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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  its okay - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lesvic - May 30 - 10:00 am

  its okay. there are some knocking/thumping sounds while driving. per the dealer, this is a result of the design of the gas tank. also, the car sometimes moves forward (lunges) without putting my foot on the accelerator, and it sometimes holds back (drags) without putting my foot on the brake. the gas mileage is pretty good for city (start and stop) driving. the standard radio/cd speaker system is not very strong, and sound is not good with the windows down.

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  Better When New - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jay - May 30 - 4:00 am

  Loved this car when we first picked it up after driving a couple of 10 year plus old cars. But with some time behind the wheel the CRV does have some faults. Seats are uncomfortable, very noisy, cheap interior materials, tire monitor light that comes on when its cold out, and try rolling down the back windows at highway speed, terrible wind rumble noise. Performance and reliability should be good and of course the safety factor. All in all a good car but not one to fall in love with.

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  Best used car ever - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 007 - May 29 - 7:08 pm

  I bought my civic used with 73,000 miles. I drive 37,000 miles a year as a courier and am amazed by the low maintenance 220,000 miles later I am just now replacing the clutch and struts. This is the most serious maintenance Ive had yet, besides the normal wear and tear of brakes. I am averaging still an astonishing 40 miles to the gallon.

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  2016 Honda Pilot Touring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tiger55109 - May 29 - 4:42 pm

  Drove around 2000 miles, so far so good. Initial gear shifting is little jerky. Touch screen is slow to respond. Quite interior. Steering is little soft, could little tighter.

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  My First New-ish Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dawnkyung - May 29 - 2:06 pm

  I purchased my little white 2005 Honda Civic VP Coupe in May of this year. So far, I love it! From the moment I got in it I felt like I belonged in it. The car looks great, feels responsive and the a/c works fine for Florida summers. The gas mileage seems OK but not quite as great as I was imagining - but still an improvement over my last car! I love my civic VP - it was affordable and may not have everything I want, but it has exactly what I need.

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  Ok-but expensive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By SPERK50286 - May 29 - 12:46 pm

  Ok but only getting 40 mpg/ not worth the extra money hope for a big tax credit

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  Dont Believe the Hype! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By AJ Foster - May 29 - 11:40 am

  I purchased my 2nd accord over 3 years ago with 90k miles on it. My first 92 accord had nearly 200k and the only problem was w/ the cruise control and a rough transmission. My 99 has a faulty transmission thats slipping as well, the lights in my dash dim periodically, cruise control doesnt work AT ALL, the auto locks in my rear doors are now manual, I need new ball joints, i had to purchase an extended warranty for my battery b/c it continuously dies. I must admit that as I am approaching 175k, that car still starts without a glitch, but the "quality" that Honda is expected to have mastered is only hype. This is the 4th Honda my family has had, and the 4th one with transmission issues.

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  2008 Honda Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By gulfcoast23 - May 28 - 10:50 pm

  Solid SUV. Average performance for HP and torque. Average gas mileage - could be better about 13 mpg in city driving. Solid build and ride, good comfort, excellent value due to the big discounts on 2008 Pilots. Value is what sold me. Looked at Murano, Acura RDX, RAV4 w/V6, and Honda CR-V. So far so good...

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  OIL SENSORS - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By SOUP FAMILY - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  We are very disappointed in our CR-V. It is our first Honda. Even with perfect maintenance, we have had two oil sensors go out which causes the engine to choke. We were traveling at 70 mph the second time and were almost hit. We have had to replace the cam shafts also which is very unusual. At 65000 miles, our air conditioner blew a whole in the condenser. As you can see, we feel ours was built on a Friday at 3:00 p.m.!

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  Overall experience is ok... - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Sara - May 28 - 6:51 pm

  We purchased this van in 2007, it was used but only had 40,000 miles on it. Runs very well but needs constant maintenance. We havent had any transmission probs yet but Idle Air Control Valve needs to be replaced ($300). The doors need to be cleaned and oiled regularly. Inside is very spacious. I have four kids and it fits us very well. I can even pick up my niece and bring her with me.