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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  The Honda Pilot is boring - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By connor111 - March 31 - 6:03 pm

  Its a reliable and useful SUV, but for the amount of money this car is, it should be a lot nicer. The interior is very boring with absolutely no trace of any luxury. Also, our navigation system is completely messed up and takes us on the most bizarre, out of the way routes.

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  Its great! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By carfreak17 - March 31 - 11:12 am

  I think its a great overall car, it looks great, hauls ass! Gets good mileage, and me and my wife find it very comfortable. Doesnt matter what vehicle you buy, your bound to have something fail or break. People need to remember that people build vehicles in plants where there mass assembled, so theres going to be some lazy people or accidents made when they built them. Sometimes you get a lemon, but with a Honda your pretty much getting a very well built car! Myself and all people I know that own a Honda have way less problems than people that own other vehicle brands. My only complaint is the heated seat option doesnt get very warm.

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  2013 Civic Si DELIVERS! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By ischneggs - March 30 - 6:44 am

  After driving a 2002 WRX, 2009 Forester XT (turbo), a tuned 1990s Altima (w/ slip diff), Im happy to say the new Si is the best of them all! Road & wind noise are minimized, hearing only the rough & grumble growl of the engine. A buttery smooth clutch with short throws is easy & fun. Front slip diff performs remarkably, & even makes driving on all season 17" / 45s in snow & slush tolerable (I normally have snow tires). Ergos are nice, especially the back split fold down seats, center arm rest, matched int colors, & standard back-up camera. Of course there could be more space & luxury, like an Acura TSX or Audi A4. But then again, you wont pay $30k++ for the Si! Grade: A+

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  So far so good - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dannyboy - March 28 - 11:24 pm

  I purchased my new Accord LX in 2003. I still average 35 MPH on the freeway. The only problems I have encountered were the gear shift knob ($20) and the brake light switch ($150). So far no transmission problems. Brakes still good.

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  Amazing First Car! 100% Recommended! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By freestylin - March 25 - 10:32 pm

  I got this car in December 2012 and ever since have been extremely happy with it. In terms of reliability, nobody can beat Honda. I have had no problems with this car, and thats pretty amazing considering the car is as old as me. I am definitely going to be a loyal Honda buyer from now on. As soon as this car dies, I will simply buy another one. I recommend this car to anyone who needs reliable and economical transportation at a good price. Btw, mine has 170,000 kilometres on it (something like 105,000 miles) on the 2.2L engine and no rust on the outer body.

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  Family Vehicle - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By gregnice23 - March 25 - 7:58 pm

  With the birth of our son we had to upgrade and get a family vehicle. I had Hondas before but I wanted a change to something different. Looked at the CX-9 and we liked it a lot, too bad Mazda has crummy leasing programs. I wanted no part of an unsafe boring looking Highlander and all the problems Toyota has nowadays. JGC was close but American reliability is no way close to the Japanese lets be real. The Pilot is safe. That is all that matters right now to me for our son, Safety. Cargo area is great, it really does swallow up stuff. Ride is comfortable and gas mileage is adequate it is a 4X4. People who buy cars who worry about gas mileage go hug a tree and get a hybrid. Pilot=Family Safe.

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  My review after over a year with our 2012 Pilot - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By antons911 - March 23 - 12:11 am

  Love the pilot for the interior space, real SUV look, solid feel while driving on freeways. Amazing interior space. Fits what ever you wanted to haul. The reality is, there is no competitor with ability to fit your family or things like the Pilot. We tried everything, and if you want third row to fit three people, there is really nothing out there that has that room for legs (armada, sequoia, all horrible).

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  Battery Pack Failure at 90K! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bchristianmdd - March 21 - 3:34 pm

  I picked up this car with 67K miles for $16,000. Fuel economy scrapes 40 MPG doing 65mph. My batteries have failed and were replaced under my extended warranty I purchased from the dealer. $2,700 to replace batteries with no warranty! I have also had a navigation button replaced and a transmission switch repaired under warranty. This car is a phenomenal value. Powerful, super efficient, roomy, quiet, loaded with tech, & visually appealing. The Apple/Honda designed iPod interface is a terrible design. A warranty is a must to much technology to possibly fail. Modern Honda achieve comparable fuel economy with no hybrid price tag. As why this car is no longer produced.

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  Not up to expectations - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By trollinthebox - March 20 - 8:42 pm

  Generally, I like the car. I see only one problem with it, mileage per gallon. On city/highway combined it makes 21 MPG, about the same as my 2006 RAV4. Economy mode doesnt do any good, just slows down the acceleration. Unfortunately, fuel economy is a big selling point, and its disappointing. Other than that, its nice car.

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  Overall Great Car - 2011 Honda Accord
  By edson1957 - March 20 - 3:05 pm

  The gas mileage on this vehicle is excellent. It is a very nice car to drive. However my one major complaint is that it noisy when out on the road. You can really hear a lot of road noise. Needs to be a much quieter ride.