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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  Highly versatile - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - March 18 - 5:46 pm

  The versatility of this Midsize SUV is amazing. Ive done some advanced off-roading (although not recommended) because I wanted to see what the SUV could handle and I was very impressed. The mileage on this SUV separates it from other competitors. I average around 25 mpg and with the cost of gas in SoCal near 2.50 right now Im not disappointed with its lack of V6 power. Very recommended. In its first year I have had zero problems. Thanks Honda.

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  Honda is NOT the best car for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Steve - March 18 - 6:03 am

  JUNK. Three times back to dealer for leaking "shift selector shaft seal"; recall kit for 2nd gear done at 11,000 miles. "Grade logic sensor" causes high rpms as brakes applied downhill; dealer charged me $1,000 for a break job at 60k mi. Passenger side power door lock broke at around 40k mi (I hardly ever use the passenger side door) Radiator blew at 50k mi $400 repair. 36k "maintenance" was a $300 oil change; 65k mi trans fluid full, yet appears burnt. Svc. bulletin calls to replace at 120k mi?? Plastic wrap seal around window/door edges is warping and unraveling at 50k mi (2yrs ownership) WORST car Ive ever owned. Cant wait to sell it and buy American.

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  The Humming Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ward - March 18 - 4:03 am

  We really looked forward to purchasing this 2006 Pilot. It is a very nice vehicle; HOWEVER, it has a very loud humming noise w/ vibration coming from the front end. After we have made several trips to the dealer we have found out Honda has this problem with quite a few 2 WD 2006 models. They are unable to identify the problem so we are stuck with a very annoying noise and vibration that comes and goes. Hondas answer " no solution yet". I would discourage anyone from purchasing this vehicle until Honda identifies and comes up with a solution for this.

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  Love my cr-v - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By mvidac - March 17 - 6:43 pm

  As a 3 time Honda owner (Accords and a Civic), I decided to take the plunge into the world of the small SUV. Boy am I glad I did! I will never go back! Excellent milage. Looks great, feels great, tons of space! I love my little baby!!!

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  1st The bad and then the good. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By S. A. - March 17 - 1:08 am

  After only 3 mo. the foot operated lift gate quit operating and needs to go into the shop for repair. This model has the top of the line stereo system and my $150.00 boom box puts it to shame. Extremely dissatisfied. Had a 2001 Toyota Camry and it far outperformed this unit. On a scale of 1-10 I would rate it as a 4. The shift mechanism is a bit cheap as has way too much plastic and is a bit wobbly. Not nice and smooth operating. Extremely pleased with the quality of the rest of the interior. Very comfy seats, sits up nice thus providing good view. So far the traction with AWD really seems good in snow. Interior is quiet at highway speeds. Wind noise is quite minimal.

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  What a ride! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Hobo-Dan - March 17 - 12:40 am

  The Honda pilot was a car i had set my eyes on getting ever since I first saw it come up. It is a fun car to drive and with the comfort and luxury i was looking for it was the only choice! no other car in its class comes close to what the pilot has to offer. Great Gas mileage and excellent handling. Since this is an expensive vehicle you can be sure that your dealership people will treat you very well. The number of accessories means i will never be finished upgradeing my car. I love my pilot!

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  Great, versatile SUV ! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Kathryn in SoCal - March 16 - 10:39 pm

  This is a fun vehicle. And, despite what a lot of people seem to complain, it has been supremely reliable. I bought this Passport over 2 years ago, used, and have done all the regular maintenance. I drive it hard over the weekend and during the week. A lot of highway driving to work. Weekends (when time permits) over 4WD roads in the desert or the mountains. It has needed predictable maintenance - the tires all needed replacing at once at 60,000 miles, but that was the life expectancy of the original tires. What else can I say - its a great car to drive offroad, then run it through a carwash and it looks nice to go off to work or go out in.

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  Good in a way, bad in another - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By XL - March 16 - 6:42 pm

  When the vehicle was first purchased, I loved it. Over time, Id say within a year the traction feel slipped dramatically. The seats and carpeting were immediately in need of new installation. Overall, Ive probably replaced about 6 parts in this vehicle over a period of 2 years.

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  love my pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bdeschon - March 16 - 10:00 am

  this is the most fun ive ever had driving a vehicle. the level of comfort and the design of the vehicle are great. honda "did it right"!

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  One Word - Great - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Gary 1. - March 16 - 10:00 am

  There is a 1000% difference in going from a Nissan Quest to a Pilot. My wife and I are always competing to drive the car. It is smooth, powerful, great handling, and comfortable. The kids even love the third row (though no adult would). Excellent sound system tops it off.