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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  Excellent SUV! Bad fuel economy - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Barry - January 21 - 4:12 pm

  Purchased on Dec 31 to take advantage of the 6000 pound GVWR for tax purposes. I traded my 2007 Acura MDX, which was a great vehicle itself . The Pilot rides smoother than the Acura and has significantly more room. The Navigation systems in Honda/Acura products cant be beat, unlike other makes, they do not restrict use while in motion. Acceleration is good and storage space, cup holders etc is excellent!. The fuel economy is below average for a V6 engine, I am getting around 14 mpg in city driving

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  Great SUV, mpg not even close - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Al - January 19 - 5:00 pm

  We traded in our Chevy Trailblazer EXT hoping to get an SUV with better gas mileage. We have put on aprox. 1000 miles and only have been getting 11 mpg city and 14-15 mpg highway (on a trip to the coast). We drive with the ECO light on and dont heavy foot it. The dealership service guys have told us to "hang in there" and wait for the motor to "break in". I am very discouraged with the mpg. Otherwise, it is a very nice vehicle, nice ride, nice handling, low road noise, and very comfortable. The bigger test will be this spring as I tow our 3,600 pound boat. I am hoping it will do ok going over the passes to Central Oregon and the Oregon Coast. Overall, I am pleased with the SUV.

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  Odyssey should have been more - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Cookie - January 19 - 3:17 pm

  It all began with broken motor mounts at 90,000. Never heard of this. Transmission failed at 127,000 miles several months ago. Honda recommended a $4000 replacement of sealed transmission. Found someone who did the work for a lot less. It runs fine now. I was hoping to get 200,000 miles but I have my doubts that this car will last another 3 years. Seats are very uncomfortable for long drives. I always thought Hondas were the best but I have my doubts about them now.

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  Much better than expected - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By james - January 19 - 1:16 am

  First off, I wanted a Mazda 3 wagon. Wife vetoed and we got the CR-V EX-L AWD. It is a very solid car and is built well. The only problem I had was a third-party back-up sensor that was replaced under warranty. I am VERY happy with the vehicle. Its not a fun car, per se, but it does its job well. The driver leather seats are holding up well, the placement of the radio controls on the steering wheel are great, and its just really easy to drive.

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  Good Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By C Dolan - January 19 - 12:41 am

  I bought my 2009 Pilot in January 2009. I enjoy the vehicle. Road noise could be less. Occasionally I can hear gas swishing in the tank on curvy drives, but not too often. Its very comfortable inside, the ride is standard for a SUV, not car like, but its fine. I live in the city of Boston, so most of my mileage is city driving. Disappointed with the gas mileage. I do about 90% city, I average about 14.5 per tank overall city/hwy. I installed a wood grain dash kit to cover cheap looking plastic dash. The radio buttons a bit busy but you get used to it.The pick up is good, no problems with the power. Overall I am happy with the Vehicle.

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  Is the Odyssey Now Built by Ford? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By littlechicago - January 18 - 11:37 pm

  My 2007 Odyssey is my third after an excellent 1995 and a very good 2003. The 2007 is a pig on fuel: 12 mpg in town, 24 on the highway. Never have I been able to break the 30 mpg barrier, no matter how hard I try. The interior materials are so soft they mar just by looking at them. I doesnt start like a new vehicle. The climate control system never seems to work right. The two previous Odysseys would maintain a comfortable 22 degrees, winter or summer. I am constantly adjusting the 07 to try and get something resembling comfort. The windows sporadically roll down as the spirit spirit moves... Since Ford isnt building their own van, has Honda out-sourced the Odyssey to them?

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  A Functionality Work of Art - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Rabii - January 17 - 5:14 pm

  Pros This vehicle will deliver functionality, reliability and excellent snow adherence on Quebec roads. Drives excellent for a 1997, interior ergonomics are impeccable and layout is very simple. This small SUV is not at all sexy but it will get you from Point A to Point B and you will never have to worry about something breaking down. Glass all around the car makes for a very safe drive and very little blind spots. I noticed that streets and parkways are flooded with CR-Vs, old and new, there is however a very small amount of units for sale on the Internet. Now that I own and drive one, I sure know why. Mine has 224,000 and is still running like a champ. 400 km on a tank around town...

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  Great little car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By world traveller - January 17 - 6:47 am

  Ive driven this car on four different regions of the world, in North America, in Africa, in Europe, and now in the Middle East. Its done very well in European snow, in African desert and washboard dirt roads. Its little 4 banger and AWD have done fine in loose sand. Its been rock solid reliable, with regular oil changes and air filter replacements. The radiator died in 2007, but no other problems. Its acceleration leaves a little to be desired, especially up a hill. However, its been perfect for this world traveling family. The added ground clearance and AWD have been perfect for a family that never knows what kinds of roads well find at our next home.

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  Excllent SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By debijo - January 16 - 3:46 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot! It is a great SUV and very reliable. I have 140,000 miles without any problems! Except for the mpgs, I am spoiled driving my SUV. The only problem I can say I have with it is that I dont want to drive anything else now! I would and do personally recommend this vehicle to anyone, from two people to 5 adults and 3 children.

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  Tire Problems?? - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mike - January 16 - 12:52 pm

  For starters, you dont buy a Honda for a comfortable ride. Hondas are purchased for reliability and gas mileage - GOT IT! I have owned a Honda for 25 years and currently own 5 Civics. I purchased a 2009 Civic EX-L in 8/09. After 7000 mls, had to put 2 tires on the rear & get 4 wheel alignment. At 14500 mls had to put 2 tires on rear & get 4 wheel alignment. The car seems to be eating more tread than gas. With that said, my dealership has not charged for the problem, but has not yet offered a fix. Well see if this becomes an issue when we reach 36000 and the warranty runs out. Also, Honda engineers, why did you place the e- brake so close to your knee? Confidant Honda will fix the issue.