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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  Needs more power - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Don - December 5 - 1:43 pm

  I must say that over all I am happy with the CRV. It is the first SUV my wife and I have owned. The cargo space is great and rear seats are easy to fold down. I did have to replace the tires at about 25,000 miles, but my main complaint is the lack of power. I wish Honda would put the 4 cylinder engine from the Acura TSX in this car.

• 

  front end problem - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Dennis - December 5 - 1:28 pm

  I bought my pilot in September 2009 I traded My pilot 2007 for the 2010. I found problems with the front end, it pulls to the right which I never had a problem with my 2007. Honda needs to recall this vehicle for the front end problem, and they better do it soon before some one gets into an accident.

• 

  Pilot Fan - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Fan - December 5 - 11:00 am

  This is the best vehicle we have ever owned. It drives like a car but has more than enough room for a family of four plus dogs.

• 

  The Perfect Balance - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hyampols - December 5 - 7:43 am

  Although not the fastest, most luxurious, or technologically advanced in the very competitive mid-size sedan segment, the Accord strikes the perfect balance of sport, comfort and value, creating a vehicle that feels and acts like a much pricier machine. Indeed, the hi-revving engine, tight suspension and precise steering have almost a Bavarian feel to it.

• 

  09-10 Pilots Pull to Right - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By 59bobster - December 5 - 2:36 am

  While I very much like this SUV, we too have experienced the mysterious pulling to the right noted by other owners. In fact, we noticed it in several 2009s we test drove before eventually purchasing a 2010. Funny thing is, we specifically tested this while test driving and it was either not present or not pronounced enough to be readily noticeable. Our Pilot had just 15 miles on it when we bought so Im wondering if this is something that gets worse with mileage? Just returned from 500 mile round trip on freeways and driving straight requires constant pressure left on steering wheel. Have not returned to dealer yet but given the numerous reports, I doubt its an alignment issue.

• 

  Best for our family - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richie - December 5 - 12:24 am

  If you are interested in an excellent choice for a family utility truck, the Honda Ridgeline RTS would be your choice. I traded in a 2008 Civic because my commuting days were over. I am extremely impressed with the quality, ride virtually no road noise and excellent workmanship of this vehicle. Although I dont drive aggressively, gas mileage on the road for me has been seen at 22.8 mpg using the cruise control on the Interstate. City has shown 17-18 mpg. Hauling utility and trailering is excellent with ample power. I really appreciate the under deck storage trunk and rear seat foldups to allow for ample carrying capacity. If your looking for the ultimate family vehicle, this is it.

• 

  2000 4dr EX - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Monty994 - December 4 - 11:19 pm

  I bought this car new with high hopes of Honda quality. Unfortunately, I am at 160K and on my 3rd transmission. The first died at 95K and was replaced under warranty. The second died at 135K. Honda did contribute towards the trany and it only cost me $500. Otherwise the car has been pretty good. Other than the transmission, I have only had to replace my starter. Some interior dash lights are starting to die, but it is 10yrs old. The size of the trunk is huge and the car is relatively comfortable and has no problem rolling 80mph on the highway. So in short, I am happy, but expected better reliability from Honda

• 

  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.

• 

  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.

• 

  Better than I expected - 2017 Honda Civic
  By E Rogge - December 4 - 8:29 pm

  No maintenance issues with the car so far; we have 700 miles on the car. The turbo engine and CVT combination is a *great* bit of engineering - superior low-end torque *and* great mileage. There is a tiny bit of turbo lag, but for daily commuting and long distance trips its a non-issue. We test drove a Mazda3 Grand Touring before the Civic and that engine had to be flogged to get the same acceleration. And unlike my friends 2.5i Subaru Outback, this engine/CVT does not annoy me with constant RPM droning. The CVT seems to find the right RPM for the moment. Unlike my 2006 Highlander which has horrible down-shift lag when passing other cars, this car "downshifts" *right now*. The car handles well, not as good as a 2017 GTI, but definitely better than the other compact cars Ive owned (2000 Accord, 2004 Corolla, 2010 Corolla) and tested. Cornering turn-in is much better than expected for a front-wheel-drive car. The driver seat is one of the best fits ever for me and Im six feet tall. On the other hand, the passenger seat sits too low in the car for both me and my wife. The entertainment system took a while to figure out and is a bit quirky. The user interface could be better. Interior fit and finish is great. Overall great car. One of our best car buys ever.