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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  Not that so reliable - 1996 Honda Civic
  By andrewl98 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a used 96EX coupe two years ago because of its so called excellent reliability. BUT its disappointing. Engine is noisy. A/C works, but wind speed adjustment is poor. No wind comes out at all at position 1 and 2. When I use position 3, hurricane start. Accelaration is not smooth. Beacuse of this(start not smoothly), I was subtracted 3 score when I took road test for my drivers licence. When I accelarate on the ramp of highway, I feel I am abusing or torturing this car. It struggled so hard but still make me feel I will be hitted by the car behind me. Thank those cars slow down in time, otherwise I can not seat here to write this.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By puffy999 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. It handles well, goes as fast as I need it to go, and is great on gas. Has not had one problem since I purchased the car. There is only one difficulty Ive found. It does not want to go into reverse very easily with a 5-speed manual transmission. It sometimes takes a bit of work, especially on a slight hill. Also, if you are putting in an aftermarket stereo system with subwoofers, make sure you take a day off to do it. It takes awhile to take the entire interior of the car apart. Remember to connect a couple wires in the stereo plug if you want to use the dome light!

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  Givers Remorse. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Don Thompson - July 17 - 9:51 am

  We gave away our 2004 EXL Pilot with 210,000 miles on it. We had remorse. We missed our Pilot. I particularly liked the new styling of the 2016 Pilot. Looks similar to the more expensive Infinity SUV. My wife and I like everything about the vehicle. From the camera on the right hand mirror,the back up camera with 3 options, the cargo space which easily handles 4 sets of golf clubs, instrument panel, moon roof, lower insurance cost than our trade-in 2012 Toyota Highlander SE,dual blue tooth--handles two phones, and more features. Only 400 miles on the vehicle at this time. Cant comment on maintenance costs and reliability, however if it performs like our 2004 Pilot I will be very satisfied.

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  Buy it - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Wisconsinite - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought it two years ago with 59000 miles and have put another 17000 since. Had to replace the exhaust system 4 month ago (cost $370) because it was getting too noisy, cassete player quit working recently, retractable antenna motor died after the first wisconsin winter(car spent first 6 years of its life in Hawai),windows dont go down too easy when it gets to subzero temperatures. Otherwise I had no problems with it.Great looks(better than the 2003 Accord),good responsive handling ,nice ride for bigger distances, solid built car overall, WAY better than the "Dinasty" I had before.Planning on keeping it for as long as possible.

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  Best of Class!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Craig - July 16 - 9:33 pm

  No buyers remorse with this purchase! Amazing acceleration for such a heavy weight vehicle. Many complaints about mileage but what can you expect for 255HP with 4400lb. Great alternative to the true large scale SUVs for passenger and cargo capacity. I dont consider this an SUV as ride, suspension, wheels, etc are geared toward a car chassis. I kept my 4Runner, body on frame construction, for off-road ventures.

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  The Standard for all family sedans to be judged - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Daniel Stone - July 16 - 9:28 pm

  The 2016 Honda Accord V6 is the most complete car under $35k; there are very few deficiencies and a solid driving experience. The honda sensing package includes a group of safety enhancements with radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. The radar cruise control is really amazing, and I often find myself using this function for commuting as it will brake and speed up all on its own in accordance with traffic conditions. The lane departure is good feature, but is easily confused with bad pavement, but it is helpful to have. The forward collision warning is sensitive, but it is helpful. Finally, the honda lanewatch is pretty much useless. I tried it for a week with it coming on automatically on the right turn signal, but it was distracting. I use it occasionally on the highway to switch lanes, but as there arent much in terms of blind spots, it is not very useful. The interior is very comfortable for four, I guess you can seat five, but I havent tried it. My car has the black leather interior which is good quality and everything just seems to work. The navigation system is based on garmin, which makes the best navigation systems. Apple Car Play is really helpful and cool. The ability to text without typing or having to touch the phone is a huge benefit. Plus, being able to access Siri at a touch of a button is amazing. The V6 is strong when called upon with a sweet sound that reminds me of an NSX from my days of playing Gran Turismo on the PS3. During times when power isnt required, the engine is quiet and doesnt make itself known except at partial throttle at low RPM, when there is a little shutter from what I assume is the engine operating on 3 cylinders. I am getting around 34mpg on the highway and around 22mpg around town, with a very heavy right foot.

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  element by Honda - 2005 Honda Element
  By kay - July 16 - 8:56 pm

  Love this vehicle...however the one thing that does scare me is the back doors that do not open unless the front ones are opened. Love the "feel" that this car gives when driving. I may suggest that the lack of carpeted mats may be a drawback for people that are not sports orientated or wish to "hose" out the car!! Felt that the carpet mats should have been included and not as a charge of $300 something.

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  Civic EX 06 Automatic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  So far Ive enjoyed this car. Ride could be a little less bumpy but it is a coupe after all. Gas mileage is great. I get a lot of stares when driving this car.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VFRBEE - July 16 - 11:00 am

  Currently I have 20,000 miles on the car with one problem with the power outlet. Im impressed with the fuel economy which is better than I expected. Best is 36 mpg in spring & fall when AC not in use. Worst is 33mpg in winter and when AC in use. Driving is rural country roads with stop sign every 1~4 miles. Power train is refined and smooth compared to other cars Ive had in this class. I was not happy with the handling, a little too much body roll. Ive heard theyve dialed in a little more softness into the suspension of this iteration of the Civic.

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  Niiiice. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 1st Time Honda Owner - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a gas guzzling, and mechanically challenged Dodge Nitro! (had to get that off my chest) Got my Accord first week of May, never liked the old generation Accords, but this 2008 model is a welcome site. First things first: Quality: I love the way the Accord feels mechanically, and fit and finish is top grade. Performance: 190 hp 2.4 L engine has plenty of pep on highways. I havent calculated yet, but seems to do well on very well on gas, and the steering is nice & tight! Chrysler, needs to hire Hondas engineer!(my opinion) Transmission is smooth, and I love that. Its a fun car to operate.