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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  Civic in Crisis - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Atlanta Zach - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as my first car, my Civic may have to be retired pretty soon. Purchased at 92k miles, currently 150k , it seems pretty young, esp. for a Honda. Ive had radiator flushed, and checked (along with hoses) for leaks, had the thermostat replaced three times in two months, no coolant leakage, overheats regularly. Due to nearly non-existent residual value Im going to buy a replacement and tear it down to attempt a ressurection. It HADnt given me many problems the entire time I owned the car even with sometimes inconsistent maintenance. I would recommend the model to a potential buyer but beware overheating issues.

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  True Machine - 1991 Honda Accord
  By SilvaCelicaGTS - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is very impressive. I mean as far as reliability. It has 182K miles and runs as good as some brand new cars i have driven. Change the Oil every 3K and watch the transmission fluid and this car will last you forever!!

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  Givers Remorse. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Don Thompson - July 17 - 9:51 am

  We gave away our 2004 EXL Pilot with 210,000 miles on it. We had remorse. We missed our Pilot. I particularly liked the new styling of the 2016 Pilot. Looks similar to the more expensive Infinity SUV. My wife and I like everything about the vehicle. From the camera on the right hand mirror,the back up camera with 3 options, the cargo space which easily handles 4 sets of golf clubs, instrument panel, moon roof, lower insurance cost than our trade-in 2012 Toyota Highlander SE,dual blue tooth--handles two phones, and more features. Only 400 miles on the vehicle at this time. Cant comment on maintenance costs and reliability, however if it performs like our 2004 Pilot I will be very satisfied.

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  Buy it - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Wisconsinite - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it two years ago with 59000 miles and have put another 17000 since. Had to replace the exhaust system 4 month ago (cost $370) because it was getting too noisy, cassete player quit working recently, retractable antenna motor died after the first wisconsin winter(car spent first 6 years of its life in Hawai),windows dont go down too easy when it gets to subzero temperatures. Otherwise I had no problems with it.Great looks(better than the 2003 Accord),good responsive handling ,nice ride for bigger distances, solid built car overall, WAY better than the "Dinasty" I had before.Planning on keeping it for as long as possible.

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  Best of Class!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Craig - July 16 - 9:33 pm

  No buyers remorse with this purchase! Amazing acceleration for such a heavy weight vehicle. Many complaints about mileage but what can you expect for 255HP with 4400lb. Great alternative to the true large scale SUVs for passenger and cargo capacity. I dont consider this an SUV as ride, suspension, wheels, etc are geared toward a car chassis. I kept my 4Runner, body on frame construction, for off-road ventures.

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  The Standard for all family sedans to be judged - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Daniel Stone - July 16 - 9:28 pm

  The 2016 Honda Accord V6 is the most complete car under $35k; there are very few deficiencies and a solid driving experience. The honda sensing package includes a group of safety enhancements with radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The radar cruise control is really amazing, and I often find myself using this function for commuting as it will brake and speed up all on its own in accordance with traffic conditions. The lane departure is good feature, but is easily confused with bad pavement, but it is helpful to have. The forward collision warning is sensitive, but it is helpful. Finally, the honda lanewatch is pretty much useless. I tried it for a week with it coming on automatically on the right turn signal, but it was distracting. I use it occasionally on the highway to switch lanes, but as there arent much in terms of blind spots, it is not very useful. The interior is very comfortable for four, I guess you can seat five, but I havent tried it. My car has the black leather interior which is good quality and everything just seems to work. The navigation system is based on garmin, which makes the best navigation systems. Apple Car Play is really helpful and cool. The ability to text without typing or having to touch the phone is a huge benefit. Plus, being able to access Siri at a touch of a button is amazing. The V6 is strong when called upon with a sweet sound that reminds me of an NSX from my days of playing Gran Turismo on the PS3. During times when power isnt required, the engine is quiet and doesnt make itself known except at partial throttle at low RPM, when there is a little shutter from what I assume is the engine operating on 3 cylinders. I am getting around 34mpg on the highway and around 22mpg around town, with a very heavy right foot.

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  element by Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By kay - July 16 - 8:56 pm

  Love this vehicle...however the one thing that does scare me is the back doors that do not open unless the front ones are opened. Love the "feel" that this car gives when driving. I may suggest that the lack of carpeted mats may be a drawback for people that are not sports orientated or wish to "hose" out the car!! Felt that the carpet mats should have been included and not as a charge of $300 something.

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  Niiiice. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 1st Time Honda Owner - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a gas guzzling, and mechanically challenged Dodge Nitro! (had to get that off my chest) Got my Accord first week of May, never liked the old generation Accords, but this 2008 model is a welcome site. First things first: Quality: I love the way the Accord feels mechanically, and fit and finish is top grade. Performance: 190 hp 2.4 L engine has plenty of pep on highways. I havent calculated yet, but seems to do well on very well on gas, and the steering is nice & tight! Chrysler, needs to hire Hondas engineer!(my opinion) Transmission is smooth, and I love that. Its a fun car to operate.

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  WONDERFUL AUTOMOBILE - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis - July 16 - 9:30 am

  It is a wonderful car to drive and it gives my fiance a thrill every time she gets in it and starts it up to drive. She is in sales and it has given her an extra incentive to get up and get going every day to make sales in this terrible world market.

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  I love civics! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By John McKelvey - July 16 - 12:36 am

  This car is great! They get great performance out of 115 horses. Gas mileage is great. Lots of legroom even with a car seat in the back. Ill drive this car until it dies. The only thing it needs is power windows and locks with keyless entry.