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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  Gas consumtion is Unacceptable for a 3.5 L engine - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tony - December 13 - 4:28 pm

  I got 13/17. vs honda advertised 17/22. For most cars have driven, the actual is fallen with specs, but not for this Pilot. I think there should be a class action against the false advertising. Also, it is not shame, it is a crime to do that.

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  honda ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By frank - December 12 - 11:24 am

  i normally drive a Chevie tahoe. this vehicle gets the same fuel economy on the highway and worse in the mountains. It is very rough riding. It is much noisier. Its turning radius is terrible. I pulled a trailer and got 9 miles per gallon. I am trying to get rid of it and it has less than 5000 miles. I bought it because of the size and storage. With 240 plus horsepower, I thought it would be better for passing.

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  The front seats ruin a fine car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By howeda7 - December 10 - 8:36 pm

  The front seats are simply the most uncomfortable Ive ever experienced. The lumbar plates that are part of the active head restraints are the primary culprit but even with them removed the seats are still awful. Im seriously considering trading this in after 5 months and 4,000 miles. Beyond this, its a fairly solid car. But the fuel economy is disappointing. Im only averaging 22-23 MPG with about 70% highway driving. At any rate, no matter how good the rest of the car is, you cant wait to get out of it at the end of every trip longer then 15 minutes, so what good is it.

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  tires - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By deerhunter123 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  do not wait if you need tires,no one carrys the bridgestone tire size p235/70r/16.My pilot is sitting in the drive way waiting on a new tire which takes 3 to 5 days to get.

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  Real world - 2008 Honda Accord
  By frustratedriver - December 7 - 3:26 pm

  good car ...horrible headlights...put the air on and watch the headlights flicker...honda refuses to fix it says its normal..do not buy this car if you drive ar night...if you must buy it make sure you take a test drive at night with the air on..get out and watch the exterior lights...only happens on the 4 cylnder accords..also horrible gas mileage..18-19 around town..whatever you do dont open both rear windows doing 70 mph..you will think the roof is going to blow off..if you drive in snow be advised it piles up on the drivers side windshield in the groove honda put there.

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  Overrated Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By wrench48 - December 5 - 10:26 pm

  Honda has some serious quality problems with their Canadian built Hondas. The hood doesnt even line up right with the fenders. Numerous rattles in the dash area that the dealer cannot fix. The seats are not comfortable on a long trip. The redesigned dash is overrated. Gas mileage is terrible around town (22) On a freeway trip it gets 42 mpg which is good. Too much plastic in the interior which gives the car a cheap look. I just wish I had looked around longer before buying this car. My next car is going to be built in Japan by people who have pride in their workmanship-probably a Acura TSX. This will be my last Honda. For 20k it isnt worth it.

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  Its Not German - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tereza Solsberry - December 3 - 7:00 am

  Bouncy ride. Weak performance. Gas mileage not up to par. Seat material cheap. Has strange steering feel and handling. Our new car delivered with one door a different shade of silver..not immediately noticed, and not a repaint. Waiting for factory determination. Huge scratch on rear window..glass to be replaced free of charge. Where is the quality, and the ride and drive?

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  2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan - BEWARE - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JD - November 29 - 7:26 pm

  The cons: The shifter is horrible, it is extremely clunky and has occasional problems shifting into third gear (it is almost like you are getting locked out of third) (Yes I know how to drive stick and no, my floor mats are not getting in the way!!). The passenger airbag light goes on and off even when there is nothing on, behind, under, in front of or in back of the passenger seat. The sun roof rattles more than a rattle snake getting beat with a stick. There are other rattles that come from the passenger seat and the doors. The paint chips very easily. Everything in the interior of the car is made of cheap plastic.

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  What a dog!!! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Clint - November 26 - 7:16 pm

  The CRV is a fairly comfortable car. Not bad to look at. Comfortable interior. Gas mileage is also decent (24-25mph). Thats about where it ends. The all-wheel drive chews up tires, the dinky 4 cylinder engine barely pulls a gentle hill. There is a problem with the stock radiator that caused the engine to run consistently hot (not indicated by the gauge)which led to almost $3000 in repairs. Honda parts are spendy!

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  Good Choice - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Atlfan - November 21 - 12:42 pm

  I purchase this car with 70k mi and now have 180k mi. I must say Honda does built quality cars, but there are issues. It is well known about the transmission issue. I had mine replaced at 120,000 and Honda shared the cost with me, no complaints there. The transmission still has a very weird shifting pattern, always has, always will. Wind noise from the front windows is a factor, but I understand updated molding from Honda corrects this. Love the leather interior and overall quality of cabin,(nothing rattles). Bland look on outside, but it is a family sedan.