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:

• 

  Still in the Honeymoon, but Feeling Much Love - 2013 Honda Accord
  By eljefe68 - December 9 - 10:48 am

  My wifes 04 VW Passat GLS 4Motion came to its deserving end due to an accident and subsequent declaration as a total loss. We were looking at CUVs, but cost and fuel economy were concerns. My wife had 3 requests: better MPG, a moonroof, and cloth seats. In looking at sedans, I just could not see a boring Camry, and the spotty build quality of our Passat soured me on another VW. I found our 2013 Accord EX, Alabster Silver with black interior as a CPO car with just 12,800 miles on it. To my amazement, my wife, who has accused me of being a blinded Hondaphile, said, after driving this Accord, that it "spoke" to her. Four days into ownership, both of us are very pleased.

• 

  Love my Pilot! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By at2005 - December 9 - 10:21 am

  I love this vehicle so much! Its a dream to drive. I went from a luxury SUV to the Pilot & am pretty satisfied with it. I love the way the Pilot drives & parks. Ive owned cars that dont handle as nicely as this truck does. The only thing I would improve is the ride. Its much rougher/tougher that my previous SUV, but other than that Im in love. If they keep this vehicle like this or improve it further I will be a Pilot owner for life.

• 

  Turned my opinion of it right around. - 2004 Honda Element
  By stryker91 - December 8 - 11:46 pm

  When I first saw this car, I was repulsed. A front-wheel-drive SUV? What were they thinking? But my wife has one, and I was wrong about it in every way. Its stylish, comfortable, versatile, and has more "giddyup" than one would think.

• 

  My First Luxury Car - 2014 Honda Accord
  By joesp812 - December 8 - 4:00 pm

  I bought an Alabaster Silver with Black Interior Leather 2014 Honda Accord Touring and added these features: remote starter, sports grille, wing spoiler, moonroof visor, door visor, splash guard, body side molding, interior illumination, trunk trays, mats, cargo hook, and door guards. I paid $3500 less than MSRP. Friendly Honda of Poughkeepsie, NY told me that this is the best car they delivered to a customer with all the added accessories. This is my 3rd Honda Accord and this my favorite and most equipped

• 

  Seats 8, hauls, tows need nothing else. Code confusion. - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By jonrobertcar - December 7 - 8:36 pm

  Why is reliability stars required? How would I know as it is new with less than 200 miles. There are only a few choices to seat 8 people -sub as light tow truck/haul cargo. The Honda Odyssey rose to the top no matter how I sliced it and diced it. The Toyota seemed very dated on the interior. If I am going to spend 30ish grand then I would expect a little more pizzazz in the interior. Otherwise the Toyota was a solid contender. We would seldom need to seat 8 but for the times when parking is a problem we can all meet and pile in and make the last drive/arrive together at the event. Therefore I spent the extra to upgrade from the LX 7 pass. to the EX 8 pass.

• 

  Overheating since 70,000 miles - 2005 Honda Civic
  By eememymo - December 6 - 7:53 pm

  I sold my beloved and trusty 2000 Civic EX for this p.o.s. in 2011. The 2005 EX SE came with 24K miles on it. At 68,000 miles (2012) with the heat on vent... heat ceases, cold air starts, temperature spikes high, heat comes back on, and gauge drops. The thermostat has been replaced twice. The coolant system has been flushed multiple times. The sensors have been replaced. The radiator, water pump, and timing belt have been replaced. Next thing to try = head gasket. After contacting Honda directly this year, I was told that a product update was given on 05/06 Civic radiators, but "oops sorry" any manufacturer replacement of parts ran out in 2011. -_- Very, very disappointing!

• 

  Dear Honda Designers: - 2013 Honda Civic
  By white_tea - December 6 - 4:14 pm

  The ride is comfortable. The noise level is reduced tremendously. Rear Windows -dont like feeling like I own a Dodge Avenger. Prefer a temp gauge-not icons. Get rid of split level dash board!! Get rid of digital speed. Prefer Odometer to include *simultaneously* Total Miles Driven & Trip Miles. Poor Sun Visors-Poor quality. Poor Interior vinyl quality-cheap quality. Exterior Paint--Poor Quality. Prefer key hole on Passenger Door & Trunk. Hood construction is odd-- dont care for the leaf trap or sensors. Need a junk trap under the Hand Brake. Need more space on door panels. All of the AC Buttons/AC Unit/Design is a Hazard (to me)

• 

  Despite reviews, still a great car ! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hondafan88 - December 6 - 10:53 am

  Had my 2012 Civic for 2 years now and have already put 61.950 miles on it with zero problems ! Have only put new tires on it since purchase, well taken care of. This car has taken care of me ! Love to drive it everyday and gas mileage is superb ! My only complaint is the road noise and the glove box sometimes rattles..handles beautifully in the snow and ice and never lets me down. Love the leather bucket seats for comfort, its a great car for reliability and value. I will buy another one when I reach 500,000 miles with this one ! Driving a Honda Civic is just plain smart and recommend it to anyone over any other compact ! This is my second Civic and never disappointed !

• 

  Bought a 2010 brand new and still love it... - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By twiswall - December 6 - 10:18 am

  We drove every midsize SUV there was available and it came down to the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota drove better, more like a car, but it only seated 7 people. The Honda was closer to real 4WD (still not real but close) and seated 8...a real 8 full sized adults. Some that seated 7 really only seated 5 adults and 2 kids in the 3rd row. In the end we needed the full 8 seats and while the interior does not have much style to it, it is functional. I wish I would have waited another year as Bluetooth became a standard interior feature that was only available on the Touring in 2010. Other than that this is a great midsize SUV to own.

• 

  Hondalink is CRAP!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kjasmine - December 4 - 9:59 pm

  This system does not work 50% of the time. It does not understand voice commands 70% of the time. It does not retain speed dial numbers. It does not accept Gracenote updates for the HDD. It takes 10 minutes after starting to allow you to access controls for audio using the knobs but prompts use of voice commands which do not WORK!!!