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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  MPG monster - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fitz - March 25 - 3:18 am

  Paying attention to what the mainstream reviewers focused on: 1) Its a CVT and youd only notice the tone/feel if you were waiting for a normal upshift during light acceleration. If you stomp on it, it GOES. If youre looking for the turbo lag, youll find it - but youll also hit 60 in 7 seconds. Theres just no downside to the normal needs of daily driving in this car. 2) "No volume knob". Yeah, you get used to the steering wheel controls. It was a non issue for me. I do compare it to our Ford Edge though. The Synch 3 has a multi-display (like radio and map at the same time) and the Hondas only shows one thing at a time. Both have advantages. 3) Lane Watch is better than looking backwards over your shoulder to your right side blind spot. Im afraid the new habit will kill me when driving another car. 4) Styling: Never mind the opinions. Handwashing all the nooks and crannies is a pain. The number of textured features is incredible when youre sponging out seasonal pollen. 5) Theres a lot of commentary about lack of lumbar support in the seats. Yup. Im used to Accord level leather seats and these civic ones sometimes give like an old recliner cushion. I have had no discomfort on my regular long commutes though. They also look great. 6) Handling: Sweet. When you start turning too hard/fast on a highway ramp, you can feel the dampeners take over and start subtracting G-force. It gives me the impression Im being seduced into going faster when perhaps the car should be telling me to behave. Ive gotten nothing but wild compliments and jealousy in this car. Its a lot of fun.

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  fuel efficiency - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By dueldr - March 24 - 9:55 am

  I shopped around for the truck with the best fuel mileage rating. In Canada it may be different, but the rating the Ridgeline had was 28 miles to the Gallon. The Tacoma was 27. Between these two I preferred the Honda as it had more available options that I was Looking for i.e. loaded. Unfortunately, I have yet to do better than 22, and as last winter progressed I did many tanks at 16.5 miles to the gallon. The mileage just isnt their, a major disappointment. I believe the vehicle is underpowered for its size with a 3.5 l engine. The Tacoma with its 4.0 gets better mileage, and better power. If I had it to do over I would have gone with the Tacoma.

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  What am I missing? - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By threeputt - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  I should have posted this sooner. My wife and leased our 05 Pilot in September of 05. The dealer drove it himself and put 5k miles on it. The seats are uncomfortable. Spongy braking, hiccuppy acceleration, upper body roll, poor sound and a noisy interior. On the positive side, good turn radius, good build(lousy seat belts) quality. Based upon what Ive read from others, this vehicle is overrated. Never, and I repeat never, let your wife tell a Honda order taker that she absolutely loves it. They will never back off on price. Im on the hook for another year. Then, he lease is UP!!!!!

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  Good except the transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Dave - March 22 - 8:25 pm

  The Accord is a fun to drive practical car. The transmission was always a little jumpy, but the longer we have had the car, the more severe the shifts to second (especially downshifting) have become. When the car is cold it is downright scary. I have had the car in to check out the transmission twice and the dealer says that that is normal for a Honda. I am considering a Acura next, but my reservation is the transmission. Love the cars, but Honda should really do something about the transmission. Recall???

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  Nice Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeremy - March 22 - 9:47 am

  I am pleased overall. First the bad. This minivan has a lot more windnoise than any previous honda vehicle Ive driven. The factory radio/cd player has poor sound quality. So consider getting an aftermarket unit. It also does not allow enough flexibility in the volume control. Its either way too loud or too soft... My wife and I love the strong engine, power sliding doors, and heated leather seats. It drives like a car, not like a van. Im not sure why people are giving this bad marks for gas mileage. Mileage is very good for a minivan. I am consistently getting over 20 mpg in mixed driving....much better than SUVs..

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  MDX or PILOT - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ULTRA - March 22 - 9:03 am

  I purchased the Honda Pilot really wanting the MDX but after looking at the price tag realized the Pilot was a better option. Vehicle drives nicely and the interior design is comparable to most luxury SUVs. Seats feel great and the ride is similar to that of a car. I bought this vehicle for my growing family and because of the Honda name and reputation, I know this vehicle will last for many years.

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  Decent sedan for the price. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Adi - March 22 - 1:51 am

  Should improve the transmission, the car feels Sluggish. I should have got the manual transmission but the color offering is limited in manual.

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  Interior not very well made - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By S - March 21 - 6:11 am

  I am very disappointed with the leather interior, The quality of the material is less than cheep. Within the first month of ownership a seam in the front drivers seat split. My car now has 20,000 miles on it and both the front seats where you get in on the side are falling apart. What they told me was leather is pulling away from the seam and tearing. I had many other issues about the interiors shoddy workmanship when I first purchased my car. It seems that Honda really cut corners when it came the the quality of the interior. I will never buy another Honda again. Did not get my moneys worth.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By AliveinBoulder - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda Accord! Its a wonderful car for me. Its very reliable, reasonably fun to drive, great get up and go for a 4cyl/5speed, and loaded with many power features. I would recommend Honda to anyone!

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  2002 Si Hatchback - 2003 Honda Civic
  By redsir - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Performance,interior finish and build quality are the best yet.Much higher than other Civics. Outstanding seats. Driving it makes you go out of your way find to find challenging roads. When was the last time you went to work early? Compared to other Civics you will find it noisier, runs at 3500-5000 RPM VS 2000 and uses more gas. Do not underestimate these issues if you are buying. At 4500 Km, V-Rated tires have a vibration. Minor, but still there. Final opinion....always a blast to drive, every time I drive it. Buy one!