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:

• 

  Infotainment system is a disgrace! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dean Owens - July 25 - 1:24 am

  1. No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Honda wont even tell owners why their $40,000+ flagship doesnt have these features when their Accord & Civic do. Honda ignores all inquiries regarding this. 2. Incoming or outgoing Bluetooth phone calls are dropped if either right or rear camera is started; as in lane change or reverse gear. 3. Bluetooth voice commands are very unreliable. 4. USB audio fails to start 1 out of 4 times on ignition turn on. 5. USB audio status not saved; restarts at 1st folder if ignition turned off. 6. USB audio has no Pause or Play buttons.

• 

  Great SUV, solid performer. - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By mistercoffee1 - July 24 - 2:46 pm

  After two road trips and a full tank of gas, Im very happy. With 3-4 adults and 2 kids, the car accelerates well for the type of car it is, and has some good climbing power. Very smooth and very quiet. As far as cylinders shutting off, you can feel it only if youre really paying attention and looking for it - otherwise pretty seamless. After a few test drives as well as an additional 300 miles in, Id say the braking feels as responsive as you need it to be - smooth when you need a gradual stop, and firm when you need to shed speed quickly. I feel very safe and comfortable in this car, yet its a great pleasure to drive. Compares favorably against the Lambdas (Acadia, Outlook, etc).

• 

  My Review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Marcelo - July 24 - 2:06 pm

  We bought this car because we wanted something roomier and better than an Accord EX. The car turned out to be very spacious, but it could have a better engine and a larger fuel tank. I really do not see a lot of use for the table and am not sure I will ever use it. I would have preferred a net and a cover for the trunl. Overall it is a good car and I definelty recommend it. I have no regrets and would certainly buy another one.

• 

  Little surprise - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Happy owner - July 24 - 9:06 am

  I was shopping for an economical car that would be small enough to park but large enough to hold saddles, horse equipment, an occasional hay bale, and the mastiff. The Fit is it! My elderly mastiff can get in either through the hatchback or the door, I can loan and unload the cargo area, and its zippy to drive. Looks a little strange, but the inside use of space is astonishing. Im old enough that the safety features appeal to me, and I like the visibility.

• 

  1998 Honda Accord - 1998 Honda Accord
  By caballo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  excellent and economical car

• 

  THE TRUTH - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Jonathon_aaron - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Ok not to make this un-fair to Honda but it is a great car, but there is problems with this year. This car is VERY AND I MEAN VERY EXPENSIVE to fix when problems to to crop up in it. Ive had several problems witht he A/C unit, un-dectable problems with Stalling for no reason, and pathetic breaking. Less then a year ago I was involved in a car accident at 10 km, it caused over $5000.00 CND funds to repair well the guy I hit walked away with a cracked back bumper. Overall I love this car, even with the problems!

• 

  The Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Chrisinotown - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful vehicle so far. I traded in my 2000 Ford ranger in for it. It handles well in corners. Has a great stadium seating view for the rear passengers. The radio alone was worth the purchase.

• 

  Good crossover - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dat - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Multi-purpose vehicle. A SUV/minivan hybrid for those who dont want to own a minivan.

• 

  Great but sound & 4WD could be better - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pilot_pilot - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle; but radio/CD sound could be better. Honda Pilot speakers deliver very uneven frequency response (big dip around 500 Hz, followed by a big peak around 1 KHz, judging by my spectrum analyzer). My 96 Dodge Grand Caravan has much better sound (factory Infinity speaker system). Hondas 4WD system seems designed to help Pilot get unstuck when needed, but under most circumstances, this is a FWD vehicle (supposedly delivering better mileage).

• 

  crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By david rairick - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Although I love my 2002 CRV, I am quickly losing faith in my purchase. I grew up in a Honda family. Since purchasing my car I have been having many reliability issues with it. I have had the brake rotor replaced (about 2 months after purchase), the catalytic converter replaced, and it is now in the shop to replace the entire ABS system. I love my car, but I hope this is the last maintenance issue with it. Thank God for my warranty, now if Honda can just give my back my time and restore my faith in Honda, the brand I love to drive.