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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  Quality Minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By ToddB - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent all-purpose minivan that drives more like a car. The 240hp engine and new 5-speed transmission are flawless. All things being equal, this is best minivan on the market. It has much more usable space than the Explorer it replaced.

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  Made the right decision - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - June 25 - 8:16 am

  We considered the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Subaru Outback, the later being considered largely because of its mileage. I think we would have been happy with any of the three but we LOVE the Pilot. I read all the reviews on here and elsewhere panning the touch screen entertainment system and complaining about the 9 speed transmission and while I think I understand the reasons I dont agree. We have found the touchscreen to be responsive and easy to use, after you get used to it. Its not extremely intuitive but unless youre just renting the car for a day or two, read the manual. Once you become familiar with it, its responsive and easy to use. It does have a glossy screen and fingerprints can readily be seen which is a little annoying to my wife. I would say we chose the Pilot over the Highlander for 3 reasons; the AWD system is superior, theres more space in the 3rd row seats and it gets better gas mileage. Mileage was part of the reason we only considered the 9 speed but I really stressed over going with that transmission given all the negative comments. I will say this, it does hunt for gears but it seems that should be expected, I mean it has 9 speeds, all of which are probably passed through before you get to 60 mph. I dont mean its particularly noticeable accelerating to highway speed, quite the contrary, its smooth as silk accelerating. When its somewhat noticeable is when it is shifting down at lower speeds, more so going down hill. I dont consider it to be a big issue and Im satisfied with our choice of the 9 speed. As for my hoped for mileage advantage, so far we are satisfied there. We recently went through the better part of a tank of gas on two trips, mostly highway miles. Over 369.3 miles we averaged 27.02 mpg and no, Im not relying on the trip computer, said computer claimed 25.5 mpg. Honestly I expected something more like 24 mpg. As for the two trips measured; the first was 120 miles from an altitude of 3,500 ft to around 1,200 ft (trip computer listed 29.5 mpg for that leg) and the second was a round trip for the remainder of the miles. While our average speed for most of the trips was in the 70-75 mph range a good 10 miles was in stop and go traffic (one hour). We kept the vehicle in ECON mode for most of these miles and I do think that makes a significant difference. I dont expect this kind of mileage on all our trips but I do think the 26 mpg hwy rating is fair. Ill let you know what I find in city and combined driving sometime later. Things Im not crazy about are the Collision Mitigation system which as others have said is a little touchy, especially if you are a somewhat aggressive driver. For my wife its probably perfect but for me its too sensitive, especially if Im in heavy traffic. On the other hand it does have an on/off switch. Same with the lane keep assist system which at times misreads heavy tar lines as road paint (not frequently but sometimes). Also, if you forget you have the system on and go to switch lanes without signaling the system will fight you a little.....as I said, it has an on/off switch too. Overall I like both systems but they can be improved. Finally, the auto-engine-stop system works fine but if youre somewhat aggressive pulling into traffic from a stop you need turn it off or be aware its on because there is a slight lag if youre quick off the brake to the gas. This system had an on/off switch but unlike the other systems mentioned it must be turned off each time you start the car. Again, this will never be a problem for a cautious driver and its not very intrusive when its working but for me, I have to be very aware. All in all, this is a VERY fine piece of machinery that has really impressed us. So far, my wife and I are extremely happy with our choice. We love the car and would recommend it to anyone considering a suv/cross-over AWD.

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  the best cr-v yet - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By butch2u - June 24 - 7:33 am

  I traded in my 07 cr-v for the 08 cr-v ex-L. I have installed a k&n air filter and did a synthetic oil change. I have noticed an increase in power and mileage. I am getting 31 hwy and around 22 city. well above what this vehicle is rated.I love the ride and I dont think i could ever go back to a sedan.

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  Five years later and Im still in love - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By crvbee - June 24 - 2:40 am

  I now have 108,000 miles on my 2000 CR- V (manual transmission) and just had the first non-maintenance repair work done today. The right rear trailing arm needed to be replaced. To say that I have been thrilled with my purchase, is a bit of an understatement. Its been reliable, versatile, comfortable and fun to own. Its surprisingly roomy and can fit just about any cargo youd care to move on a typical Saturday. It cleans up well for a nice night on the town, but isnt too prissy to get dirty should the occasion arise. I hope to have 3 - 4 more years with this one, and wont have to look far for my next car. My local Honda dealer (where ever that may be) can expect me in 2008 or 2009

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  Love the Pilot 2016 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Sanjay - June 23 - 6:50 pm

  It is everything we were looking for in a 8-seater SUV. Drives great, very roomy and plush interiors.

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  Daily Driver - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ljo - June 23 - 5:00 pm

  My 2000S is a daily commute car as well as fulfilling its natural mission as incredible fun to drive. I would like a little more stowage in the cockpit, and the "glove box" between the seats is difficult to access while sitting. Added aftermarket rear speakers (Lucid Automotive)to the factory head unit to make the radio useable at speed with the top down. The best sports car bargain around! Drives like a champ, with none of the usual small-car nerves when surrounded by brutish SUVs and thoughtless pickup trucks. A young woman asked if it was a BMW - no, I said (remembering my last BMW)its better looking, more enjoyable, and a whole lot more reliable.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Chas - June 23 - 4:06 pm

  Traded Infiniti G35 for more cargo space. Now at 4,500 miles, I really like this car. Wife previously had an earlier model CR-V. This is far better. Gas mileage, interior, and performance. Dont be fooled by competitors 6 cyl models, this 4 cyl has plenty of power. Handled road trips on hilly interstate highway without annoying tranny downshifts. Gas mileage is 30 mpg on freeway if you stay around 70 mph. In town its around 22-23 mpg. Back up camera is GREAT! Really miss it when I drive my wifes car or a rental. Audio system excellent. Appreciate the PC-Card slot and integration with audio system to play MP-3. Nav system improved over my wifes 2004 Pilot, better than G35.

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  I LKIE IT - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Loga Nataraj - June 23 - 1:56 pm

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  Exceeded All My Expectations! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dave - June 23 - 9:26 am

  I was ready to buy something in the $30K+ range, when both of my parents bought new 2007 Civic 4 doors. After driving theirs, I was very impressed and decided the car to get for overall reliability and gas mileage was the Civic. I waited for the 2008 version with the leather and decided to get the coupe for the better stereo system. I have had this car for one week now, and I absolutely love it! The car drives smoothly, accelerates quickly, and looks great outside and inside (Silver with black leather). I find myself going for drives at night just to sit in the car and drive it. The car feels solid and able on the road. It has exceeded my expectations for a car in this price range.

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  Most Excellent! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stan - June 23 - 9:10 am

  I have never driven a vehicle that gets this many looks from other motorists and pedestrians. It has awesome futuristic exterior styling and the most spacious and well thought out interior of any vehicle I have ever seen. I bought it because it excels in safety, versatility, reliability and probably resale value. The stereo is as good as it gets, and the ride is smooth, but responsive.