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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  Worth The Wait - 2006 Honda Accord
  By stoutrb - November 27 - 8:50 pm

  This car is incredible! The first time Honda has produced a six speed in a four door, what a pleasure to drive. Its quick, responsive, fun to drive, no comparison to anything remotely close in price range. I ordered a Carbon Bronze with Ivory interior, this car looks sharp. The close ratio six speed, what a trill to drive. Its like driving an S2000 with four doors! The clutch is alot easier than the previous coupe 6 speed manual transmission, not as touchy, much much smoother. My first tank of gas, I averaged 23.6 mpg, combination city and highway 50/50.

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  Honda Accord- Good Buy - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Dene - November 27 - 2:15 pm

  Good engine power: "a lot of get up & go" classy interior excellent gas mileage nice size for traveling (room enough for 5 to travel) there have been a couple recalls i.e. driver seat adjusters passenger side door lock has been occasionally not working with the power locks (must lock/unlock it manually) well-built car, the body of the car held up well in a fairly bad wreck overall, I love the car and have very few complaints= excellent buy!

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  Things Have Been Fixed and Im Happy now - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Conner*** - November 27 - 7:36 am

  We finally got everything fixed. The dealership was awesome in handling all the problems Ive written down, and trust me there were many, but now, the car is great no problems, no rattle nothing. We have 26,000 miles on it and its really doing great. I blew the speakers once because there was a defect in the back speakers, the dealership suprisingly fixed it without any question. I think the dealership was shaken when my mother said that we had to buy a new car and probably werent going to buy another Honda if its like this one has been.

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  Transmission issues and temperature issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By frustratedminnesotan - November 27 - 2:30 am

  I purchased my 2016 Honda Pilot in September 2015 and did not notice transmission issues or temperature issues at first but they have steadily increased over the months. I now have owned it for almost 5 months and have brought it in to be serviced twice due to transmission and temperature gauge issues. I am so disappointed with the lack of support from Honda regarding their transmission issues. My Pilot does not accelerate properly, in fact I have to push hard on the pedal for it to accelerate and it shifts at the incorrect times and causes me major issues when driving up hill or on the interstate. My local Honda dealer had a tech drive it and he said he felt the issue but could not fix it since the "computer" found no issue with the transmission. That is completely unacceptable. I am also having issues with my Pilot not properly warming up on cooler days and the heated seats are a joke. The heated seats do not warm up properly and the temperature is no different for the Low or High setting. Again, this was reviewed by my local Honda dealer but was told once again that they could not fix it because the "computer" could not find anything wrong. Again, unacceptable. I now have another appointment scheduled next week to have my cruise control fixed since that has now stopped working as well. I plan to turn in my Pilot next month if all of my issues cannot be resolved.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By jimslocer - November 27 - 1:47 am

  A wonderful convertible. I drove several makes and models and picked this one. Corners like its on rails, goes fast, stops well and what can you say about top down driving in the summertime. I would pick it as a second or third car however since its small and lots of noise with the top up. Its a great second car for me in Minneapolis because I store it in the winter and use my truck in the winter.

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  both practical and fun - 1999 Honda Civic
  By janie_super - November 26 - 1:30 pm

  It has the look of a stylish car (when clean), has the feel of a fun college run around car, has good get up and go, and is roomy enough for a family car. Very practical, useful and solid. Also very comfortable and smart. Im proud to own it.

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  My fun little baby - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Gryphyn - November 25 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this car at 108000 miles, and it was still running smooth. Everything in the car was manual... tranny, windows, locks. the previous owner recently replaced the clutch and belts, so it has smooth shifting and runs nicely. I put wider tires on it and it just a great drive every time i go out.

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  Best Car Ive ever had,Ill never sell it. - 1992 Honda Accord
  By fredweddle - November 25 - 11:57 am

  Well, I bought this car with low miles (87,200) from an elderly woman, the car ran great, was garaged its entire life, and looked like new inside and out. I did spend money on maintenance, totalling $2400 alone, and had originally purchased for $1600, so $4000 isnt bad for a car thats impeccable, hasnt been mistreaded, and still has alot of life left in it. I sold it a few months after I bought it because I was desperate for money. I recently got a call from the woman the purchased it from me asking me if I would like to purchase it back from her. I did!!! I didnt want to sell it to begin with, but as the saying goes: "If you love something, let it go, if it comes back it was yours..."

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  Pilot Wins Hands Down! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By chicaojoe - November 25 - 6:40 am

  After 6 months of research, watching this forum, looking at the other internet sites - and waiting for the Honda cash incentives to return ($1,500 on Pilot till 2/2/09) - I pulled the trigger and bought a new Pilot two weeks ago. I looked at everything in this category including Highlander, Veracruz, CX-9, Traverse, Arcadia and the Acura MDX. Hands down, the Pilot trounces them all in features, technology and value. This vehicle has better tech than even the more expensive Acura MDX (USB audio interface for iPod). If you are looking at a mid/full size SUV - you must consider the Pilot. My wife loves the storage and the smooth handling. I love the tech toys - bluetooth, navi, iPod, etc.

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  A good choice - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Elmer PHD - November 25 - 5:40 am

  I was impressed with the comfort on my first long trip and I got 28 mpg. Good pick up and speed even up steep mountain grades.