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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  I like it! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dasilva3615 - April 19 - 10:40 am

  I like it. I really like it! I have to say that this is my 5th Accord and I am hooked on them. My 98 got totaled so I went for this. The Avalons design is prettier inside out but the engine is same size so I said y not? The ride is good, the sound system is more than adequate and it handles excellently. Once again, I like it. Theres nothing else to say.

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  They tried to sell it 4K over MSRP. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By D. M. - April 17 - 11:40 pm

  And another dealer tried to sell it 2,500 over MSRP. Trust me, that didnt fly. Additional Markup, they said, because the car is so pupular.

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  Update to Vibration Free 2015 EXL/Nav FWD (Its NOT!!) - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By gene2 - April 17 - 5:46 pm

  In my initial review written 24 Feb, I was too hasty in bragging about my vibration free CR V. Yesterday I had a very brief (maybe 2 seconds) profound yibrstion/thudding episode. It happened immediately after starting my warmed up car. Before I could figure out what was going on, it stopped. 300 mikes later, no more vibration episodes. If people are experiencing this routinely, I understand their concern, because this is unacceptable. I hope I did not mislead anyone with my initial glowing review.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pat M - April 17 - 2:27 pm

  Leased in June 2006. So far so good. Very reliable. Only oil change maintenance. No major problems or repair work. Except for a bad back speaker that the service dept said there was nothing wrong with...it still isnt fixed. Currently deciding if I should purchase after lease ends July 2009.

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  My Honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Fl Boi - April 17 - 7:46 am

  I bought my Honda out of someones yard for $3k and its the best $3k that Ive spent. Ive driven it everywhere. I like the get-up-and-go, however I do wish it had at least 30 more horses, and the front seats could be a little softer. Overall I cant complain I plan on having my Honda in my fleet for the foreseeable future.

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  Happy Purchase - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Bashyam T V - April 17 - 1:19 am

  The car impressed right at the first sight - the design, stance and appeal. Being a Honda fan, no other make was even considered. And this car was eons ahead in the mentioned areas. Test drive confirmed my feelings. The trim had to be scaled down from Touring to EX-T due to financial constraints and prudence of not willing to pay $6K for features which would not be used as frequently. Features liked: 1. Keyless Entry & Ignition - This feature would help a lot in the cold months when the car could be started and heated prior to entry 2. Dashboard - Very comprehensive and intuitive 3. Engine - Smooth & Responsive 4. Design & Looks - Very upscale 5. Brake hold - Lets relax on longer waits at signals 6. Parking Brake - Awesome. No more pulling up the hand brake / trying to locate the pedal 7. Drivers Seat - Low seating like in a sports car. Loved it Few of the annoying stuff: 1. Road noise still enters the cabin 2. Climate control does take time to get used to, and the fan noise is so much that the music / call volumes have be cranked up several notches. This is a very big climb down compared to the old Civic 3. Entertainment system again takes time to get used to. It is here that the dealership could spend a few additional minutes educating the buyer 4. Last but not the least, connectivity with Android Auto is a pain. The screen goes blank every now and then. While using AA for navigation and screen going blank, the risk can only be imagined. Ditto is the case when music is streamed. One trip of 2 hours facing the issue, this feature is no longer used Now, coming to the dealership - Honda of Chantilly: Sales Person - Christian B. Very helpful and exuded warmth. Provided right amount of advise to arrive at a quick decision. Appreciate his support through the purchase Sales Supervisor (Christians boss) - Antimo. Again, very understanding and helpful. Very courteous and patient. Would like to deal with him again. Keep it up, both of you! While the sales persons were awesome guys, complete contrast was the Business Manager - too snobbish. The less said the better. Would follow up with this review once the initial run period is completed, and service is "experienced" :-)

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  Bluetooth phone not very good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Nancy - April 11 - 8:14 pm

  I have had my Pilot since Sept 08. It is my 5th new Honda but my first SUV ever. I was a little unsure if Id like a larger vehicle, but I really like driving the Pilot. Being higher makes it much easier to see, plus I feel safer on the road. I love everything about my Pilot EXCEPT I was really looking forward to the hands- free Bluetooth phone integrated into the navigation/stereo system. I am very disappointed in its performance. The quality of the phone call on the other end is bad...I always have people telling me they cant hear me very well at all - they say I sound like Im in a cave. Other than that negative, and the gas mileage which I dont love, I really like my Pilot!

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  If it was made in Japan....... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dissapointed - April 10 - 8:56 am

  First time Honda Experience and the biggest dissapointment so far. Leased in March , a month later annoying noises at the curtain airbag,rear seatbelt - had to be fixed , scrape sounds when changing gears 1-2 - Honda have no clue how to fix it....two months later - rear speaker is going off + annoying sounds when AC turned on ...Come on ..have 1400 miles on it and it seems that the car will fall apart at 10000 or so...

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  Very satisfied owner - 2004 Honda Element
  By davidt - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I use mine as a high mileage "bail- bond" runner with my advertising on all four sides. Its a design icon so it gets a LOT of notice. Incredibly versatile, tremendous value, good gas mileage, reasonably comfortable. If I get too tired to drive, I jump in the back and sleep a couple of hours and then Im back to it. Ive enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Stadium seating is cool.

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  SO FAR SO GOOD - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By richardst - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Would make the Honda Pilot a perfect Vehicle if the doors locked automatically when put in to drive