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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  My First 2008 Accord w/ Brake Issues - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark Z - May 28 - 1:50 pm

  My wife and I looked at many sedans and decided to go with the 2008 Honda Accord (purc. 10/16/07) because of its reputation on quality. We enjoyed our new Accord for about 200 miles when the rear brakes started to squeal (radio would not even drown the sound out) during braking. We took the car into the dealership (10/30/07) and they replaced the pads and scuffed the rotors. Again on 11/30/07 we took our car in for the same issue and they replaced the rear pads and rotors. Again on 12/6/07 we took the car in for the same issue and they replaced the front rotors, pads and calipers. Since then we have taken the car in 2 more times for the same squealing brakes (they still have not fixed them).

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  Fantastic all-around vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By jeff - May 28 - 6:19 am

  I like everything about my 2016 AWD EX Pilot. Ive driven it around town, along the snaking Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, and on a 1,000 mile interstate trip. Its very comfortable/roomy, maneuverable/park-able, and pretty darn peppy. So far so fantastic.

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  Just Another 2016 Lemon - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lanie - May 28 - 5:24 am

  Worst mistake I ever made. My 2016 Pilot was purchased new in March 2016. First problem was the transmission searching for gears, "thats normal, just v-tec". Second was the AC only blows out of vents at 67 degrees, 55 when they "fixed" it but in the South, that makes the air temp of the car 87+ depending on the weather, but "that is normal". Fuel economy, thats a joke! 13.1 average but "that is my driving style". Fourth, popping in the front end, "cannot duplicate". Fifth, put the car in drive and it wont go, "thats downhill assist and normal". Sixth, car wont start but that "cant be duplicated and it might have been because the driver didnt press the brake". Seven, no heat! So no AC during the summer and now no heat during the winter, that is "just the new normal with these new EPA regulations". Eight, the radio may or may not pickup local channels but "thats normal". Nine, the radio and camera dim to where you cant see it, but "cant be duplicated". Ten is when you press the gas to go and the transmission doesnt catch a gear, that my friends is why I traded this car today.

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  Love my 2016 Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - May 28 - 12:55 am

  Hated the look when I first saw the images released online. Saw the White one on the showroom floor and ordered an EX-L with Nav about 30 minutes later after a test drive. Traded in my 2012 Pilot EX-L with RES. Have had it a week and it is just better in every way. I had a 2011 Pilot that I traded in for a 2012 so we really liked that style of vehicle but this is just awesome. Love the Garmin brand NAV. The touch screen radio takes a bout 2 days to get used to but once you do you realize it is so much better and easier than the last consoles layout. The arm rests are great and the storage console between the front 2 seats is perfect compared to the last model. It looks very similar on the inside but just improved in every way. I hope the 2017 CR-V compares to these updates and the exterior gets tweaked so the lines are comparable to the Pilot. If so I will be trading in my 2012 Accord SE for the CR-V touring. Fingers crossed. I cant believe we hated the first images as much as we did and now this is our Favorite we have ever purchased!!!

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  Love My Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Rob - May 28 - 12:16 am

  This is my second Accord LX 5 speed in 5 years. I traded my 2000 with 169,000 miles on a whim because I wanted a new car. I was not sorry. Ive had my 04 for a year and 50,000...wow what a car! I get 32-33 MPG consistently. It handled like a dream in the snow and messy winter roads. Love the ABS...once I got used to how they work. The front seats are not as comfortable as my 2000 were, but after fooling around with the adjustments, Im basically happy.

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  Love my Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Hondamom - May 27 - 4:46 pm

  We bought our Honda EX new during hottest part of summer, and took it on vacation. Very roomy, 40mpg on highway, about 23 in town (very hilly where we live). Air conditioner, heater are fantastic. Is garaged, but even sitting outside in subzero temp days after getting off work, starts great! The car got around on snow and ice fine! Only thing Id rather have is a higher bumper in front, Ive scraped the bottom a few times pulling too close to a curb while diagonal parking, and on ice berms when slushy roads refroze. And backing out of diagonal parking spot when next to a long pickup truck can be tricky. But other than that, LOVE IT!!! Vacationed with 2 teenage boys in backseat, enough leg room.

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  Great light suv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By tihonet - May 27 - 6:50 am

  This is a fine ute just the way its set up . adding a 6cyl will make it too heavy. as will wider tires (more rolling resistence).A very nice trim package makes this car near perfect. The space under the cargo area seems to resonate the road noise.

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  Glad I bought it - 2010 Honda Accord
  By b seng - May 27 - 1:07 am

  We were just saying how good our luck has been with this car. Bought certified pre-owned in 2014, hasnt had to go back to the dealer. Bought the usual wear items: 2 tires, wiper blades, and a battery. Turns out it is a California car, so needs a different battery. That might explain the mediocre accelleration. Reliability was our priority, and we got it. Leather, sunroof are bonus. I like the way it looks, too!

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  Love, LOVE the Ridgeline! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Seric927 - May 27 - 12:40 am

  I have not had a truck since the late 80s, but needed something to haul cargo. This truck is fun to drive, along with Hondas durability, reliability and resale, I couldnt go wrong! Drives just like the 2003 Accord I traded in. Only wish I would have gotten the Navi system

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  My so-so Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By miket - May 26 - 11:20 pm

  I expected more from this car. Ive had it for about 9 months, engine has to be broken in by now but the mileage is terrible. Barely get 400km on a tank and thats 50/50 city, hiway. I dont drive that hard either. My friends with domestic v6s get something close to that. It is fun to drive, kindve like a go-cart but because of all the little things, Im considering trading it in for something else. The auto tranny doesnt work for this underpowered engine either, theres too much downshifting going on at the slightest hint of throttle. I wish I did more research rather than be blinded by the fact that it was a new Honda. BTW the orange colour doesnt work too well for this car.