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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  Did not meet my expectations - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brad - November 2 - 10:50 pm

  I want so badly to love this car, but I just cant quite do it for a few reasons. I traded in a 98 Prelude Sh and ordered this car from the factory as soon as I found out about its existence, but its not the four door replacement for the Prelude that Id hoped it would be. First, the transmission issue is incredibly frustrating. Second, the emergency brake jabs me in the knee. I know this issue may be limited to me, but its not a good feeling when you purchase a brand new car and it makes you limp. Third, the build quality is not up to par with the other Hondas or Toyotas Ive owned. Its a great looking and the performance is unparalleled for the price but its not perfect.

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  Best in class - 2007 Honda Civic
  By desimunda - November 2 - 6:20 pm

  Best in class, for sure. The interior, exterior styling is unparalled. Just fantastic and Im getting compliments daily. The throttle feels much better then my 04 civic sedan. This feels a lot heavier and powerful. Very different car then the 04 civic. Its also very steady on the highway. Quiet, etc.

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  Honda equals No Support - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Fed Up with Honda - November 2 - 3:40 pm

  Tires wearing out at 13,000 miles. Went to Grand Forks, ND dealership and told should have rotated tires at 8,000. They couldnt do it because it was Saturday and understaffed. In 2009 and 3 sets of tires later, I find Honda service bulletin 08-001 describing rear suspension control arms defective and causing rapid tire wear. Went to Bemidji, MN Honda dealer who put in required replacement kit. The dealer charged me $384 which I appealed. They contacted Honda and a month later my request for a no charge was denied as I was out of warranty. The car was in warranty when the bulletin was issued but Honda does not send bulletins to owners. Fend for yourselves Honda owners!

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  Auto-Idle is a dud! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - November 2 - 12:00 pm

  Purchased 2016 Honda Pilot Elite in September, 2015 and now has 6,700 miles on it. The auto-idle quits working and I have had it in for repair 4 times. The last two times I have been told that the system thinks my battery is low but when the battery is checked I am told it is excellent. They then have to reset it and it then works fine for a short while. Dealer said they cannot do anything about it until Honda does a software upgrade to fix the problem.

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  Misrepresentaion by Honda - 2001 Honda Passport
  By Sheree - November 2 - 11:27 am

  I bought what I thought was a certified used Honda Passport still under warranty for my 16 yr old daughter in 2004. I have spent over $10,000 in repairs in five years. The transmission just went out for the second time with only 116,000 miles on the odometer. The car is actually an Isuzu Rodeo with Hondas name on it. This car is a piece of junk.

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  Dashboard - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dick - November 2 - 11:23 am

  Recently acquired the car. Overall I like the car. What I do not like is the layout of some of the info on the dash control panel. The temp. is located with the mileage indicator. Need to reach around the steering wheel to put on. The clock is on the radio which is located by my knee. The heater has the temp. showing all the time. It is located in the middle of the control panel. This the least used info.

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  Economy, but not so much fun.... - 2009 Honda Civic
  By reelalarm - November 2 - 6:45 am

  I have had this car for 5 months, great economy, not a pleasure to drive. The visibility on right side is none, you cant sit high enough to judge how close you are. Please when going up a hill stay in right lane, there is no power to pass or accelerate. The car is very low, can bottom out easy. I also get back aches from driving long distances. But it is what it is good on fuel. I will be heading to Florida soon, that will tell the story.

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  Road Rocket - 2003 Honda S2000
  By g-man - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Chicago and drove it home to Texas. The tight suspension flattens out on the road. The handling is excellent and when you hit the power zone 5500 and up, it feels like a turbo is kicking in. For the price this is undoubtedly the best sports car for the money. On the way home had the pleasure to hook up with a Porsche Boxter. We played with each other for a while and then went to it. This little Road Rocket walked away from the Boxter. We backed off well over 100 (130 speedometer) with plenty off pedal left. Sometimes I need to remind myself its a Honda!

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  Truly the #1 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Saibal Sen - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle without even test driving it. The recommendations from Consumer Reports and Edmunds were enough for me. And I was not disappointed. I picked it from the dealer and drove 60 miles to my home on a stormy day. It was rock steady against 50 mph winds on the freeway. I had a tough time finding this vehicle and the color that I wanted at MSRP.

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  A happy Pilot owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SJMNC - November 2 - 2:00 am

  We took the Pilot on a 1,100 mile trip through the Mohavi desert. The trip was a little long. But, the car performed beautifully and did not give us any disappointment. We got about 22-25 MPG on average - very respectable for such a large vehicle. The handling is great.