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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  Compromise well done - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By JoshYi - July 28 - 9:02 am

  CR-Vs gas mileage and handling is much better. However, the year-end discounted price was almost the same as CR-V, and one big car in the house wouldnt hurt. Didnt like the look of 2009 Pilot. Its a set of best compromises that we settled on.

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  Not all that - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Deb - July 28 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car because of the Civic reliability and mostly because of resale value. I put a lot of miles on my cars and I need a good resale when I go to trade or sell them. I had 2 Hyundai Elantras prior to this car and my Elantra was a lot better car if you ask me. It was much quieter and felt more luxurious, even though it was still sporty and the gas mileage I got was the same. I also had an Accord at one time and it seems Honda cars have a "harder" ride, lots of bumps, lots of noise. Am looking to see what else I can get in 2010 since Im not too impressed with this car. As someone else said, the struts are noisy, lots of creaks, cabin/wind noise, crappy stereo, etc.

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  Rattle Box - 2004 Honda Element
  By beano - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Car started to rattle a day after driving it off the lot. The rattle was on the passenger side in the dashboard area. Took it to the dealer and while trying to fix it they broke the windshield. Put another one in and it was defective also and the rattle went from the passenger side to the driver side. Now, with the third windshield installed it has a completely different intermittent rattle in the dash area. Will try taking it to a different dealer.

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  rating - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Adina - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The brake system makes a noise. Was told it is normal for these cars when I took it to the dealership. Dealership at Honda Curry - Buford hwy said this some of these vechicles have the noise, some dont. If the test car I had driven had this noise I would NOT have purchased this vehicle.

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  Good is my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CHN - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Started out researching 4 dr. trucks (Titan, Tundra) but fuel usage caused me to look for a mid-size SUV. Checked out the Toyota Highlander and 4Runner, Kia Sorrento and Honda Pilot. When your seeking comfort, style, safety and reliability with decent milage (mpg) the choice became obvious to me. Good is my Pilot. I like it alot! Fit and finish is apparent. Design and ergonomics are best in class. Controls are easy to use and the sound system rocks, although the bass is somewhat muffled if set above 3. Go for it..... Good Luck dealing. I was able to negotiate a deal for $900 under MSRP for a 2004 Silver Pilot EX.

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  my honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By cathryn - July 28 - 2:00 am

  my car did die in a snow storm about s month ago and it had to be jumped. i dont know why it died but conditions on the road were not good so this could have been the reason. also since 10/03 my car has also been in a bad accident on the front end, the damage was about $3000 because of some damage on the hood and a bent grill but nobody was hurt and the car didnt get smashed up, good bumpers!!

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  2016 Accord Touring Tire Feathering - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Hetn99 - July 27 - 11:06 pm

  After 10k miles, start to hear scratching noise at highway speed. Took it in for service today and was told that the noise was caused by tire feathering. Did alignment and will see how bad it will go. Not sure how long the initial equipment tire will last, but kind of early to quit on me. Overall the car is great. But something could be wrong even it is a Honda.

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  Switch from a Chrysler to a Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By scott - July 27 - 7:43 pm

  With gas prices going up I saw the need to change vehicles. The old FWD Chrysler concord was a good vehicle, but avg 20 mpg. The Honda is stable to drive and better in snow that I expected. The fuel economy has offset much of the extra payment, and the resale $$ is much better. Call it Honda+ The brakes are solid and the engine is the smoothest 4 cyl I have ever felt. Good A/C, and sun roof. Bad item was the rear control arms that went bad or were poor design. They ruined the rear tires by 19,000 mi. They were replaced, but watch for this potential failing. All other aspects are excellent with enough room for me, @ 65".

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  Best bang for the buck on the market - 2006 Honda S2000
  By eric_the_jew - July 26 - 3:31 pm

  I must say that I am a die hard sport bike guy, and was skeptical that a car would be able to give me the thrill of 15,000 rpm. However, Hondas S2000 fits this bill surprisingly well. It is undoubtedly the closest thing to a motorcycle with four wheels. I considered [briefly] Mazdas Miata (anemic power), Porsches Boxter S (ridiculous price) and the Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky (no 6 speed tranny), and decided the "S" was the car for me. With its short wheelbase, the car feels a little twitchy at the limit, almost as if it will break into uncontrolled oversteer. However, the Automatic Stability Control will bail you out should you get in over your head.

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  Excellent car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Stretch - July 26 - 9:43 am

  This has been a great car for me and my husband and two golden retrievers. Love that we got an interior with leather, the dog hair would have been awful on cloth. Its pretty comfy to drive in, although my husband (511") complains about the way it feels for him to drive it, his knees bump into the console.