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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  monster - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By orly - May 14 - 2:00 am

  It comes with a lot of details that are really good and were the the things that attracted me to but it. Nevertheless, I have found some areas that need some improvement. spend a lot of gas; 12mpg city and 15mpg in highway. I know is an SUV, however, japanesse cars are known for being gas econimic. glove compartment needs more space; only a book fits there. last seats row could use a little bit more of height, when I sat one day at that row, I felt as if I was seating by the curb of the road, my knees were way high and I am only a 5.5 foot tall guy. when carrying something on a hitch (four bicycles) the rear suspension buckles. thanks

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  Not Bad - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By diamondmen - May 13 - 11:04 am

  I bought this vehicle used from auction, it is a basic EX, and impressed with the room inside, I dont like the shifter, doors should lock automaticly when gear in drive and should unlock when parked. I liked the third seat, it is somewhat comfy and folds nicely. Typical honda built with lots of plastic (pampered myself with german cars forever) but functional. I would like the ride to be more connected to the road and have a middle dash shifter. Couldnt try for MPG yet but it seem to guzzle.

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  Happy with my car - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - May 11 - 3:22 pm

  Im very pleased with this car. Ive had it for 5 years, do all the scheduled maintenance and havent had any problems. It gets around great in the snow w/the AWD. This is the longest Ive ever owned a car and plan on keeping it until it dies. Theres plenty of room to haul stuff in the back w/the seats down. I did pay to add a passenger seat arm rest. I agree with some of the other reviews about the seats (not comfortable on road trips) and the steering wheel needs to tilt down a bit more. But overall I like it and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Little Car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Jer - May 11 - 1:30 pm

  I bought my Civic from a family friend almost 2 years ago. At that time, the car had about 180,000 miles. She was the original owner and took the car to Honda for all services, repairs, etc. As soon as I test drove it, I decided it was well worth the $1500 they were asking. Two years later, the thing still runs like a clock and doesnt miss a beat. Its become my commuter car for work as the mileage cant be beat... I get no less than 30mpg anywhere I go and it usually averages 35-40 mpg on the freeway. It is a pretty simple, barebones car... but its VERY reliable, efficient and cost effective. Especially since gas is now over $3 a gallon!

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  Great car for the money - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By hoosier - May 10 - 1:40 pm

  Nice little SUV. im getting 23-24 mpg in mixed driving but not any better on the highway. expected a little more if pure highway. ride is nice. dashboard controls seem far away have to reach to get to them.

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  All hail the might Honda Accord! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By JSM - May 9 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this car with 90k miles. To make a long story short this car NEVER let me down! I drove this car everywhere and it does not flinch. I got a little enthusiastic on an onramp curve, and the car recovered easily. Much more comfortable ride than a Civic in the same era. I now have 180K miles on it and I hear no knocking, rattling, nor do I smell any gas or oil burning [knocks on wood]. Safe to say that I will keep this car till it stops running. That will be quite a long wait.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Brian - May 9 - 3:57 pm

  I have had this car since 61000 miles and I am at 75000. It is still running strong and is an awesome car with great fuel economy. It is low on hoarsepower but I put a exhaust and intake on it to bring it up and it is faster. Needs tighter suspension and one of my struts has started to leak and it sometimes pops out of second gear but I have a warrenty on it to cover it. Overall it has been a great car and has saved a lot of money in fuel.

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  Probably the best sedan in class currently - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Matt - May 9 - 10:48 am

  Not the best in all areas, but very good in most. Car would be near perfect if it had the automatic from the Mazda3 instead of a CVT. Body panel gaps are too wide, reminiscent of a 1990s Saturn S series. Some materials are cheap, i.e. rear seat, rear door interior panels. Sheet metal is incredibly thin, hood oil cans when you gently wash the car. Thats the bad. On the good side, 40mpg is easily attainable. Very good visibility from the drivers seat--thank you Honda for not following the high beltline, bathtub seating position trend these days. Full safety suite is available at modest cost on most trims. Turbo engine has just enough power to never feel too strained--decently quick in most situations. Quiet, road and wind noise are very well controlled. Modern interior design. Great gauge cluster. Decent stereo for a stock system. Car feels more expensive than it is, with a few notable exceptions such as the aforementioned body gaps. Mid level EX-T trim is the value play of the lineup in my opinion. You get heated seats, dual zone climate control, remote start, moonroof, decent alloy wheels, the turbo engine, electronic gauges, and a decent stereo for roughly $21k at the time of this review. The base car is well equipped for a few grand less. Add a grand for Honda Sensing active safety system if you want it. The CVT is less obtrusive than in our 2014 Civic, by far, and works better with the turbo than the NA engine. Best value in the compact car class as of May, 2016 in my opinion. The upcoming Subaru Impreza may give the Civic a run for the money, we shall see. But as of today, the Jetta, Sentra, Corolla, etc, all seem cheap and dated compared to the Honda. The Mazda3 is my second place in segment, but doesnt match the Honda in value for the dollar. Civic feels a lot roomier inside, especially in back. Also, the 3 is really noisy in comparison, and feels less refined than the Civic. Focus isnt bad, but is getting long in the tooth and rear seat space stinks. The new Cruze is promising, but probably wont have the same reliability and resale value of a Honda, unfortunately. I havent driven the Cruze yet to comment otherwise.

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  Honda sold Civics soul - 2003 Honda Civic
  By scannon - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 LX is NO FUN at all to drive. The steering is firm but vague, and it refuses to recenter properly. Brake feel is appalling. On the plus side, it is very roomy, its cleanly designed (if boring), and its fine on the highway. Material quality is typical for Honda - first rate, lightyears ahead of anything built by the US manufacturers. This car has qained a full quarter-ton of weight since 1996. Its safer than the previous generation, but the weight increase - absent a commensurate power increase - means that the car is slooooowww off the line. Cornering is uninspired, and as I said, braking is poor.

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  Silver Bullet - 2003 Honda Accord
  By wrigley01 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The car has been excellent. No problems whatsoever. Love the V6 and highway driving. Nice road trip vehicle.