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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  2009 Honda Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - March 28 - 4:44 pm

  This our third Honda (2002 Accord & 2007 Odyssey), and the first time I have been disappointed. Dont get me wrong, this is a wholly capable vehicle big, powerful, stylish, but it just doesnt move the meter for me. We have a family of 5, so room was one of primary reasons for getting the Odyssey in 07. In 09, the wife wanted to look cooler, so we got the Pilot. Other than cool points, the Pilot does not do anything the Odyssey cant. It has less room (something I wanted), but comparably equipped, costs more. If you want more functionality, get the Odyssey (respect the van!), if you want to look cool, then the Pilot is for you.

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  Not For Me - 2009 Honda Civic
  By VA Man - March 27 - 11:16 pm

  Mileage is excellent (37 combined) and the engine and transmission are smooth and will last. But the interior design is so poor that I got rid of the car already. Shifter is so far forward that you have to continually reach for it. Between the seats needs an arm rest. Seat belts bind.

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  Built for Colorado - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Rockies - March 27 - 6:45 pm

  Can you say altitude, sun, rain, snow and more sun! This basically describes one spring day in CO. The Pilot masterfully handles all of these elements and delivers a consistent high quality performance. We bought our first Pilot in 2004 - an LX. We put Michelin LX M/S tires on and enjoyed the ride of our lives. During back road driving in the Christmas blizzard of 2009 in Texas, the Pilot delivered everything our family needed. We locked in the four-wheel drive and toured some snowy farm roads on the way to the hotel- picking up a family of four stuck in their two-wheel drive. We bought a 2006 EXL -more Michelin tires and the freak blizzard in Denver last Tuesday was cake. Love this SUV!

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  Odyssey - 5 years later - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Kim Virtanen - March 27 - 4:22 pm

  With 142,000 miles on our 05 Odyssey, theres still quite a miles on the original brake pads and the original plugs are still firing fine, but our second set of tires are just about done. Weve also had to have the fluids and filters replaced quite a few times. Otherwise it fires up immediately, in hot or cold, wet or dry and takes us in comfort to wherever we wish to roam. Were glad we decided against the Touring model with its PAX run flat tires, but wish there was room for a full size spare. The only other nit to pick is the attachment of the plastic pieces around and under the front end. With mostly highway driving we average around 25 mpg - not bad for an 8 passenger vehicle!

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SMART GUY - March 26 - 8:12 pm

  I bought my 2008 LX new in Aug 07. has 45,000 miles on it and all Ive done is oil changes, 2 air filters, and 1 trans fluid change. Tires will probably need to be replaced at 50k for the first time. Ive absolutely no problems with the car at all! Only knocks is the speakers rattle the door panels easily even when volume is fairly low and I cant believe this little car cost over 17k new. This car should be no more than 15k. Other than that minor issue I have nothing but praise for this car. My overall MPG for combined city/highway driving is 34 MPG. I do have the manual trans.

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  Review - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mel - March 26 - 12:13 pm

  Cons: the VCM is annoying wished we were able to turn it off some road noise but tolerable Pros: stylish, full of options, decent gas mileage

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  Honda quality? - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Disappointed - March 23 - 10:45 pm

  Now that I have had the car for almost 2 years, I feel qualified to comment on it. The build quality is not what I would have expected from Honda. This is my first and likely last Honda due to the many silly little problems it has. CONS: 1) The clutch started chattering within 15K miles 2) There dash has rattles 3) The coolant is going somewhere unknown and requires refills every few weeks (no leaks to be found) 4) The shifter is notchy. It was not that way new. Sometimes hard to engage gear 5) The brakes make odd popping noises when first used after sitting all day or overnight PROS 1) Fuel economy is excellent (32 city) 2) Peppy for an economy car 3) Quick handling

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  Pulls to the right #2 - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - March 23 - 8:14 pm

  I am a former Toyota RAV4 owner and loved that car but at 180,000 miles it was time to get a new car. I was hesitant about leaving Toyota but needed a bigger car and liked the bells and whistles the Pilot offered in contrast to the Highlander. As soon as I drove the Pilot off the lot I noticed it pulled to the right. I took it to a local dealer and they said the alignment was fine but rotated the front tires and said the problem was solved. It wasnt so I took it back to the original dealer and they said the steering wheel was crooked and it was out of alignment. Well at first it was fine but within a couple of months it is pulling to the right again and now the right front tire is cupped

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  Nice Van but Misled on RunFlats - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alicia - March 23 - 7:19 pm

  I really had not had many complaints about my Honda Odyssey touring. Although last year we took it in and were told that the engine mounts had to be replaced. Walked out $1700 later. Never had to replace that part on any other car I had now with only 27k on my mileage I have to get new tires. Not bad if they were regular tires but no we were sold the run flats. No one told us that each tire would cost $350 plus labor. $1600 later and that does not include the part inside the tire that needs to be replaced after 4 yrs so each one is another $200. We are looking at $2300 to replace my tires. So mad. We are now looking at selling this van pretty quickly.

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  VCM Issue - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Try Again - March 22 - 6:33 pm

  VCM Variable Cylinder Management system needs an off switch. I hate it when it goes into vcm eco mode as it growls and vibrates. Dealership wont turn it off or add an on/off switch. A 6 cylinder engine should not run on 3 cylinders ever no matter what extra counter-balancers and shock mounts you add. Harley Davidson proved that you cant get all the vibrations out of an engine that runs out of balance. Road and wind noise is still a Honda exclusive no charge feature.