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:

• 

  wonderful family vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By milomeissner - January 20 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car -- very comfortable on long trips and very sure-footed off road. perhaps a little ponderous around town, however.

• 

  Nice Car But it Has a Few Design Issues - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By M. Lopergolo - January 19 - 4:32 am

  The 2016 Pilot looks great and runs fantastically. My chief complaint is the fact that the passenger side mirror doesnt have the camera. I assumed the highest end model would have the camera when I ordered my 2016 Pilot. I was extremely disappointed to find it doesnt. I have a 2014 Accord with the camera and have grown to depend on it for safety reasons. I wish Honda would offer an "after market" camera for the passenger side. If I had know this I would have ordered the Touring edition. I am not a happy camper with Honda.

• 

  11,000 miles later... - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tim S. - January 17 - 11:57 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 9/06, and have put 11,000 miles since. I was in the market for an all-weather vehicle that could carry 4 adults plus gear on an all-day road trip in comfort, and the Pilot has performed that role beautifully. Others have complained about road noise, but I have found it quite reasonable on many long days. If this is a concern for you, do a freeway test drive and decide for yourself. The NAV system works pretty well -not perfect, but good (disclaimer - I have NOT read the entire, lengthy manual for it) but sometimes the routing is quirky. I have averaged just under 20 MPG combined.

• 

  Great Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By ArtGirl - January 17 - 6:24 pm

  I was thinking about buying a new car - something with a high safety rating. And because I now have 126,000 miles (although my mechanic keeps saying this is a great car and I have another 100,000 miles in it). But after reading the reviews in here on the cars that have high safety ratings and on my car, I think Im going to keep this one for awhile. Theres no bad reviews on this car. VW and Volvo both have some very negative reviews (hadnt made my way to Saab, Audi or Subaru yet). The car is getting a bit sluggish with age, but overall, it has great get up and go for a 4 cylinder.

• 

  Good overall - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matthew Chandler - January 17 - 9:09 am

  Overall I really like this car but a couple of issues right off the bat. First is wind noise leaking from door seal. Second vibrating panel when it is cool. Mpg is great the cvt is great

• 

  Good overall - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matthew Chandler - January 17 - 9:09 am

  Overall I really like this car but a couple of issues right off the bat. First is wind noise leaking from door seal. Second vibrating panel when it is cool. Mpg is great the cvt is great

• 

  Nice Car! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By 91hondaciviclx - January 17 - 2:22 am

  I got the car, for more Gas Mileage, and i love it, but i am a novice to the 5sp kind. I have learned quick, and am doing great! The car is like new, a rust spot on one side, and thats all. Car looks and drives like new!! This is the kind of car, for a person who is looking to get Great Gas Mileage and not have to fill up every time ya turn around. But i have found the room to be quite small, as i am a big guy, i like more room, None the less, the car is in great shape with 152xxx miles on it and still runs like it was just built this year! This car is okay, put the cup holder in a better place than on top of the dash.Buy a used 91 civic lx and you wont be mad you did!!!!!

• 

  great family travel vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wisfam - January 16 - 9:42 pm

  Great family vehicle. Comfortable ride and handling (after replacing OEM tires). Good ergonomics for a big man.

• 

  Great Car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Tomwaits - January 16 - 2:20 am

  I drive ~90% city driving and just hit 31 mpg w/ 3000 miles on the odometer. Still no highway data, but mpg is still improving. Keeping the speed under 70 makes a huge difference in mpg. Great shifting w/ paddles and terrific handling. Interior design is excellent and w/ magic seats, I fit my 611" surfboard inside. Lack of dead pedal and center armrest was solved by buying after market from Zeta Products. Added Clear Bra and tinting to prevent chips and help the weak A/C. Relatively poor driving position and Honda needs to add telescoping steering column. Great car for the money and while inexpensive, the Honda Fit is in no way cheap. As basic transportation, its a good buy.

• 

  Decent Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Chopper - January 15 - 3:54 pm

  I got my 2000 Civic in Aug. 2006, and it is a decent car overall. I like that it gets good gas mileage and that it is very reliable, but Honda could have made it a lot better. First off, the LX does not have ABS brakes, even though my 94 Integra did (which is built by Honda), and my Civic does not have too much HP, its around 104 HP. The inside does look cheap, but its comfortable. The exterior design is nice, but it does scratch and dent easily.