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:

• 

  Turn up the radio - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tdfx5 - March 11 - 1:06 pm

  Fortunately the sound system is decent, as it helps to drown out all the road and wind noise. What happened to the sound deadening on this car? Depending on road surface, it can be hard to carry on a conversation. Despite the fussy- looking dash and console, all controls work well. Ride and handling are sound, and the 4-cylinder is more than adequate while delivering decent mileage. Purchased on Honda name and reputation, but overall this car has been a bit of a letdown.

• 

  Decent, Roomy SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Bulldog04 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Pilot because I occasionally need the function of a third row seat and I sought AWD for winter driving in the mountains. I looked at Toyotas 04 4Runner with the optional 3rd row seats and Fords Explorer. I almost bought the Toyota but with the difference in interior room and better seating, the Honda seemed a better choice. The Explorer was a different story; I could not find one optioned the way I wanted and none of the dealerships I went to were interested in finding one. I am only into the 2nd week of ownership and so far fairly pleased.

• 

  Great cruiser & good mileage - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By highmiles01623 - March 11 - 8:40 am

  I drive a lot, almost all highway and what a great highway cruiser this is. Plenty of room for my 3 kids and then some, great for vacation and still gets 20MPG at 75MPH. Feels incredibly safe and well built. VERY smooth ride. Basic cloth on EX is gorgeous so passed on the leather, which saves 2-4K. And with a price under $29K, a tremendous value.

• 

  Amazing vehicle - 1993 Honda Civic
  By gabe - March 10 - 11:09 pm

  Got car with 150K and unknown maintenance record. Used for commute and some long road trips (1,000+ miles) without any problem. Very frugal on fuel and maintenance, good brakes, decent takeoff, good steering and handling, seats 4 w/comfort, heating/cooling OK, good trunk space. The bad: Engine started burning oil at 175K miles. I like mechanics so I did a partial rebuilt (piston rings were worn) and took care of things that mechanics could not (e.g. oil leaks). Cost: about $400 (parts+tools) Car has run great ever since now at 205K miles gets 25-29mpg in only-city driving and 35-40mpg hwy. We got stranded only once when ignition coil died at 197k miles. Overall, I love the car!

• 

  Not so happy!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Roger - March 10 - 2:54 pm

  Issues so far not resolved are: Settings on command unit like shift to park do not remain set as default. Front end noise like old stiff rubber. Engine miss firing and now wind noise can be heard on drivers door. Maybe there will be some improvement next models year for 2017!

• 

  Transmission! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Cyndee - March 10 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my 2003 brand new and most of my mileage was freeway for 4 of the 6 years. Positives: Mileage 38 mpg town and over 45 Hwy. Fun and zippy Negatives: Transmission at 90m bad noise and at 110 embarrassing. Its said to be a Civic problem avg. at 120m. Heater vents above stereo. In the winter with loud music blew 4 different Honda stereos before they put a Pioneer in for me. Replaced catalytic at 60m. Trunk leaked from day 1 under trunk and they never found it. Thank God Im in So.Cal. I have had a bad time with my Honda, but still loved it. I can say I will not buy another when it finally dies!

• 

  Great but could use some design changes - 2008 Honda Civic
  By GLB360 - March 10 - 7:16 am

  Great car. I bought it for the reputation, safety rating and gas mileage. Pros: drove from Los Angeles to Dallas and got 36 hwy and up to 46 when not using the A/C, very “zippy” and fun to drive. Huge windshield allowing passenger to prop feet up on dash, adequate room inside and trunk. Cons: sometimes acts like it wants to stall when idling. Front brakes replaced at 22,000 miles (not covered by warranty). I was told this was due to driving in LA traffic which I believe; CD player died so entire audio system replaced 8 months after purchase (covered by warranty) and lots of road noise. Locked keys in car due to automatic locking system - very annoying!

• 

  2001 Honda Civic LX Automatic Sedan - 2001 Honda Civic
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 9:27 pm

  The Civic is overall a good car, but the 2001-2005 Civic wasnt a really a good Civic. This version was a little too boring and the 4 speed automatic in our car makes it irritatingly slow and the reliability wasnt as good as expected. It hasnt been mechanical problems, but problems with quality. The plastics felt flimsy all along and the seats got worn out and small tears. Another issue is the shocks, which wear out and make the front end bounce under braking and acceleration. The brakes arent good either, they take a long time to stop the car and the LX doesnt have ABS. These Civics are dependable economy cars, but the 2001-2005 versions dont impress in enough other ways.

• 

  185K and still going - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Meyer - March 8 - 7:58 pm

  Best build quality of any vehicle hands down. Change the oil every 5k and no problems. 1 timing belt at 100K, and new ac compressor. Just keeps going and going.

• 

  2007 Honda CR-V LX AWD - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 5:42 pm

  The CR-V always impresses us with its practicality and ease of use. The cargo area will easily swallow 3 full size bikes or a lawn mower. It gets impressive gas mileage, without sacrificing power or size. The CR-V will hold five people in comfort. It is also nice to drive and gets the highest possible crash test ratings. The only complaint I have is that a V6 version or some other higher power version would be nice. I think the Subaru Forester is a better vehicle, but it isnt as roomy.