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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  Make sure you have a Warranty! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By chefmickd - August 5 - 1:53 am

  I bought this car in April 08, within a 14 months I had to return the car 4 times to the dealer. Twice to have the front driver and then the front passenger windows replaced because the original ones were defective and wouldnt close. Then I had trouble with the IMA (the Hybrid Technology), the IMA stopped working, when that happens you do not get the power assist from the electric motor,when that happens the car has all the power of a go-cart. Super dangerous when that happens on the freeway. Thankfully the warranty covered the work which would have been over $2500 for each IMA failure. The emergency brake is positioned in such a way that it jabs into the drivers leg, not comfortable.

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  Not so great - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By kimo darling - August 2 - 7:50 pm

  The vehicle is small and does not take bumps very well. The doors shut and make a noise like tin cans. The vehicle seems cheap and cant pull anything but a really small trailer (really small) Lots of road noise. If you look under the vehicle from the rear, the exhaust pipe looks funny the way it is routed. It hangs down and looks like a string of spegetti.

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  Safety is questionable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ex - July 30 - 9:24 pm

  My 05 Honda Pilot would come to a grinding halt without warning. The incidents occurred 3 times - 2 from taking off from a stop light and the 3rd time while driving a 55 mph. I was lucking all three cases that the individuals behind me were paying close attention.

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  Honda failure - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Ken G - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 4 hondas prior to this vehicle, so when I was in the market for an inexpensive reliable commuter car, I was confident with buying the Civic. WHAT A MISTAKE! Here is a list of my cars problems: Gas gauge not close to being correct, transmission never seems to know what gear to be in especially after taking a turn. Huge hesitation when reapplying the gas pedal after making a turn. AC system struggles to get the car cool. AC vents extremely loose. I now have folds of paper jammed in the side of each vent to keep it from pointing straight up. I could go on but Im running out of space. Stick with an older model.

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  Another Civic mistake - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth - July 20 - 11:08 am

  This is my 2nd Civic both bought from private sellers. First one: 2000 EX coupe, had a mechanic look at it and it just wound up being a piece of crap, not well cared for like I thought and was told. Sold it. This one was 1 owner, always maintained from day 1, all paperwork so I thought it was okay. Stupid me! Costly repairs on things and I still have costly repairs to do. This $3300 is now almost a $5K car! Civics are notorious for window issues, A/C not great, and I find it uncomfortable to get in/out of and sit for a long time in those thin seats. I bought it w/138K miles and I now have 140K. Cant afford to get rid of it now. Hondas are so overpriced and overrated!

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  Soccer Moms May Love It-I Sure Dont - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By AUSeminole - July 19 - 4:10 pm

  Had it for 3 weeks, bought it brand new. Front end has a vibration right at 70 MPH which the dealer has so far been unable to correct. Check engine light came on after 2 weeks, and its in the shop for the 2nd straight day. It takes about 10 minutes to fill up the gas tank. At highway speeds, a little accelerator pressure results in constant downshifts and hunting for the right gear. Theres hesitation when slowing down and then hitting the gas. After having a Grand Cherokee V-8 for 8 years, this is a disappointing vehicle. Maybe it is a good soccer mom car to cruise around town in, but Im used to a traditional SUV, and this isnt traditional.

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  very disapointed - 2004 Honda Element
  By michele magrane - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I was so happy for the first several months. Then the windshield cracked from a tiny pebble. Of course, not covered under warranty. But come to find out I am not the only owner complaining about this. There is a recall on the 2003 elements but Honda has not fixed the problem with the 2004 model. check out this website... hondaelementscrack.com for more complaints. And then I recently tried to put in a baby car seat in the back seat and it is impossible to secure safety. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Good car but shouldve not chosen it! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By albanyfamily31 - July 16 - 9:26 pm

  the driver side seating is very uncomfortable and tight compared to other minivans, especially the Sienna; also the loud vibration i feel beneath the car as i am driving which you can also hear from the engine and the brakes make a weird sound as youre turning; really annoying that theres no coin holder in a car costing close to $30,000;

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  The 9 speed trans. is the worst Ive driven - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RJ - July 12 - 7:29 pm

  Stay away, I regret spending my hard earned money on this junk, the 9 speed gear box is dangerous, it shifts randomly jerking everyone around and speeds up on down hills. Acura has lost a lot of respect because of this 9 speed so WHY Honda do you put this in the new pilot???? Consumers Report has info on this issues saying to be careful or youll be sorry. I trusted the Honda name so didnt do my homework before buying. I have 7,000 miles and waiting for the new Highlander, it has the Lexus 8 speed that is smooth as silk, yes Ill take a beating but am forced to make the change, I wont drive it, nor will my Wife drive it. STAY AWAY

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  Stay away from this gas guzzler - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Nick G - July 8 - 1:34 pm

  Whatever nice features this car might have they pale when you consider the gas consumption. Dont believe the rated MPG. It is much worse. I get 10 MPG in the city and 17 on the highway. The car has over 20,000 miles so it is definitely past the break-in period.