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 so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Adam - May 9 - 5:23 am

  The LX Special Edition had all of the features of the EX that we wanted (disc brakes, wheels, 6 disc CD w/wheel controls,etc) for several thousand less than an EX. The car is a big upgrade over our 01 civic EX. The 4 cylinder is the smoothest I have ever driven. Much smoother than the Toyota or the Nissan 2.5. I was afraid that the 2.4 wouldnt have the power to sufficiently move this big car around, but it has no problem. I am very pleased. I have put 4000 miles on this car in exactly 3 months and am averaging 26 city and 34 highway. Not bad for a car this size.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Matt Chalmers - May 8 - 9:36 pm

  While it is difficult to be all things to all drivers, the Pilot gives it a pretty good shot. While you will not be able to tow that 100 foot sail boat that you see on the Nissan Titan commercials, you will be able to do what 98% of SUV purchasers need to do. You will find the ride to be very smooth, solid and quiet. The Pilot is definitely a Honda. Great build quality. With the end of the model year deals available right now, you cannot go wrong.

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  S2000 - Wonderfully Engineered Vehicle! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Clarence - May 8 - 3:21 pm

  Vehicle handling is superb. Its engine hums so effortlessly and is ready to pounce immediately when thrown in the right gear. The shifting is very precise and the pedals are placed in the right positions for heel-toe action. The pedals arent heavy and cumbersome, but light enough for my wife to use. The guages are large and easy to read with all pertinent info available. When driven lightly, its a fuel miser. Maintenance is Honda- esque. Its trunk is large enough for a weekend out with my wife. The VSD saved me from curb rashes on several occassions when carelessly turning on web pavement!

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  Great fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Stef - May 8 - 3:07 pm

  I have had my S2000 for 5 years now and I am totally satisfied. Its a fun car for the right price. No need for a Porsche. Drives like a pussycat or can punch it when you need to. Highly recommend for those who want one.

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  Amazing Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tim B. - May 8 - 1:36 pm

  This is the forth SUV Ive owned in 30 years and it easily champions over the others in fit, finish, quality of build, attention to details, and comfort. Way to go Honda. If the other automakers could copy Hondas dedication to excellance .....

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  First Orange Honda Fit on Long Island - 2007 Honda Fit
  By madog54 - May 8 - 11:56 am

  I bought my Fit for MSRP, sight unseen in April after reading everything I could on Fit, Scion, Versa. I average 34 mpg in my daily 1/2 hour commute, shuffle family around, and 40 mpg on the highway. It really is roomy and comfortable, even on long trips. I hate Honda dealers, and this is my third Honda. Definitely recommended for the commuter who needs to haul stuff occasionally.

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  Honda please address the audio software issues!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By YP - May 8 - 10:18 am

  Im so glad I found the civicx.com forum and the many owners with my same 2016 Honda Touring issues (http://www.civicx.com/threads/loud-popping-noise-upon-startup-touring.1279/). After reading, if you have the same issue, please post there and also contact Honda technical support to hopefully get them to address this widespread and very "unpublicized" issue. I just purchased my Touring 6 days ago - March 2016, and have been to the dealership 2x, and have to figure out how to take it back AGAIN tomorrow. According to other owners on civicx.com, I can look forward to dozens of more visits that do not result in any type of long term "fix". First the charging port unit was broken (used to be called a cigarette lighter). Apparently it was installed wrong. They also had to address my Bluetooth issue- where when playing music the audio drops, sounds choppy and skips over and over and over in the song, and also the issue where there is absolutely no sound when starting the car from time to time. Mind you, I experienced all of these issues within the first 4 hours of having the car!! The day after my purchase, I dropped off my new Touring to the service department. Three days later service tells me they couldnt replicate the audio issues, but that they called Honda Technical Support who advised there is no issue. So in the end they refreshed the system and let me know it should be fine now. Nope. Not 10 minutes after driving off the lot it happened again. I took it back and they sat with me and confirmed the issue WAS there and indeed was VERY annoying. They said that the Honda techline advised that now since the service department tech has replicated the issue, they can confirm its a KNOWN issue that requires a software update that they havent produced yet. I was told that I will need to call consistently to see if an update has been created, and in the meantime to avoid Bluetooth and use CarPlay for audio and sent on my way. The next day I experienced the no audio issue again at start up. One day after that I get that full volume power surge popping sound that blasted my ears and Im sure my speakers are damaged because of it!!! It didnt matter what source of audio it was set to (Bluetooth, AM, FM, XM, CarPlay), or whether or not I turned the audio off, and didnt stop even after pulling over and restarting/shutting down/restarting the car. After one last huge pop it finally stopped but left me with absolutely NO audio for my 2 hour drive - I had to use my earbuds and cellphone for music! I now have to make yet ANOTHER drive to Honda to get service to look at it again and at least document my issues in case future action is necessary. Im glad Im not the only one going through this with their brand new Civic Touring, but to know so many have the same issues with the Touring is really unnerving. No idea why is there no coverage on this publicly so that it lights a fire under Honda to get more resources allocated towards fixing these major issues!!! We paid extra for the better speakers, audio and technology, but are unable to use them from day 1 with no fix in sight. To now have to consider bringing a little speaker with me to hook to my iPhone in order to get music on my sometimes 1-2 hour commutes is unbelievable and should be taken seriously by Honda. My ultimate hope is that the speakers are covered under warranty because Im sure thats going to come in handy soon with the sporadic high volume popping. I still think the car itself is absolutely beautiful, but I am disgusted with Honda at this point because the issue has been happening to people on the civicx.com forum since December 2015!! My hope is the more this issue is publicized, the harder Honda will work to fix it, or do a recall for the affected cars (not sure if all are affected).

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  YOU HAVE TO GET ONE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kit-Kat - May 8 - 10:03 am

  the amazing price, supurb ride, and the convenience, the Odyssey. Its the best mini van. the 3rd row seat is more than convenient. There is a ton of space when it is down, and I dont know how I fit anything in my other trunk with the room there is when the seat is up. safety right after we got it someone rear ended us at 50 m/p/h and the breaks held great, and the back glass fell strait down w/o hurting anyone, and I was amazed at how well the car held up after it was repaired.

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  Third Honda in Charlotte - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Stempy - May 7 - 3:16 pm

  overall great suv, previously owned, a expedition, pathfinder, and 8 explorers, this vehicle far supasses all of my expectations, in comparison to the others. Bought vehicle with optional tow hitch and fender flares for $32,000.This is our 3rd honda 03 civic 04 accord now 05 Pilot will keep on going. shopped 2 dealers in charlotte nc drove them crazy on price and it worked out. looking to put a set of rims and tires on it.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dave hoffman - May 6 - 5:11 pm

  This is our primary family vehicle. We use this whenever the whole family goes somewhere. I love how well this vehcile rides, performs and handles at highway speeds. Very easy to handle in parking lot manuvers. Love this vehicle and will buy another one when ready.