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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  Nice car but due for an update - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By bebo2014 - December 24 - 7:42 pm

  This is my second Honda Pilot. Honda is very well known for producing reliable vehicles. This Pilot is no exception. Very roomy from inside. Smooth drive on highways. Acceleration is sluggish. You also feel like driving a truck rather than an SUV. I used to own a Murano before my new pilot, which was more fun to drive. I like the boxy exterior which makes it more unique than current SUVs in the market today. Seats are comfortable. Excellent sound for the Touring although does not carry a brand sound system like the majority of other SUVs. I am getting about 24 MPG on highways but about 14 to 15 MPG in the city.

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  2007 Honda Accord i4 - 5mt - 2007 Honda Accord
  By jc124 - December 24 - 4:44 pm

  I purchased a pre-owned 2007 Honda Accord EX-L i4-5MT,with Navigation. Design: Im very impressed by the design, both outside and inside. From cubby holes/drink holders/buttons/lights, everything is pretty well laid out. The seats are reasonably comfortable, not fantastic but reasonable enough for long trips. Performance: 1st gear / 2nd gear are so - so, but once 3rd gear is in place, this car pulls nicely and sounds lively. Sound: its quite loud pulling from 1st/2nd gear, but I suppose that is typical in this generation of cars with 4 cylinder engines. Once 3rd and especially 4th are used, it has very quiet road manners within the city. On the highway, its quiet in 5th gear.

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  Rear engine mount failure very costly - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By lonosc - December 24 - 10:27 am

  I just spent $1K replacing the rear engine mount after 60K miles. After researching further, discovered this is common part failure, and will re-occur every 50 - 60,000 miles. Will definitely trade off this vehicle before another 60K miles and will never buy another again. This is a vital part and should not fail so frequently. I expected better quality from Honda.

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  A Quirky but Loveable Little Car - 2011 Honda Civic
  By cbeck3 - December 23 - 2:11 pm

  Ill start off by saying that Im reviewing the Civic as an economy sedan, not a sports car. First, the Civic is fun to drive. Its actually a blast to drive - more so than my old Pontiac Grand Am GT was, with its 3.4L V6. Second, its laughably cheap. No, I dont mean that it didnt cost a lot, because it did - I mean that a fill-up generally costs somewhere around $30. A side note about the fuel: with spirited driving, I still get around 30mpg. Im anxious to take a long road trip in my Civic. Third, its quirky. That isnt necessarily a bad thing. The gas pedal is mounted in the floor, which will require a bit of a learning curve, but it isnt anything too serious. Also, the horn...

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  Best Car Owned - 2003 Honda Civic
  By crdavis - December 22 - 2:44 pm

  Bought new in 2003 and never had to replace a thing other that a couple headlights, main starting battery. Has 250K miles on it and finally the IMA has an issue, but still drives great without it! Someone rear ended me the other day, totaled his car, but only scratched my rear bumber.

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  Reliable, simple, no frills - 1997 Honda Civic
  By piercejs4 - December 21 - 6:36 pm

  My car now has 165000 miles on it without having any major difficulties. The car has never left me stranded.

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  2011 Honda Pilot EX AWD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ron84 - December 21 - 5:40 pm

  I have owned my Pilot EX for two years (bought it new) and have approximately 50,000 miles on it. Absolutely no problems and it has performed as expected. It has plenty of power and is very comfortable. It handles very well and is easy to drive. It does very well in snow (better than my old Subaru). It is a perfect family vacation vehicle. It seats 8 and has plenty of leg room in both the second and third rows. All seats are comfortable but it seems to be slightly lacking in knee space in the drivers seat. You cant go wrong with a Honda Pilot. There are fancier SUVs out there but when all things are considered, you cant beat a Honda.

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  Dont buy if you live where it snows - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By rarcj - December 19 - 5:41 pm

  I have had this van for a year, and have missed my SUV ever since I bought it. The dealership was great, the service is fabulous, and Hondas reputation is the best, which is why I bought the van in the first place. However, I will not buy another Honda or a van. I was just stuck on a tiny hill in the snow for :15 minutes until some good person towed me up the hill. EVERYONE was going around me, including cars and other makes of vans. This van is not comfortable to me to drive, and it does not allow electronic devices to be charged when the vehicle is off.

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  1994 Accord EX 5sp coupe. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ejohn1 - December 18 - 1:34 am

  Bought my EX 2 door in Feb 2012, it had 38k on it, was garaged and babied at the dealership so it was like new...and 9 months later I still love the thing. Mileage, comfort and ride/handling along with reliability and durability were why I choose this particular year and model and so far, 10k miles or so, the car does not disappoint. I thought it would be too small and slow for a 6+ 230 lb guy who prefers roomy musclecars but while its almost too small for me...its ok even on long trips and the acceleration isnt too bad either. I put on a set of Continental Pro Contact Eco Plus which gave it a confident feel plus a new stereo head so...Im happy as hell driving it. Id buy it again

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  Well Done Honda! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By deanwesterburg - December 17 - 10:35 pm

  I was looking for the most luxurious car with NAV that I could find for $25k or less. None of the other manufactures came close in features and quality. The interior quality is amazing at any cost level. The heated seats work great and the ride is very comfortable. The Bluetooth streaming works well. The steering is perfect. The acceleration is a little weak, but the MPG is great. To top off all the creature comforts, I am averaging 39.4 MPG (a lot of that is highway). I couldnt be happier. If youre looking for a sporty and fast car, look else ware. If your looking for a comfortable ride with lots of quality features at a low cost and great gas milage, this is the car!