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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  2016 Touring AWD with Options - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John - July 17 - 3:30 am

  Overall I think this is a great vehicle.Yes as many have read there are some issues with Radio sound. Stations go in and out, takes a long time to load music from BT, Sub seems to stay one volume even though you turn it all the way up. It is a dissapointment that Honda did not have Apple car play or Android Auto connectivity to Radio since this is a 2016 and all of its other 2016 vehicles have it. I have had my Touring for 2 1/2 months and had no issues, I drove From NY to AZ and back again. The Navigation is really good.It new accidents and let you know ahead of time and it was almost impossibe to miss a turn because of the split screen which shows the Road signs.Awesome feature. I have almost 8000 miles and have had no issues. Gas milege was great. Just in town I was getting 23 mpg.Thats good for a SUV. On my road trip I was averaging 28 mpg when speed limit was 65-70 on cruise. Over that cruise control and all its guiding features was set to 79 and I was getting around 24-25 with 4 kids, my wife and me, 4 suitcases(third row split double seat folded down) my daughter sat in the single seat third row. The Sensors on the front bumber can get annoying when in parking lot or just parking. Mine registers close objuct aroud 8 inches so when your turning in to a parking space and ther is a car parked it usually goes off. I didnt pay the option for rear bumber sensors.The Side mirrors are great. I wish it had a warning of some kind for the driver.Some competitors have lights that flash or beep. This does not. Road noise was good but wind noise is noticable more. Its still quieter than some newer 2013-14 vehicles ive driven. Warrenty is great.It was $1300 for additional 5 year and 84000 mies. So I have 8 years 120,000 mile warrenty. Its hard to get a deal on Touring and above. Just to get one you have to wait. It took me a week. I was in the right place at the right time. A lot of people have to wait months.Most Pilots still sell at MSRP. I paid 42,500 but got hitch and cooler package for free. I just asked. I did add Lighted rails,mud flaps,chrome strips on doors and rear, window guards, and color match door protectors for a cost. I also had Honda under spray a coating under the vehicle to protect from Rust from salt from the snow, Its guaranteed for 10 years and it cost $800 so I thought it was a good investment. Next year Im sure most of the disliked issues will be resolved but this is what us customers get since we want to be the New Vehicles on the block. I would recommend this 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. If you dont need 8 seats go for the Elite.

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  A great deal and even better purchase - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Love My Honda - July 17 - 12:23 am

  We bought our 2007 Honda Civic EX Sedan to replace a 2002 Toyota Prius. Being life long Loyal Toyota drivers, it was a big change going to Honda. It is one of the best decisions we have ever made. The fuel economy is better than we expected. We average 35 mpg. And the styling is great. It is a peppy car that is fun to be in. Whether youre 20 or 50 it doesnt matter, the car fits anyone. The blue color is amazing and the extras are great. We have had no mechanical or cosmetic problems with our civic. Its easy to say that we will be repeat Honda buyers.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By PilotGuy - July 16 - 9:50 pm

  Weve put almost 2k miles on the car in a month. Great family car. Paid less that $29k +t,t&l. Get the all weather floormats if you have younger, messy kids. Smooth ride, great safety features, solid feel to the car. Updated styling on 06 much beefier than prior years - more of a truck profile, less minivan-like. 3rd row seating better than most. Others considered - Toyota Highlander Hybrid - too small. Acura MDX - Pilot a better value, more room. Dodge Durango - Build quality issues (we previously owned a 99). Gas milage better than most, but no where near as good as the Highlander Hybrid. IMHO - this is by far asnd away the biggest bang for the buck, in its class.

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  2017 CR-V EX - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Allan Crowson - July 16 - 7:05 pm

  We have had two or three Accords and a Civic, but this is our first move into the CR-V and into the EX trim. I love the car. It handles great, and gets better gas mileage than our 2013 Civic! I appreciate the active safety features, which have already come in handy several times. We have just had the car for just over 1800 miles, but our overall mileage during those miles is 34 mpg. Things I would change or add: 1. An interior release for the tailgate (although I suspect theres some ultra cautious safety reason for only opening from the outside or remotely). 2. The interface for the entertainment and vehicle info is a bit slow, and could stand some attention. 3. *Wireless* Apple CarPlay, rather than just via USB.

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  1st Accord, definitely not my last - 1992 Honda Accord
  By MadDog74 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving this one since it was brand new, and wouldnt have bought a new Accord EX last week if I were at all disappointed with my last 10 years of driving a Honda. Engine feels just as strong as when it was new, and its held its resale value well. Almost all maintenance was from normal wear (tires, brakes, battery). The automatic trans. needed a rebuild at 95K but it was expected with L.A. stop- and-go driving - probably the equivalent of 250K miles of "normal" driving. The only engine problem was a defective ignition component that Honda replaced free of charge long after the factory warranty expired.

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  perfect - 1995 Honda Accord
  By 95 accord ex - July 16 - 10:00 am

  i luv it couldnt be better, its a wonderful car

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  My Honda Wagon - 1994 Honda Accord
  By ora rollins - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for almost one year now and it has never given me any problems. It is very roomy and is great for loading and unloading my kids. The Honda Accord station Wagon is a good vehicle to use for travel it has a very high gas milage and is very spacious. I havent had to do any work to my honda since I have had it except for normal car wear and tair. They are very dependable and trustworthy cars.

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  Accord 96 - 1996 Honda Accord
  By vtecaccord01 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been wanting this accord for the past 3 years. I finally have her. It passed all my expectations and performs better then I can believe. That double wishbone is something to be amazed about. Vtec is the way to go.

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  Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jmc1946 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Dependable auto, only problem which is common to Hondas is that the windshield fogs up easily, air conditioning/defogging is not the greatest.

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  excelent, suspension needs to be softer - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By princepower - July 16 - 10:00 am

  it is excelent car, but needs some improvment over suspension, it is a bit rough .