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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  If you dont have one, get one!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Natedrummer - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We just bought a PILOT EX-L and we love it. We looked a the ACURA MDX, and it was the same SUV with a different body design that cost $6,000 more than the PILOT. We looked at the LEXUS LX450 and we were disappointed with the size. The PILOT is absolutely the best SUV in its class. I Love the body design, the interior and the performance. Take it from me, this SUV moves!!! I also love the room inside, it doesnt look bulky, like some of its competitors. Dont judge it until you test drive it. I test drove the majority of SUVs that are out there and the PILOT takes the cake. But the only way to find out is if you buy one!!!

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  2003 Honda Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By schuess - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The van handles nicely with plenty of power. The exterior is nice. The interior design is the selling feature. It is spacious throughout the vehicle. The rear seat will fold down into the floor making a level surface in the back for cargo, or you can take the back seat and flip it backwards for a tailgate party! The captains chairs in the second row are comfortable and can slide together to make a bench seat. The safety features include dual front and side airbags and reinforced door panels for the second row.

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  Love my V6!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ladybug - July 1 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car with a smooth ride, though somewhat noisy on freeways. Mine is a 2002 and havent had problems so far. With tinted windows, rear-end spoiler and fancy rims, its a beauty and a road beast-at once. Love it!!!!

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  Love my V6!!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ladybug - July 1 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car with a smooth ride, though somewhat noisy on freeways. Mine is a 2002 and havent had problems so far. With tinted windows, rear-end spoiler and fancy rims, its a beauty and a road beast-at once. Love it!!!!

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  Dealers are dealing on these. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Stoner - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Had mine a couple of weeks now, very nice car. Got it for 15,885, no one is buying these cars, have not seen any on the road. Very happy so far, car is a blast to drive, very fast. Love the shifter. Gas mileage in not as good as I expected, but I cant keep my foot out of it either.

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  The Best Truck out there - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ivan - July 1 - 5:50 am

  This vehicle drives great, as you drive it you can feel the power under the hood. The drive is comfortable and responsive.

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  Best used car ever - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rich Anderson - June 30 - 6:55 pm

  I bought this car when it was 6 years old with 74K miles on it for $8500. It looked new inside and out, and 2 years later it still seems like a new car. Is an EX trim, but has leather interior - just a very, very nice daily driver. The biggest dilemma I have with this car is that I think I deserve something nicer (I make good money), but it is just too nice to pass down to my 16 year old (who would trash it), and it really is so nice. Drives smooth, no mechanical problems, looks good in and out. I drove from LA to OKC and got 40Mpg (above spec). Gets 25 on all city driving. This is the 3rd Honda I have owned and all have been very good cars. I get the feeling this car will still be on the road 20 years from now! It is on its second set of tires at 96000 so they wear well. I love the way the instrumentation is laid out - with the big, digital odometer placed high on the dash so the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of seeing it. Minor faults are as follows: Its not a sports car - acceleration is so-so. The position of the front-left windshield down-tube seems to get in the line of sight when making left turns, it doesnt have built-in bluetooth (but most 2008s dont). Overall I give it 5 stars and you just cant go wrong buying a well-cared-for, used Honda Civic.

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  Best used car ever - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Rich Anderson - June 30 - 6:55 pm

  I bought this car when it was 6 years old with 74K miles on it for $8500. It looked new inside and out, and 2 years later it still seems like a new car. Is an EX trim, but has leather interior - just a very, very nice daily driver. The biggest dilemma I have with this car is that I think I deserve something nicer (I make good money), but it is just too nice to pass down to my 16 year old (who would trash it), and it really is so nice. Drives smooth, no mechanical problems, looks good in and out. I drove from LA to OKC and got 40Mpg (above spec). Gets 25 on all city driving. This is the 3rd Honda I have owned and all have been very good cars. I get the feeling this car will still be on the road 20 years from now! It is on its second set of tires at 96000 so they wear well. I love the way the instrumentation is laid out - with the big, digital odometer placed high on the dash so the steering wheel doesnt get in the way of seeing it. Minor faults are as follows: Its not a sports car - acceleration is so-so. The position of the front-left windshield down-tube seems to get in the line of sight when making left turns, it doesnt have built-in bluetooth (but most 2008s dont). Overall I give it 5 stars and you just cant go wrong buying a well-cared-for, used Honda Civic.

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  Accord sedan 2008LX 4cyl- Beware oil burner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 08 Accord Oil burner - June 30 - 5:20 am

  So we bought this from Sunnyside Honda in Middleburg Heights OH in 2010, it was a 2008 LX that was a rental/fleet vehicle. We were weary but purchased based on excellent condition and good value for what we paid. Car had 43,000 miles on it and was 2 years old. We drove the car to 136,000 before we got rid of it a few weeks ago. Based on other Hondas we have had this one was the MOST problematic one we have had. Not sure where to start. 1st of all the brakes were a problem from day 1. rear brakes were a reall for some "spring set" that caused them to wear out too fast. Only the dealer could fix and they did. The rear deck would rattle horribly...the car would shimmy going down the highway even with new brakes/rotors ect. also tried replacing the tires that didnt work either. The car overall was slow for 180hp. You would floor it and the car wouldnt go anywhere. SLOWWW, felt like a misfire cylinder. The #1 worst problem of this car was that it burned oil like crazy (More in the winter than summer) I would put a quart in every 750 miles...yes thats right 750 miles!!! Thats almost 4 quarts every 5,000 mi. Honda would cover up saying it was normal blah blah blah. I knew the newer 2013 and up hondas didnt have this problem so I figured we would keep driving it for awhile. So one day I went out to check the oil on a cold winters day and there was no oil at all in the engine. It was completely burned up. After this we quickly traded it in and got a 2016 Accord that does not have this issue at all. We are happy with our new accord and DO NOT RECOMMEND anyone invest in the 2008-2010 models. Its a total lemon and a mistake on Hondas part. I see used ones popping up everywhere now. Granted the car never broke down on us or left us stranded, im sure the next owner wont be so lucky given its 10 years old now, and has been run with no oil in the engine. Only a matter of time before that engine blows. Also dealer said struts were leaking, some camshaft was bad in the engine, and there was a leak on the "head block" We got away lucky with virtually no repairs on this, but knew it was time. Oh also the steering box had to be completely replaced under warranty at 48k right after we purchased but we didnt pay as it was warranty work. By the time we got rid of the car it seemed like on hot days it was acting up again, so we were afraid it would need to be replaced again (and it costs almost 3,000 to replace the rack and pinion steering) So near the end we afraid to drive it. I also have a 2007 Honda Accord 4cyl EX-L and it had none of these type of issues so we decided to keep that and trade the 08 as that seemed to be a problematic year for the accords. THIS CAR BURNS AN INSANE AMOUNT OF OIL AND THE DEALERSHIPS COVER IT UP!!!! I hear the V6s are the same way, oil burners. Avoid, Avoid, Avoid. Not worth risking the engine blowing, and if you dont check the oil every 2-3 weeks, the engine will blow. Im very loyal to Hondas, but feel like this was a total flaw year of the accord. I really like the new 2016s. its a difference like night and day vs. the 08.

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  review - 2000 Honda Insight
  By eejjp - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great personal vehicle (no back seat). Cant beat the mileage. Has been factory realled 6 times.