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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  XM great, but discount even better - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ck - March 18 - 8:26 pm

  Got a Pilot in Oct and quickly became wifes car. The leather seats are very comfy, but 2nd row curves too much on side. Mileage is 17 in city and 24 on highway (in western Los Angeles). XM is great but pricey. After expired I was offered 50% off. This is the cheapest, Japanese brand, 8-passenger car with leather seats.

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  V6 Auto Trans- 1998 - 2002 - 1998 Honda Accord
  By whatitis - March 16 - 9:36 pm

  Bought this somewhat used, owned by a Honda mechanic. Read on MSNAutos that these had transmission problems, two coworkers with the same drivetrain had replaced trans as early as 65,000. Mine waited until 105K, then started slipping trans shop in Torrance says they see these frequently, known problem. Not my first Accord, happy but for the trans, known point of failure on these. Honda should step up to the plate Nissan fixed the fuel injection on my 10yr old Z, after admitting that it was a known problem.

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  New - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ace - March 16 - 10:26 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 1 day but the V6 that I initially thought would be inadequate is surprisingly nice. It could use about 50 horses though.

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  What Hype?? We love ours!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RoadTrippin - March 15 - 6:21 am

  To begin my review, I dont know what Larry Pines means by hype. No one should be buying a car because of a "hype". Especially a new car...he sounds like he needs a car that drives like a sedan, sounds like a sedan, and feels like a sedan. But I think that might be too much of a hype for Larry and family.. Yeah, the plastic is super glossy. Did you not test drive this thing before you bought it? I put so many fingerprints on the test drive car, I almost felt bad. Whatever...even satin finish surfaces get fingerprints. 9-speed shift? its CVT...it "continuously" shifts. Theres a brochure about it. It might not be the smoothest shifting transmission, but its to save a little bit more on gas, right? anyways, I could go on for what "could" be better about the vehicle. But you know whats so great about it?? Its got room! Its like minivan, but in a SUV body. You dont want sliding doors and look like youre driving a get-away car? this would be it. But it IS a get-away car. I was impressed with the acceleration with econ mode off for how much it weighs. Its a SUV, not a sports car. The entertainment system/panoramic sunroof? Definitely a plus! My daughter loves watching Frozen and she doesnt cry. She likes pointing out birds, and says tweet-tweet. She ca barely say mama or dada on good days. Remote start? Awesome. Auto-idle? yeah its annoying in bumper-to-bumper. But you cant tell me its so hard to press a button thats right next to your finger when youre just cruising down the road...its probably easier, safer, and quicker than checking texts on your phone. Jumping battery? meh...if you can afford auto insurance for the Pilot, Im sure your plan has road-side assistance. Otherwise, carry a screwdriver in the car. boom. problem solved. Horn sounding a bit weak? screw it. high-beams and a finger always work just fine. How about that auto trunk?! I love it. The range of auto start is definitely a plus. It starts the heater or A/C depending on temperature. How cool is that? You want heated seats? How about cooled seats? Have you checked out Toyota highlanders range on their auto start? not cool... Navigation? My daughter loves that the car on the navi looks like a plane. It might be clunky, but that review is all over the internet. Probably shouldve checked it out if the reviews are saying its clunky. I installed running boards. Yes, please. Safety features? You can turn them off...the safety features are for people who are distracted anyways...Honda Pilot is not advertised as self-driving car for crying out loud. The lane thing is pretty cool. I love that I can take my hands off the wheel if I wanted to. But if the car cant see, it lets you know. I dont "fight" anything. A little nudge here puts the car right back where it was. The vehicle is quiet. Its a SUV. Its not meant to be aerodynamic...its not meant to be the best ride you can have in a vehicle. The seats are a bit stiff....that I didnt like. The lumbar option doesnt have as much adjustability as my Hyundai Santa Fe. That might be my only comfort complaint. Oh the steering wheel controls can be re-done..but how many times are you pressing those things while you drive anyways? You want more dashboard car information? get yourself a bluetooth OBD reader and download Torque. Problem solves and youve got whatever information you need/want from your car. Look, the Honda Pilot isnt for everyone. If youre good with the EX-L, then great. If youre good with the Elite, great. The point is, do your homework and make sure you know what youre getting instead of listening to any "hypes". Thats just a terrible way to purchase a vehicle. Im sure the Highlander has some advantages over the Pilot. But it doesnt have what I was looking for, so it didnt cut it. Oh, and try sitting in the 3rd row of the Highlander.

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  Bland but will drive forever - 2002 Honda Accord
  By wagonneer2 - March 15 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Accord for about a year and half (16000 mi). It is smooth, solid, and reliable. The interior is very inviting with good quality plastics. Just about everyhting is in the right place (except cup holders). Dash is much nicer to look at than Camry, Altima or other family sedans. Suspension is firmer than Camry but seems to handle better. The exterior styling is very bland, but better than the 2003 models, which have an ugly back end. This car will last forever.

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  Love the Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RDL - March 14 - 6:52 pm

  Almost made the mistake of waiting for the New Tundra. Test drove the Ridgeline, the 06 Tundra and the F- 150. Came back to the Ridgeline, it fit like a glove when I slid into the drivers seat. Just the right size for my "gentleman truck" needs (occasional trip to Home Depot). The F-150 was too big and on the test drive the MPG readout on the dash didnt get over 10.5 MPG on average. Didnt wait on 2007 Tundra, even though I had driven Toyotas for years and my other car is a Lexus. No regrets!

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  Smart buy but not perfect - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Kindway - March 14 - 4:40 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, following a 91 Civic, a 96 Accord, and an 05 CR-V. I traded in the Accord for this Civic and was a little disappointed in how "hard" the seats and interior space feel compared to an eleven-year- old car. I know the cars are in two different segments; still, I wouldve liked to discover that that decade plus brought more refinement. This Civic feels much the way my 91 Civic felt back then when it was new. Nevertheless, it is reasonably comfortable and roomy enough for a six-footer and his 511" wife and their two children. The manual shifter is smooth, and the engine feels strong for a car this size. Especially pleasant is the handling; it rides more like a Jetta.

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  Different Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ljgbjgrpgmpg - March 14 - 1:53 pm

  Well, after having the car for a month I have to say the experience so far is very disappointing. The VCM is so annoying - hunting between modes at highway speeds. The surging/lurching is noticeable and not seamless and makes my wife ill - she thinks I am doing something - I have it on cruise!! Fuel "economy" is not as good as on 2004 coupe we had - only 27-28 on the road.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Stacy - March 14 - 1:37 pm

  We have really enjoyed our reliable Honda. We have had a few minor electrical problems, like dash lights burning out, but, otherwise it has been great.

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  2002 Honda Accord EX review - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jim - March 10 - 7:42 pm

  Very pleasant riding vehicle. Very good visibility. I had no major problems with the car. Handles excellently on dry and wet pavement.