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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  I love my new Civic!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Larissa - March 27 - 8:46 am

  I come from a Honda family, so the new Civic was a natural choice. It looks beautiful inside and out, drives well and is an all around fun car to have. Everything about it screams quality. It looks much more expensive than it is. The only thing that bugged me a little bit was the "check fuel cap" warning came on for no apparent reason after having the car for only a few weeks, and it took about a week before it finally went away. That was the only glitch so far, and it wasnt even a real problem. I highly recommend the Civic to anyone!

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  Watch Out -- Lemons are out there - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Hawk - March 27 - 4:52 am

  Purchased my 2016 Pilot LX in late July -- what a mistake ; after 300 miles heard a popping noise in chassis / suspension when backing out and steering to move forward - very pronounced; brought in for service and the service rep said it was a bushing; well it re-occurred -- now 1500 miles and it is in the shop again -- guess what -- was told that Honda is aware of the problem BUT while no TSB is out , Honda mechanics tried another fix with the drivers side wheel assembly and frame ... will see how this holds up in a month. Otherwise, the LX remains a very good vehicle ... just that after owning my share of American cars in the 60s and 70s where it was the norm to visit the dealership within a week oe two for defective issues, I have gotten "spoiled" in owning good foreign cars where a visit to the shop is only for scheduled maintenance. Update 12/15/2016- the popping noise has returned -- so much for Honda Quality unless totally built in Japan.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By mrm - March 26 - 10:01 pm

  I purchased this car new in 2010. I have almost 190,000 miles on it and have had to put no problems with it whatsoever. I drive it for work so I put a lot of miles on it. No major repairs (other than an $400 oil pan after Walmarts service technicians ruined my oil pan after an oil change). Now, I take the car to repair facilities that I trust and I have not had any more repairs. The only thing that I do faithfully is keep up with regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire replacements, brakes and batteries (have had to put two batteries in it). I took the car on a 7-hour (14 hour round trip) road trip with 180,000 miles and no problems at all. It is very reliable.

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  Buy this car - now! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg Gagne - March 26 - 8:03 pm

  Just picked up 16 Touring. This thing is sick. I cant believe the negatives reviews on the tranny! Are you people nuts? Stop overthinking and just drive the damn car. The 9-speed is sweet. The touch screen is sweet. Who cares about fingerprints. The touch is seamless and responds beautifullly. No hard knob to control volume? Anyone who cares about that is too old to appreciate modern tech. Thats akin to complaining about not having a CD player. The Garmin looks nice but I just use Waze via Bluetooth. No I dont get the graphic but the turn prompts suffice and if they dont I can just look down to see whats up. Waze is just so much better than any Nav. Search capabilities are remarkable and who doesnt want to know about 5-0 up ahead? Bluetooth integration is perfect. Streaming The Dead through Pandora never sounded so good. Leather is very nice and I simply love this car. Technology is slick, although my prior car was a 2005 Acura RL, so Ive had proximity sensors for key fob for quite some time. People, dont buy a Highlander...dont buy a Grand Idiot Cherokee (way more off-road capability than most of the chumps buying it would ever even begin to know how to use)...dont buy a Yukon (unless you bought a boat you cant afford); buy a Pilot (2016 that is- the prior ones sucked). If youre intelligent and want a sick family SUV to make memories in, buy this car now! You can thank me later.

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  Minor Issues - 2005 Honda Civic
  By eagleor - March 26 - 4:23 pm

  Purchased two and a half year ago with only 5 other HCH in Portland, OR at the time. Like all Hondas this car is forgiving and well engineered with YTD mpg 46.1. Just received recall notice to reprogram IMA computer and keep the car from running "too lean". (Wonder how mileage will change? --thought lean is good in a Hybrid? :>) MT seems best suited to Pacific NW hills.

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  1998 Prelude (Honda) - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By jamie - March 26 - 3:54 pm

  This car has been the best I have ever owned (of 8). I am thinking of replacing it on the before....other experiences say it should have problems now. it doesnt and hasnt. It has no major competitor IMHO...I guess because Prelude is not built anymore I have to go to Accura RXS-S. The Prelude is quick, the handling is superb, it almost goes sideways, it is a constant pleasure to drive.

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  2014 Honda CRV Disaster - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By David Faux - March 26 - 10:36 am

  This was our 4th Honda automobile. It was also our last. This model was extremely noisy, rough riding and technologically insufficient. The navigation system was not user friendly and in fact our salesman couldnt show us how to use it. Very poor quality compared to previous years. Traded it for a 2015 Ford Edge. Bye, bye Honda.

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  10 years still going strong - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Smoke_Jaguar4 - March 25 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this car new. Since then Ive driven it cross-country 3 times (fully loaded with stuff), through every possible climate and condition you can imagine. 10 years, 115K miles, it has never let me down once. All it needs is oil changes every 3K and regular service every 15K miles. Avg 38 MPG, quick around town, can haul more than some SUVs. The only downside is interior noise is a bit loud and the seats are not the most supportive. Only now am I seriously considering buying an other car (Honda Fit?) since this one has performed admirably.

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  A Fun and More Practical Mini Cooper - 2007 Honda Fit
  By RT - March 25 - 4:33 pm

  This little car is worth a purchase if you are looking to save some money. It is extremely fun to drive, has a great looking interior, cargo space is suprisingly big (although it doesnt look it), and it is a Honda. This car has good acceleration, is lively on the highway even with 4 people in the car (though some may not think so)... remember this is not a Porsche. The magic seats are a great feature to load large items that a sedan will never be able to store. Test drive it and you will see what I mean.

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  Front end pulls to the right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Pulls to the right - March 25 - 8:23 am

  The vehicle constantly pulls to the right. I have brought it back to the dealer 7 times, they gave it (brand new vehicle) 7 wheel alignments. The service representative from Honda will not admit that it pulls to the right. This is a extremely dangerous situation, I am constantly holding the wheel to the left. I am very disappointed with Hondas service. I have read about the same complaints on several web-sites. By the way the 2009 Honda Pilot drives straight.