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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  2006 Civic Hybrid/Navi in N.J. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave & Michelle - August 20 - 8:20 pm

  Overall we are extremely pleased with our new car. The performance has surpassed our expectations. You can really feel the low speed torque of the gas/electric engine combo. The aerodynamic design is very noticable in highway driving. Much quieter, and a feeling that youre slicing through the air at higher speeds. Much less buffeting when passing (or being passed by) large trucks at highway speeds. We racked up around 500 miles on our first tank of gas, which jives with our average display of 41.5 MPG. The Navi works well, and has nice features like "maximize freeways" and avoid certain roads. The sound system sounds very nice, and the mp3/wma disc capability is very cool.

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  Its a Honda - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Piloteer1 - August 20 - 5:41 pm

  Great value when selecting trim levels. Almost all or nothing. I can only imagine what you get with Touring and Elite trims. Wife wanted more bells and whistles from what we had in a 2012 Pilot LX. EX interior was rough like denim and looked like it would be too hard to remove stains. EX-L adds luxury with leather, sunroof, power front row seating, and a host of other little overlooked conveniences. I read complaints on the infotainment limits, but we love it and havent seen what all the fuss is about. We have to master the steering wheel buttons to keep our eyes on driving. The Android Auto app integration is amazing. Im sketchy on the privacy tradeoff though. But beats 1-2k for built in his. The touchscreen is responsive to our liking. Went with 2wd because I didnt like the 12 and due to sluggish acceleration and roughness. The ride quality is great. Nix the nitrogen option if you can, mixed opinion if it does anything. Eco mode is noticeable because it throttles ac, acceleration and such. Very nimble from takeoff without eco mode. Id use on highway more. Shifting is almost unnoticeable with 6 speed transmission. Still contemplating extended warranty since there is a lot of electronics involved. Lane assist is useful, again maybe more in a highway scenario. Looked at Toyota Highlander and 4runner, both couldnt beat the Pilots 3rd row capacity without pushing 2nd all the way foward. Didnt see the need for Honda-sensing, Id like a to retain some decision making while driving. Ive had 5 Hondas before this, and the 2017 exl is a winner in my mind. Only reason for some 4 stars is I just bought and dont know.

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  Hard to beat the Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By TomH - August 20 - 3:50 am

  My fifth Honda: one Civic, two Accords and an MDX. Our Pilot is one week old today. Looked at the Pilot for my wife because I love my 01 MDX. The build of this vehicle is amazing. It feels, sounds and rides like my MDX. I don’t know how people get mileage down in the low teens I get 16-17 around the city and 21-23 on the highway in my MDX and the first tank in my Pilot was 16.5/ city driving. Those drivers must have a “lead foot”. FYI: Your TMV is too high. Pilots can be had at invoice at a number of Baltimore/Washington area dealers. I am sure the dealers hate hearing me say that.

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  Awesome Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By L. Gordon - August 20 - 1:50 am

  This is an awesome car. Even the beamers have to take a second look and usually people think that the car is an Acura at first glance. This car is top shelf and Honda stands firm by it with excellent "Mercedes" like service. Go buy it and see for yourself!

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  Wind Noise Annoying - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By tom fedje - August 19 - 7:00 pm

  When there is an outside wind of 12 to 18 mph, the interior cabin noise is more than I expected especially from a Honda known for Fit & Finish. My Dodge minivan had less interior noise than the 2005 Honda EX. The Honda dealer acknowledged they have had some complaints about interior wind noise or whistle. They added additional sealant around the front windshield & it seemed to help somewhat. Nevertheless, I still encounter more interior wind noise than I believe is acceptable. Does anyone else share the same annoying problem? Are there other remedies than adding addt caulking around the edges of the windshield?

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  08 Civic Hybrid with Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By j5kelly - August 19 - 6:13 pm

  I only have 300 miles on my new Civic Hybrid, and I love it. it is the most fun to drive car Ive had since my 88 280-ZX. I had it up to 85 on the freeway and it held the road like a champ. I took it up a steep mountain road and it didnt falter or slow down a bit. I havent figured out all the electronic stuff on the NAV system yet but that will surely keep me interested for awhile. My gas mileage has not been 45 but more like 35 but I guess thats due to the way I drive. I did get 50 downhill (ha ha). its too much fun driving to drive it like a granny.

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  Never thought I would drive a mini van.. - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By so cal touring - August 19 - 9:10 am

  ...but here I am, and having fun, too. The van performs wonderfully. It has enough power to get where you want to go and the comfort to make it satisfying to drive. Yes, I wish it had some additional features, but hey! its a minivan. And most cars dont have as nice of an interior as the Odyssey Touring. For someone who wants a sedan, but needs space I couldnt recommend a better vehicle. And a SUV with the same features will run you about$10k more. In the past two months weve been up and down the state and have been averaging about 22mpg on the highway. If we drive with the a/c off we can get 24mpg.

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  honda 2013 crv ex - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By george stephens - August 18 - 5:30 pm

  still waiting for 100.00 gas card perk

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  Love the Pilot, but - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dustydog - August 18 - 11:50 am

  I drive considerable miles (10,000 in 3 months) and love to drive it and the family loves it. Fun ride. I did expect more "quality build" from Honda (and any car I pay almost $30K for) based on reputation. This replaced a 2000 Expedition which was fine just too bulky. I have faced wind noise from improper closing of windows (fixed by dealer with smiles on face) and sunroof doesnt seal properly from vent to close (still need to see dealer again!). Rattles from stereo. Front seatbelts mar the plastic when released. Doesnt happen with passenger ones. Excellent power and fun to drive vehicle! Once ticky-tack rattles are fixed, it is a 10!

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  Comfortable Roomy with Fantastic fuel economy - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Andrew Pierovich - August 18 - 9:35 am

  Comfort, reliability and fuel economy are my main concerns. So when I shopped for a new car thats what I looked for. After owning 2 Hondas and 2 Acuras which were bullet proof I leaned towards Honda. I decided on the 2017 Accord hybrid and bought it new. Since then Ive taken it on several long trips. Many cars after 3 to 4 hours leave you fatigued and usually an achy back. It has ample leg room and the steering wheel telescopes which lets you adjust the ergonomics exactly to your liking. This Accord has been the most comfortable car since I drove a Cadillac back in the 90s and those are renowned for being comfortable. The advertised mileage is 49/50. Im not there yet but over the course of 6 months Im averaging 41.3 city/hwy combined. About 80% of my driving is city. For a car that sits 5 and 4 comfortably this is amazing. My previous 03 Acura TL only averaged 16 mpg. The car uses a 4 cylinder engine assisted by two electric motors which give it extra boost during acceleration and give it great mileage. Their is some unwanted engine noise under hard acceleration but then this isnt a Lexus. Visibility all around is excellent and so is the backup camera. My only gripe with the car are the radio controls. I would prefer the old style dial buttons for volume and tuning. Lastly because gas is relatively cheap many people arent interested in hybrids now which gives the buyer an advantage. I paid 28K plus tax.