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:

• 

  What a Sweet Ride! - 1991 Honda Accord
  By NewbHonda - December 16 - 4:09 pm

  I just got the car today (12/16/2006, has 152K on it. I have seen the reviews with the timing belt, i will follow them well, not had any problems with it so far. Just started driving a Stick about two months ago. :) Car is fun to drive, easy too kill it sometimes, but over all i give it a ++10!

• 

  Nice Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Galen - December 16 - 2:16 am

  I was very reticent to purchase an SUV largely as a result of the fuel economy I would lose by trading in my 2005 Accord (Which I loved!). I was of course correct in this regard however I love the Pilot. I do however get around 17 or 18 mpg which is not too bad considering the size of this vehicle. I would have to agree with previous posters that the wiper lever is too close to the shifter and I have even grabbed it by accident when trying to put the car in reverse. Overall a very nice vehicle for those looking for the size offered by an SUV and the comfort and performance of a Sedan.

• 

  First Honda car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Fred - December 15 - 1:49 pm

  We traded a 2012 Subaru Outback on this Honda Pilot EX AWD. The Pilot has the tow capacity we need for our small camper when in the mountains. Towing with the Pilot is very nice. Much less stress on me. Towing MPG is about the same as the Outback. The backup camera is great for hitching up the camper. The right turn camera is nice for lane changes. My camper has a full time rear view camera so the right turn camera is merely nice not great. Weve been seeing the highway MPG increasing as the engine gets some miles on it. Weve seen 28-29 mpg in ECO mode. Its a much bigger car than the Outback so it took a while to get used to. The handling isnt as crisp as the Outback but its fine. So far traction in snow has been good. The first test was demanding - climbing a 4 mile mountainous road in the snow that was not plowed. Coming back down was fine although I was nervous. Cons: No CD player! Its such a standard feature we never even checked until we wanted to play a book on CD. The entertainment system sounds fine but very disappointed with the user interface. The touch screen is clumsy and potentially dangerous for the driver to operate. There are some remote controls on the steering wheel which which help but their functions are limited.

• 

  OMG! I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By BigR - December 15 - 1:43 pm

  I just traded my 2014 RLX in for this super amazing Accord! Soooooooooo good on gas and really fun to drive! Really am happy about this purchase and it was 1/2 the price of my RLX. Love! It! Lynnwood Honda in WA state goes above and beyond to make the buying experience great! From the sales to the detail shop. Happy customer. Just a side note Im 62 and 280lbs and fit great in the new accord.

• 

  The perfect car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By walter - December 15 - 3:53 am

  If you like to drive, this is the car for you. Amazing handling, a list of standard features as long as your arm combined with good gas mileage and Honda reliablity. And oh yah, if you keep the revs up it goes like a bat out of hell. I simply cannot believe the value this car represents. We bought one sight unseen, convinced by the reviews we were reading online that it would be a fun car to own, but nervous about its looks. Turns out the car looks way better in person than in photos. We got the front, rear, and side spoiler package. Looks very cool. Even if you think its the ugliest car on the planet, I suggest you take it for a test drive. (If you can find one to drive.) Zooooom

• 

  ENGINE NOISE COLD START - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mrod - December 15 - 3:32 am

  2016 Honda Pilot engine woodpecker noise at cold star and at idle.It was first noticed the morning after vehicle was acquired new in November 2015.The noise increases with slight acceleration. Noise similar to woodpecker rattle sound or diesel engine sound when accelerating. Noise also noticed when vehicle sitting for a few days in cold temperature.

• 

  1st long trip - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sid - December 14 - 10:16 pm

  Ours is an EX-L AWD. Just completed a 3800 mile trip with 2 people and luggage. Actual mpg was 22.3. Monitor showed 24.1. Had about 200 miles of ice and it handled it good. Found seats very comfortable. Covered 1000 miles one day. I find the road noise on textured pavement and the wind noise is too high. Annoys on a long trip. Was not happy with fuel economy. Above numbers are freeway at 75mph. In hilly terrain and windy conditions the car just needs more power. Spends a lot of time in 4th and 3rd gear. Lockout button on selector should be for 4th gear as well as 3rd.Found it to be very stable in side crosswinds. I think it rides very well for a compact SUV.

• 

  The Most Overlooked SUV - 2006 Honda Element
  By Scottso - December 14 - 8:54 pm

  I went from a 4 dr Toyota Tacoma 4x4 to the Element. Gas and space was the factor. The Element hit both of those areas as well reliable. I now have 2600 miles on my Kiwi Green Element. I love everything about it. The drive is smooth than my old truck. I dont have to shift into 4wd. The fuel savings is big compared to the truck. Inside the vehicle tons of room and storage pockets. The kids love the room and sunroof.

• 

  Very nice car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Phillip Riggins - December 14 - 3:24 pm

  The car is great Ive owned it for 4 weeks now and its awesome with all the technology it has. The ride is very comfortable, all my passengers have loved it and its visually appealing as well! I would say that the City MPG they over shot though so far the best gas mileage I can get average with mostly city is about 28-30 (thats what the vehicle estimates so Im sure its even a bit lower than that). Great highway mileage though and definitely plenty of power if you pop into Sport.

• 

  The best car i own - 2006 Honda Insight
  By CHAZODIN - December 14 - 12:17 pm

  I have 5 cars and barely touch my MB, my BMW, my Escalade, my classic Bentley Convertible, or any guzzler. This is the most fun car to drive and I forget the last time each time I fill the 10.6 gal tank....I get up to 70 mpg.