4 Star Reviews for Honda

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.47/5 Average
31,869 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 4151 through 4160 of 31,869.00
  • 05 Pilot EX does the job. - 2005 Honda Pilot
    By -

    Love the ride, drives better than most cheap cars around. AWD is great, but this baby needs wider tires, and better performing tires. Snow falls less than 9"inches are a breeze. With the big northeaster though, better tires were needed. Im not sure about the fuel economy because Im usually revving highs and driving stop and go a lot. The truck is as reliable as can be. Engine performance is great, wish the tranny was a 6 speed though. Handling is good for a 4400 pound vehicle but bigger tires and rims would help close the gap between SUV and car like handling.

  • Honda 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    Service not up to par-----for the money should come with more features.Steering wheel should telescope. No center console, directional signals have no warning or enough sound when on and I could go on and on.$500 for a trailer hitch??????

  • Failed Struts are Dangerous! - 2003 Honda Pilot
    By -

    I bought a Honda because I had always heard how reliable they were. They are just about the ugliest cars on the market, but the Pilot had several features that I really wanted, seating for eight passengers, integrated DVD system, and fairly good gas mileage. The warranty is not nearly as good as Hyundai, but I didnt think that would be an issue.

  • Great practical SUV - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    Space-hard floor-great sound system- easy handling

  • good choice - 2004 Honda Element
    By -

    has lots of room, very usable cargo space. Easy to keep clean, fun to drive, solidly built.

  • Honda Van Review 2004 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    I have enjoyed the vehicle so far with the following exceptions. Inoperative windshield washer ( warranty ), rattle under dashboard that the dealer has been unable to fix, non standard operating noise from right auto sliding door, terrible lease terms - 5K down, 356 / mo., 48 mos, 15K mi. / year

  • Fine Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
    By -

    The Honda Pilot is a fine vehicle, loaded with amenities, it is larger inside than the outside appearance would make one believe; also we are pleased with the short turning radius and that the car takes regular fuel, a real economical plus. The only complaints I would have with the car is that on our Pilot the front passenger seat is manual with few settings for comfort. Another problem I see is the lack of ac/heat vents in rear of vehicle this does cause some discomfort for passengers in back area of car in hot weather. And on our 2003 model the outside temperature gauge does not register the correct outside temp.

  • Oil Leaks, Transmission Failures - 2000 Honda Accord
    By -

    At just over 100,000 miles the torque converter seal failed ($600.00), and now 4,000 miles later the transmission is sending fault code P0780 (Shift Malfunction), cost and cause as yet undetermined. 2000 Accord has 177 service bulletins issued, my 1994 Accord only has 66 service bulletins issued. I think the quality/reliability of the Honda Accord has slipped considerably over the years. I do not recommend buying another one.

  • Still happy - 2000 Honda Odyssey
    By -

    This is the one vehicle I have owned (of many) that I feel was money well spent after years of ownership. No major drawbacks other than the lack of options like leather and a DVD when I bought it. A minor annoyance is the road noise on the expressway but maybe better tires would fix that problem.

  • The Perfect Sized SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
    By -

    This great SUV is just the right size. Big enough to carry 5 adults or a large amount of cargo, but small enough to be easy to drive, park in compact spaces, and fit in my garage. The big 4 cylinder engine/transmission combination is smooth and powerful, and feels like a small 6 cyliner. Visibility out the front is excellant, but out the rear is somewhat limited by the spare tire. Ride and handling is a little firm but acceptable for a SUV. Honda biggest mistake was not producing the EX version with 2 wheel drive.

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