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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  new pilot 2010 - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By deb - December 31 - 10:05 am

  I have put 1500 mi on my pilot in 2 weeks. The dashboard is well light and easy to read. The fog lights are GREAT. Gas mileage is about 20.5 so far, but its a Honda so I will get better. I dont notice any pulling to the right as mentioned by others. Handles very well in 6 in snow.

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  Still kickin at 127k - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bluestar - December 30 - 11:53 pm

  Overall this van has been pretty good to us. We bought it new and had the transmission recall done immediately within a few months of buying I think. I have had the tranny fluid changed every 15k and flushed every 30k and never had a problem with it. The 3 stupid motor mounts needed to be replaced though at 90k covered under our 100k warranty thankfully. That seemed like a strange part to wear out. Rear main seal was leaking oil and just replaced at 120k. Engine has been bullet proof with just a timing belt/water pump service at 105k. We have been very satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Unreliable - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Eddie - December 30 - 10:46 am

  First problem was steering, they forgot to place oil in steering column causing creaking noise hard steering. Second, transmission slips since 15000 miles, was told to replace transmission fluid due to it being burned. I do no towing and drive normal, never had issues last 4 cars I owned. Third power steering pump has problems with air causing loud noise and fluid issues when cold. Heard there is TSB on this however Im out of warranty. MPG what expected, love van but mechanical issues Im not happy for I paid 32,000$. My 4 runner was much more reliable.

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  Great buy for long term ownership - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By anh - December 30 - 8:33 am

  Built like a tank. Very sturdy. Bought in 2008 , no repairs required yet just routine maintenance. Paint and interior look brand new 8 years later. Great SUV

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  Ok so far - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Hard to please - December 30 - 7:53 am

  We picked up our new civic yesterday. I checked the mileage on the 141 mile trip home averaging 40.9 mpg driving at variable speeds from 50 to 75 mph on the freeway RPM under 3000. Are we happy? Yes! I like the gas mileage but it isnt a Camry in comfort and ride, but didnt expect it to be. The bad: we noticed a small ding on the truck lid, however very faint and we asked for a hundred off and got it so I shouldnt complain since I made the deal. I did noticed that the trunk lid isnt exactly centered. The door jams were dirty, and grease on the carpet mat that I ask the dealer to clean and they did. Other than than so far so good.

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  Typical Honda! - 2006 Honda Element
  By 16YEAROLD - December 30 - 2:05 am

  I got this car for my birthday in October, and I am loving it! I have wanted one since they came out, and I am happy for going with my intuition. I love Hondas in general. My aunt has a 1990 Honda Accord with over 300,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong, and drives like new. I did have to get used to the blind spots, but what car do you not have to get used to them in. I mean all cars have blind spots in different places... I have the stick, and I have not regretted it one bit. Some people dont like the suicide doors, but I love them. They just take a little getting used to, but we used to have a Saturn with one, so it is no biggie to me...

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  Excellent value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ismael - December 30 - 12:40 am

  I got this car mid-April to replace my gas guzzling F-150 and havent looked back since. Great amount of interior space, excellent design, the 190 hp engine takes off faster that I could have possibly hoped for (who needs a V6?), and the features that come standard with the EX are everything I could have hoped for. Fun to drive, safe, reliable, and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

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  16th Honda - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondaman - December 29 - 8:54 pm

  Yes, thats no typo--Ive had 16 Hondas (and 1 Acura). First van though, and Ive had it 24 months w/o problems. It doesnt handle like a Civic--but it doesnt ride like one either. Its been comfortable, safe and reliable. Fun? Hey, its a VAN for crying out loud. It does make an odd "clunk" in the back end when using reverse sometimes or turning hard to the right. But Ive got no real complaints. Its not like my CRVs for toughness, its not like my Civics for mpg. It IS like my Accords for comfort. I still cant get over the stigma of owning a minivan but if you have to have one, the Odyssey is the one to get.

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  Neglectful - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Julie - December 29 - 4:47 pm

  In 2012 I purchased a brand new Honda CR-V. At first, everything seemed great. A year later or so I started to experience a strange sound when I started the truck. When I took it in for regular oil change I mentioned it and they said they would check it out. They told me it was ok and the noise I heard was "normal." I trusted them and their exper mechanics so I continued to drive it. Needless to say it continued and ever time I took it in they told me nothing was wrong. It finally got to be too much and ONLY upon my insistence, they kept the truck overnight to listen to the noise which they repeatedly assured me was "nothing." Today after I finally called to check on my truck because no one called me I was told it is the VTC Actuator and would cost $500, but not to worry they would pay $350 and I would only have to pay $150. I asked why I would have to pay anything at all and was told because now the warranty expired. I asked for the manager who NEVER came to the phone instead I was directed to call Honda customer service. Well I called was given a case # and now wait for the result. Meanwhile, Im without transportation. Omg words cannot express my frustration. There has to be some protection or something for this. HELP,,,,,,,,

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  Civic Touring Coupe with body kit - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Pat - December 29 - 2:41 pm

  Fun car to drive with great acceleration. The dealer added a body kit to this black Civic Touring and it looks like the 2017 SI. It didnt sell in 2016 and the dealer wanted to sell it. When I first saw the car this past weekend (Labor Day 2017) I wanted it. It has everything and then added styling. The car was discounted so I got a pretty good deal. My wife thought we needed a sedan but now that she has driven the car, she is very happy with the coupe. It is a one of a kind Touring since it has the body kit added.