2015 models far below invoice price. The pilot has always been outside of my budget, but the 2016 Pilots new designed changed that for me and allowed me to buy a car I could never afford. Thats the only thing I like about the 2016 Pilot.

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  168,000 miles and more to come - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Ashlynne Danbury - July 28 - 6:24 am

  I bought my 1992 Honda Accord with 123,000 miles in February of 2012. It now has 168,000 miles and keeps on chugging. Surprisingly comfortable ride, easy visibility in front and back, peppy 4 cylinder motor, and decent gas mileage for its age. With a car of this age, its difficult to tell if problems are due to design flaws or previous owners. The dash light knob is touchy and you have to turn it just right to get the lights to stay on, a minor inconvenience. One of the rear seatbelts doesnt work, as if its stuck all the way out. The trunk leaks when it rains. Ive had the front drivers side floor board leak very occasionally, when it rains just right. A/C has never worked, although I had the retro fit kit put on it. Heater works good, car handles well in the snow, although even minor puddles cause a belt to squeal for a few seconds. I commute on a two lane, curvy road and the car handles beautifully. It has surprising get up and go for a 4 cylinder and I never worry about being able to pass slow cars. All the power windows work, as do the locks. Dash is in perfect shape. Clock works, all gauges work. No major repairs, did have to replace the main relay under the dash, inexpensive fix that was causing the car to not start again in hot weather shortly after being turned off. With regular maintenance, I expect this car to go another 100,000 miles. All in all, with diligent previous owner(s) who kept up maintenance and repairs, I would highly recommend this car.

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  Cooler than I thought - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Shemeka - July 23 - 9:24 pm

  It is a nice an comfortable ride. It hasnt given me many problems. I have a little roughage at about 40 mph. But other than that everything else is decent.

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  Liking It! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By LC - July 16 - 2:15 pm

  Upgraded from a 10 year old car so enjoying all the new technology! Loving the gas mileage - getting about 30-31 around town, and hit 35mpg on a 1,200 mile trip. Ive had no vibration issues the vehicle is quite, handles well, and Im loving the keyless entry (which surprised me). I do wish for the price it had the automatic lift-gate, but I didnt need a nav system so didnt want to go a model up. Like the sun roof, love the ease of folding down the back seats, and enjoying the back-up camera. Dont love the auto dimming review mirror and wish they also had the blind spot camera on the left side, or at least a blind spot mirror. My biggest issue/complaint is that the inside plastic is a bit cheap - my dog got a few scratches in the plastic by the windows on his 1st first ride, worried how bad this will be in 10+ years, ha! Really it is a great looking, great driving car. For the size (coming from a small car) I am so happy with the mpg, and how well it handles.

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  Sales Rep car - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - July 10 - 10:01 pm

  Transmission seems weak, shifts goofy. Wandered around when new, Honda said the ball joints needed to seat. Blows around in the wind. Like the rear camera. Front seats are small. MPG is okay. Never over 24. Seats stained from spilled water?