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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  Wins for its use of interior space - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - May 15 - 7:13 pm

  We test drove all the midsize SUVs looking for one with economical V6 power, good looks, and ample interior space. The Pilot won the contest for its excellent use of space on the inside. 8-person capacity (assuming some of those 8 are kids), a plethora of storage places, and fold-flat rear seats. While I am not a fan of column shifters, it allowed Honda to really make the center console useful. The exterior styling is so-so. The navigation system is touch-screen and fully operable while driving (for better or worse) but otherwise pales in comparison to the Pathfinders. The Pathfinder also trumps the Pilot with regards to performance. The Pilot can handle light-to-moderate off-road use.

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  A disappointment. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drsowell - May 14 - 11:46 pm

  Id always wanted a Honda, so finally bought one (a new Civic) in Dec. 2006; fit & finish are good, however annoying petty issues have left me very disappointed in this model. Fuel mileage is superb however mysterious "thumping" noise in right front end that cannot be repaired, and bad power steering pump negates any positivity on my part. Interior visor had to be replaced. Several recalls. Tire noise and longevity is a problem also. May trade after national economy improves.

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  Update on 3 year old review - 1993 Honda Accord
  By W Cooke - May 14 - 9:42 pm

  Since I wrote the last review on this car, things have only gotten much worse. Car now has 142k miles. Things that have had to be replaced so far: CV joints 2X, tie rod ends, upper ball joints and control arms, rear engine mount, A/C, ABS, rear rotors, front rotors 2X, exhaust 3X, oil pressure switch, oil pan gasket, power antenna, rear window seal, 6 headlamps. This car is much faster than its suspension can handle. I had heard that Honda built very reliable cars. This is 10 times over the WORST car Ive ever owned.

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  Tonys HCH 5speed - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Tony Higgins - May 14 - 8:01 pm

  Bought this car to save money in anticipation of rising gas prices. It was purchased for commuting but we drive it on trips too. I have logged every fill-up and calculate a lifetime average of 46 MPG. Mileage is cyclic with weather here in western NY. In winter get as low as 38 MPG. Summer as high as 53 MPG. At 68000 miles I estimate a savings of $1700 over a car with average of 30 MPG. Trade-in value is $2800 greater than 2003 Civic LX. Have had no maintenance issues. On second set of tires and still original brakes. I enjoy owning this car and will keep it until it rusts in half. I will buy another alternate energy vehicle at the next opportunity.

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  Great SUV!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gkway - May 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had this Pilot for only 2 weeks and we have already put 2,000 miles on it. It drives like a dream and the seats are so comfortable and it is so much more quiet than our previous SUV. We drove for 8 hours to Gulf Shores, Al and I was not worn out when we got there! The gas mileage is already better than our old Mountaineer and it is only going to get better. Paid sticker for it and had leather, rubber floormats, foglights added. Love this SUV!!

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  Way to go Honda! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ricky - May 14 - 4:00 am

  They definitely made this new Honda Accord something to brag about. It looks like a BMW, with the price of a Honda! Meets all my needs and expectations. Beautiful car!

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  Decent - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Nate - May 13 - 9:56 pm

  The car has met expectations, aside from the gas mileage and wind noise. Its my first Honda.

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  Very good purchase! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Terese Brady Mendez - May 13 - 10:53 am

  Needed to replace a 2007 Honda Accord Coupe with a similar car with a lot less mileage, and this one fit the bill. The 2009 has significantly more interior space. The engine has a bit less power/pick-up than the 2007, and the noise level inside the cabin is a slightly higher. Im currently having a problem with the "Check Fuel Cap" light coming on intermittently and randomly, but the dealer told me there was no indication in the "black box" as to what is causing this. This problem is in process of being corrected, perhaps via a new fuel cap. Overall, this car is comfortable and reliable and has a bit more of a sporty look than the 2007 version. Definitely am satisfied with the purchase.

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  Honda Sucks - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Benrard - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I took the truck to different dealers to diagnoses a hesitation in the transmission. All they did was to upgrade the computer system. After insisting that the symptom was not but a product of my imagination, the recall came trough. The second gear was burn and the transaxle was not engaging anymore. The car has a lot of push with 245hp. However the pulling is barely getting by without hurting the 4 wheel system and a $5000 out of my pocket. I am fighting Honda for the warranty that just pass the 1000 over. Buyer beware, Honda is great for cars and light vehicles. Please do not try their trucks and expected them to pull like an American.

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  Road trip - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By KWRT - May 11 - 4:30 am

  I just got back from a week long vacation, driving from Iowa to Dauphin island, AL. The total miles over 1600 miles and 20+ hours in the truck. I will say that after being in the seat that long I have no issues. The sit itself is firm, not too soft and not too hard; after driving for 12 hours straight in one stretch, no aches or pains. On the dash board it said the Ridgeline was averaging 26-27.6, but I found that it overestimates, on the trip down the mpg was 23-25 going about 5 mph over the speed limit and driving back was the same. The storage was great!! The in-bed trunk was awesome and extremely useful, between my wife and my 2 year olds stuff, we still had plenty of room. The only issue I found was that the cruise control and the 8 inch screen is lack luster. The problem with the cruise control was the pause between pushing the acceleration and the truck actually going was 3-4 seconds, this is with or without the eco button on. The screen and Honda link is not easy to use. It is like Honda tried to cram to much into and trying to navigate it is not intuitive. The drive of the Ridgeline is very smooth and it seems to just glide on the road. My wife is hearing impaired and with the very quiet cabin, we were able to have conversation, without me yelling over the road noise. I am quiet happy with the truck so far.