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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  Noisy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Idaho - May 14 - 11:48 pm

  We love the car for the comfort and room. The room is awesome. But the road noise is loud. Changed tires from Michelin to Yokohama hoping for some improvement. No change. Have had to replace windshield several times. Last time they changed out the windshield twice, got new clips. Still a wide gap that causes whistling all the time. Eco Engine always sounds like it is revved and ready to take off. Dealer says it is road noise. We had the car undercoated when new. Nice protection, but does not help road noise. We will check with tire manufacture for any help and also the windshield replacement shop for a redo. Still love the car, but it sounds like the EX is a quieter model.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By chadbo - May 14 - 11:36 am

  We generally keep our cars for at least ten years. Were hoping the Pilot continues the streak. So far the its been a pleasure. Its our road trip vehicle, our hauling vehicle, and our dirt road vehicle. To this point its performed well in nearly every area.

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  its okay - 2006 Honda Accord
  By someone - May 14 - 10:05 am

  Loud road noise. Annoying. Radio is too week for proper adjustment of road noise. Problems with the heater, runs hot and cool. Remote sucks, I need to be up against the car just about, might as well use the key. Tires on this car are too expensive and not necessary for this model (speed rating wise). Pick up lags a bit. Pulls to the right even on flat roads with the explanation by trained factory techs "all Honda accords do this and we like to call it the 6 second rule", thats stupid. Did I mention the poor remote reception? Cool looking radio minimum features, no speed volume increase, mute. Wipers are poor and the defogger works 1/3 of the windshield. Otherwise great color!

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  Poor Transmissions.... - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By snosrfr - May 13 - 9:36 pm

  Bought new Feb 2002 - Took to dealer twice in Oct 2005 for transmission slipping at 35-40 mph. Dealer couldnt find problem. After evacuating from WILMA, transmission fails 6 hrs from home in Nov 05. Local dealer replaces under extended warranty (54,000 miles). Similar problems come back in Jan 07. Dealer finds nothing first two tries. - In Dec 07 dealer reports transmission is bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under extended warranty. (89,500 miles). Feb 08 extended warranty expires - Apr 08 problems resurface. May 08 dealer reports transmission bad and needs to be replaced. Covered under Honda parts warranty (1 yr). Google for more info on 02 Odyssey transmissions.

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  pereira - 1993 Honda Accord
  By pereira - May 13 - 5:13 pm

  I simply love driving it especially the five speed one, I love the way it shifts. Its a lot of fun. I have one that used to be automatic but I changed the transmission to a five speed one.

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  Overall Satisfied - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot - May 13 - 12:20 pm

  Had the Pilot since Feb, 2008. Living in Boston, Stop and Go traffic doesnt help the fuel economy. Been in to the deal twice since purchase, wheel alignment and wheel Balance. OEM Bridgestone Tires suck. Overall the car is good, great visibility, comfortable on long trips, Gas mileage is good compared to other same size SUVs. I get around 22-24 MPG on Highway going around 70 mph. Light foot on the gas pedal will help a lot with this car. Black Paint came off muffler after 2 weeks on the road.

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  Good, not great - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Aaron in IL - May 12 - 7:33 pm

  This is my first and probably only Honda. This was a want vs. need purchase. Coolest style V6 coupe w/o nav at under $30k MSRP (paid $26950) is main reason I chose this model. Good pickup, quiet motor and interior. Love the standard ipod adapter but the subwoofer is substandard! The trunk lid needs alignment, one speaker was bad, the passenger front seat needed to be tightened and there are two very visible paint blemishes on the pillar above the driver mirror all which were noted for correction by the dealer at delivery. Having said that, I feel the final factory pre-ship inspection was poor and I hope for better days ahead having driven only 600 miles. 23.5 overall mpg so far.

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  WHERE DID ALL THE STORAGE GO? - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Adriana_Honda - May 12 - 1:13 am

  From someone who owned and loved a 2007 Pilot for 10+ years I am super dissapointed in the interior design of my new 2017 Pilot. The storage in the dash/console is TERRIBLE! Basically just one giant deep bucket to throw everything into and never to be seen again. I would say this vehicle is a family car, but obviously a male with probably no kids designed the dashboard/storage. The 2 previous models of the Pilot were much better. A few other complaints... the parking brake foot pedal gets in the way when trying to get a comfortable position on long drives. I never had that issue with my 2007 Pilot. Also, there is really no bumper on this new version, which means you cant reach up on top of the car from standing on the rear bumper if you ever use a roof rack. Not to mention saving the cost of repairs if you ever back into something, you will be smashing your back door along with the non-bumper. Some feedback on the radio, I would have loved to still have had some buttons for controls along with the touch screen. The touch screen is not very user friendly, and I consider myself a tech-savvy person. I was so excited to buy my new Pilot after reading so many great reviews, and it wasnt until I started driving it I feel there are so many let downs on this new design. Im keeping my fingers crossed they will listen to their customers and make the design better in the future.

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  VP AWD great regional leasing - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Raphie - May 10 - 10:19 am

  I leased AWD VP due to Honda great regional leasing program. Test drove both the EXL & VP, found the EXLs heated leather seat is far more comfortable and better support. EXL has lumbar support that VP does not have. The radio and climate control knobs seem to be designed for right- hand steering because the most-use knobs are located on right instead of left side. I traded the Odyssey since I want 4x4 for New England winter ice/snow and for the 90 degree turn from main street to long slope leading to my home.

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  Awesome Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Brindy - May 10 - 10:00 am

  The car has great acceleration and great gas mileage. Its super comfortable, spacious.