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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  2006 Accord LX V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By snlane40 - February 20 - 10:02 am

  The best car I have had overall. Very reliable. Like any other car you must maintain it & it will last a lifetime. There are minor flaws/cons with it like any other car such as the clear coat scratches easy, minor rattles in the door, steering is very tight. Pros are gas mileage is okay, built to last, no major issues, and leather seats have held up very well. I havent had anything annoying or major happen. Ive just maintained the car and not had any issues. I wish it had an AUX port and I wish it was AWD like some of Acuras cars like it. The biggest pro for me is the really tight steering but the pros out weigh the cons for sure. Overall worth the money

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  Loosing faith in Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By midav75 - February 19 - 9:56 am

  I dont know whats going on with Honda, but its not as used to be. Build quality is definitely not up to par. Bought a brand new CR-V a year ago. After the first rain, it had a spare tire wheel compartment full of water. It took dealership 3 tries and an external shop to fix leaking problems. Battery died when weather hit below 0. This should not happen on a 10 months old car. Wheel wells have no protective covers. Dealership told me it was done by design and the bare metal is treated for rust corrosion, but rust corrosion doesnt protect from stones chipping at the paint. And to top it off, all lug nuts are rusted. Car is 1 year old!!! Very, very disappointed!

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  I love my Honda Pilot !!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By prazb2jc - February 16 - 7:15 pm

  Purchased a used 2006 Honda Pilot EX, 3.5L, V6, 5-spd, 54,000 miles in 2012. My first Honda EVER after owning GM/Ford products. I researched this model in depth & found great ratings & high resale values. I also queried strangers driving Honda Pilots. None had ANY negative comments & ALL said theyd purchase a Honda again that convinced me! Its been 2 years & my odometer reads 66,000 miles - runs like the day I bought it. Unlike my prior GMs/Fords, my Honda has never seen the inside of a repair shop - EVER. I maintain my vehicles regularly. My Honda has more than proven its quality, value, & reliability. Its Honda for me from now till eternity!

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  Still going strong - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jensters - February 16 - 5:35 am

  I purchased car in 04 W/75,000 miles on it. I believe only 1 previous owner, they took great care of it. Knowing honda maintenance req. I immediately had timing belt changed, 6yrs or 100k miles (I think). I loved the car then and still love it now! My Avg. mpg is 24-26 (mostly hwy miles). I keep up on reg. maintenance. Heard stories of transmission probs but I havent had any.@ 141k replaced rt fr axle,@ 155,000 miles replaced radiator. Other than those great engine. Paint is starting to wear and had to replace pass. Window motor around 2010 but as far as reliability I have no complaint, 16 yrs & going strong cant argue with that! Love my honda

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  Best Honda I have ever owned - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bayn8v - February 15 - 10:27 pm

  I love my 2013 Accord LX CVT. Probably the best looking Accord to date. Plenty of power for city driving or the freeway. CVT is a first for me but anytime you can cruise 70 mph @ 19-2000 rpm in a 3200 lb car is a win. Great interior, comfortable seats, great stereo. I managed 38 mpg on the highway today and the car has only 5k so Im sure it will loosen up a bit once its broken in and gets synthetic oil inside

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  Honda Civic rules!!!!! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By yankeeguy7 - February 15 - 9:50 pm

  I am not sure why all the negative reviews on the 2013 Civic, I love my new Civic EX!!! I especially love the 2 level speedo because I keep my steering wheel low so the high mount speedo actually works great for me. And to the people that complained about lack of power, quality of interior, etc, SHAME on you for not noticing during your test drive!!!!! The Civic is not a perfect car, but it suits me perfectly!!!

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  honda pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By ivan_babij - February 14 - 1:53 pm

  Honda pilot is a great car, roome and comfortable. To prevent engine vibrations in "eco" mode, which is only happens in cold weather, use premium fuel in winter and mid grade or regular in summer. Fill out a full tank with premium fuel and drive 75 mph on Highway with D3 on for about 20 miles and its gone. Pilot is much beter choise that his rivals Pathfinder and Grand Cherokee, because they aretrue lemon cars with transmission problems.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By les_bennett - February 14 - 12:14 pm

  I never write reviews but after the outstanding performance of my Pilot this week, I felt compelled to. We had over 14" of snows with drifts up do 19". The pilot barreled right through. Up hills without any problems. The VTM kicked in as it should and functioned flawlessly. When all other were stuck at home, I powered through in my Pilot!

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  The Forgotten Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By wavey83 - February 11 - 10:03 am

  I bought my 04 SiR (Canada) with 180 000 km on it, a mechanic used to own it, so it was still in great shape, compression was A1 and took no oil. Im now at 220 000 km and still runs awsome, very reliable little car. Didnt do much repairs on it except regular maintenance. I use it as a daily driver and do at least 180 km a day on average, it gets great mileage and hasnt let me go yet. Above all, its a blast to drive, handles great, but in a weird kind of way: understeers a lot, but it will still manage to get around the corner very quickly. My only complaint: Needs more power, it tends to feel weak at low RPMs, but thank god, like all Hondas, it loves to rev :)

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  First Odyssey - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By rwen - February 8 - 10:31 pm

  Had a 2011 Sienna limited FWD. Traded for 2014 Odyssey with high expectations due to better safety ratings, blind spot and lane departure warning, and so claimed better MPG up to 28 MPG on hwy. After having owned and driven both cars, realized each has plus and minus features. If you use navigation often, this would not be ideal car (see below). Cargo area a bit smaller than Sienna, though 3rd row more spacious.