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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  New 2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Lewis Robeson - June 19 - 5:36 am

  Just purchased a 2005 Honda Pilot and have driven it on 2 trips around Maryland. It is drives much better than the 1995 Jeep Grand Cheroke that I traded in. Very good handling qualites and very quiet. Just like driving a big sedan. Nice for traveling.

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  Excellent car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Derek - June 18 - 12:30 pm

  I initially bought the hybrid to drive in the HOV lane to save time going to work. I got it just prior to gas prices going up so I paid invoice. This car has really impressed us on its ride and especially the mileage. I have gotten just over 40 mpg average since purchasing the vehicle 13,000 miles ago. I tried to be a miser on one tank and got 52 mpg. Handling is smooth and tight compared to the top heavy Prius. Great car, would buy another.

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  Love This Car!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By luvmyhybrid - June 18 - 4:46 am

  I have only had my hybrid for a month now and I love it. Im averaging about 43 mpg (have 1700 miles on it already) and am very pleased with the performance. The car handles well, is fun to drive and the navi system and XM radio are fantastic features. I got a great deal on this car and it has been worth every penny so far. If I had to say anything negative about it, it would be the lack of lumbar support, but the seats arent that bad compared to the 98 Jetta I was driving. The other surprising thing about this car is how much interior room there is. My Jetta was a bigger car, but had less room inside. Definitely a plus. If you are thinking about getting this car, DO IT.

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  The best gas saver - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Pete Clapper - June 18 - 2:03 am

  Plenty of pickup. Gas mileage averages about 45 mpg. Keeps up with all the highway traffic. Looks like a regular car, not pudgy like Toyota Prius. I have beat Prius models in high country climbs.

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  Been Good to Me - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - June 17 - 10:15 pm

  Love the pick up and comfort.Love the roominess. Excellent gas mileage even loaded and with A/C on. Great A/C and great for cruising long distances. Mine had been all over the US & Canada. Had Trans problems @ 98,000 miles (cant really complain about that) had the extended warranty so they put brand new one in with no hesitation. Only real complaint is a whistling noise at about 90MPH, tap the down window button quick and it goes away. Id consider another one but with the kids gone dont need that big of a vehicle. Maybe a CRV

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  Disappointed with my 2018 Honda Odyssey - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By AVerayB - June 17 - 7:32 pm

  I had a 2005 Honda Odyssey for 12 years with over 200K miles on it. I loved my Odyssey as I didnt have any major problems with it until the end of its useful life. So naturally I thought my best option for my new vehicle was to get another Odyssey. In June, I decided on the 2018 Honda Odyssey Elite, top of the line. Before my first oil change I noticed so many issues. I never had that problem with my first Odyssey. One major issue is my GPS system. It has given me the wrong directions several times. I brought it to the attention of the dealership when I got my first oil change. They said they could not duplicate the problem. They only drove it around the block. I told them that I had specific addresses to prove it to them. I called American Honda Care. They suggested I video tape some examples. So I did that and e-mailed them to my Honda dealer. They are still telling me that they would need to duplicate the problem. They can easily do that by driving to the locations. But they arent allowed to drive more than a couple of miles away. I told them it is not very likely they would be able to duplicate it at the dealership. They can see in the videos that the directions are telling me to turn right when the destination is visibly on the left. Another issue I had recently was that I pulled into my driveway, push the button to turn off the radio and then proceeded to get out of my van. I noticed my radio hadnt turned off. So I pushed the button again. The screen said Audio Off. But my radio was still on. I couldnt even turn it up or down. Even when I opened my car door it would not turn off. I decided to videotape that situation as well. I called Honda Roadside assistance as it was night time and the dealership was closed. They could not help me. After about 15 minutes the radio finally turned off on its own. I didnt want to go into the house with the radio still on as it could have drained my battery over night. Another issue is that my Apple CarPlay does not work well. Honda told me the problem could be that I am using an after market USB cord from Verizon. I told them when I bought my Honda I still had my original Apple USB cord and I had the same problems. The screen will say that my CarPlay isnt connected even when it is. I have to keep putting the USB cord in and take it out for it to work. Most of the time I dont have the functionality to do a voice text or have the system read me a text. I have had to reset PBS for my daughter a couple of times already. The van is loud for a new van. My 2005 wasnt even that loud after 12 years. For the money I paid for the van I dont expect to hear it at all. The last time I called Honda I was told they are waiting for other reports of the issues and recall information from Honda. My report and videos should be enough to at least get my van repaired while it is still under warranty. My van is only a few months old. I should not have these issues. Other issues that dont happen all the time is that the hands free rear door process doesnt work all the time. I watched the YouTube video on how it is supposed to work and I do that each time. It is faster for me to unlock it with my remote. My right side blind spot indicator doesnt always work either. Several times cars will pass by and the light will not come on. That is another issue Honda couldnt duplicate. These things dont happen all the time. Another issue I had while driving home one day was that my radio/GPS panel completely shut off and went blank while I was driving. it came back on before I got home. I have no idea what happened. I was driving. So I couldnt investigate anything. My A/C doesnt work as well as it did on my 2005 model. On my 2018 in order to cool my van down I have to put it on Lo and turn the fan up full blast. In my 2005 Odyssey if it was 100 degrees outside I could put it on 72 and feel cool inside. If you are having problems as well, please let Honda know. They told me they didnt have any reports of complaints. But I have seen a couple on here with different issues.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mprincz - June 17 - 11:26 am

  The Good:Have the model w/the engine that goes to 3 cylinders-mixed driving mileage 22-25.Looks nice.Seats are supportive.Good pickup.Very roomy (Im 64" and have headroom even w/sunroof).Bad: Although the illuminated dash looks good,I am new to this feature.My old cars dashes required headlights on for illumination.This is a safety issue.I dont always remember to turn on the headlights right away.Should be automatic w/sensors for dark.The power sliding door does not always close properly,causing a beeping noise only when van is in gear(no indication other than that).I have to turn off the feature when driving.Drivers side window is noisy at times.Tires often squeal with light acceleratn

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  No regrets - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By RED - June 17 - 8:16 am

  Had the vehicle 1 week when we got 12" of snow just as we were ready to leave for vacation. Our Pilot easily broke out of our 120 driveway and through the snowdrift left by the plow at the end of the driveway allowing us to get on with our vacation. Ride is extremely comfortable and the engine provides plenty of power when needed. This is my 4th Honda (2 Odysseys and an Accord) and is my favorite.

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  Reliability and comfort in an affordable SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Dawn Bowie - June 17 - 1:20 am

  Other than low fuel economy (19 miles in the city) and a design issue with the cargo space (rear seat supports narrow the floor space in the center of cargo area), I love my 2008 Honda CR-V. Good pickup and handling, comfortable seating and decent electronics make this a great all-around auto. Im the original owner and have had no major issues and costs to maintain my CR-V have been excellent. Will keep her as long as she will run!

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  Glad I didnt pay attention to the 9 speed Reviews - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By jacks - June 17 - 12:43 am

  Okay, I get it. Some here hate the 9 speed transmission, and I almost settled for the EX-L as a result of those reviews, but I am happy to report that I ignored those folks, did my own investigation and I am glad I did. The 9 speed is different, and it takes some getting used to, but it is very, very smooth. The sport mode is fantastic for movement down steep mountain grades and combines nicely with the new suspension that allows for sharp cornering without feeling top heavy. It actually corners better than many of the cars I have owned. On the highway, the 9 speed transmission is as smooth as butter and really delivers an awesome ride. In town, the 9 speed transmission performs well too. When I drove the car home from the dealer, I did notice a difference during the stopping, slowing down process. What I concluded is that the sound of the transmission differs from the normal 6 speed in that it does an audible "rev" that in my opinion fools the driver into thinking the car is speeding up. After a few days of really paying attention, I tried to manufacture a "rev" or lurch but just couldnt. I am not saying the issue is in everyones head, but what I am saying is that the transmission behaves differently and that the behavior takes some getting used to--just like anything new. It may also require some adjustment of driving habits too. I am still feeling it out, and by no means want imply that others impressions are incorrect. But I will say, had I relied entirely on some of the negative views here, I would have gotten an EX L, and I would have missed out on the Touring, which in my opinion is a hands down winner. Not to mention the value gained by stepping up one model! Just my thoughts.