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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  First Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By updating - November 22 - 1:47 pm

  Our Honda now has 53k and is over two years old. I dont understand the reviews stating poor performance. Ours has plenty of pickup. This isnt supposed to be a sports car. For the purpose of design, its hard to beat. The CRV would not get 30mpg with a V6. Better mileage than a Subaru Outback. The gearing is so good that power levels remain more than adequate. Im an ex-race car driver/ power enthusiast. The front brakes rattle on our dirt road. Rear pads needed replacing at 35k, tolerances too close causing corrosion and sticking with winter driving. Dont like center console. Front brakes still factory and otherwise, oil and filters only. Good snow performance with four studded winters.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bob Roeller - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive, has plenty of legroom and plenty of power. I like the set up of interior - everything is easy to find and use. I like radio control and cruise controls on the steering wheel and the center console has both great support for drinks and great storage. I am concerned with both gas mileage (18.5 avg) and some hesitation on starting but with only about a 1000 miles so far, I havent had it back to the dealer yet. Overall - great car!

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  Reliable and maybe dull? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By L.Lustig - November 22 - 2:00 am

  A good car, but hardly innovative. I wish I had opted for a little more luxury for some more dollars...BMW, Audi?

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  09 Pilot changed for the better - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Francis - November 21 - 10:14 pm

  Have owned the vehicle for 1 year and have taken several 400-600 mile trips but mostly drive it around town. Averages 18.6 per gallon. 3rd row seat actually usable as opposed to our 08 Pilot. They stretched this wheelbase about 3 inches and it made a difference in 2nd/3rd row legroom (especially 2nd row) and in ride quality. Ride is firm to sporty but definitely not carlike (like Highlander). Auto (5 speed) transmission shifts seemlessly and goes in and out of cylinder deactivation without any noticeable difference in performance. Cabin seems quiet (for a Honda) and the 4wd is awesome in the rain. Massive amount of cargo space with 3rd row seat stowed away. Front seat ergonomics good with leather.

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  A Wonderful Choice of Truck - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By marksez - November 21 - 4:47 pm

  I sold my 2004 Canyon and leased my 2007 Ridgeline on 1/1/07, and it was an excellent choice. It was quite a step up from the GMC. It has virtually every possible option someone could want on a truck and rides and works just like youÂ’d expect a Honda to do. We are an all Honda family, a total of 5, and they are all trouble free vehicles. The truck did have a minor transmission fluid leak, which required a major (warranty covered) correction. Admittedly, that left me a little concerned about buying it at the end of the lease. I have to say, that other than wishing it got better gas mileage (17 city and 21 highway is not bad for an all wheel drive truck), itÂ’s a wonderful truck.

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  Transmission went out at 100k - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Roberta - November 21 - 1:13 pm

  I Loved this car until at 100k or so transmission started slipping. Due to the design of these years I was advised not to change fluid- big mistake. Manual should have suggested in severe driving conditions like NYC stop and go, change fluid every 12k. Maybe it would have helped maybe not but I decided to cash in at a paltry $1400 and try a Subaru. I miss the Honda am stressed thinking that if I bought another one (could only afford up to a 2002) the same thing could happen again. Honda should have covered warranty 125k miles and no year finality.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Gnat - November 20 - 7:35 pm

  Bought used. Battery died at 37000mi, no warning. Too many bells/whistles I guess. At 35K power steering was tight. Asked local mechanic to check, they said fluids OK, they didnt notice problem. Next time they drove it, they noticed tightness and found a bulletin about rack/pinion problem. We flushed power steering to no avail. Out of warranty now. Honda says they may help with rack/pinion. Will they? I traded in Chrysler lemon and am disappointed that I am back at the fix-it shop for more repairs...

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Spike32 - November 20 - 12:20 pm

  Purchased Pilot after looking at a lot of competition. Our last Honda (88 Accord) had 250K miles when we sold it and was still going strong. We have taken this vehicle on several trips, including one to the mountains, and have averaged 20.5 MPG overall in 7700 miles, and have seen 25 MPG on short trips. The wife loves all of the places to store stuff. I wish the tires were quieter, and the RES allowed for the kids to listen to a different radio station than the driver. The hard plastics inside scratch much too easily, and the passenger seat doesnt have enough thigh support. Rear camera should show up on display instead of mirror. Need better cushioning under cargo area carpet.

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  Too many trips to Dealer for small repair - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mobro - November 20 - 11:58 am

  From the factory the windshield wiper needed adjusting. It would bang against the frame. Center console power plug comes out. Dealer replaced, new one same problem. Internal linkage in air box prevented recirc from working. Had to replace air box. DS Door lock actuator buzzing. Remote key fobs not working. Dealer said it is a design problem and no solution at this time. Drive train good, driven 30k in first year without a problem. MPG as expected 21 on highway.

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  Glad I bought one - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gatorfan - November 20 - 11:50 am

  My wife and I traded her 2001 BMW 330ci for the 2005 Honda Accord Coupe. Coming from a BMW we knew we had to max the new car out so it has everything except the 17 inch wheel option. The cars build and fit are perfect. The doors, windows, and sun roof all close solidly, giving a feel of quality. The cabin provides a quieter ride than the BMW did, which was one of the things we wanted to improve. The ride is smooth and sure. We felt it was considerably better than the Toyota Solara. There are very few things you can add as options on the Honda where Toyota will tack on a hundred dollars or so for options. The V-6 is strong and the 5-speed auto shifts seamlessless.