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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  Pretty pleased except for .... - 2007 Honda Civic
  By peter_peter - January 9 - 2:00 pm

  I am very pleased with this car, except for as many consumers have already posted is the tire wear and the road noise. I do experience some transmission shaking when I am driving from a complete stop. This happens right around 15-22 mph. But if you step on the gas it isnt noticeable. The MPG is great, I drive rather mello to max out my MPGs and I am getting low 30s consistently (30-34). The sun visor seems to break right at the hinge (2x), but over all this car has been good to me.

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  Excellent vehicle, 195k and still going stong! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By greenewpm3 - January 7 - 7:44 am

  Since we bought our Odyssey in 1999, its done nothing but impress. We test drove all the Odysseys competitors, ranging from the Toyota Sienna to the Ford Windstar, and none could touch the Honda when it came to build quality and driving dynamics. The engine is wonderful, with plenty of power and low-end grunt. Transmission problems aside (See "Improvements") weve had to make only ONE unexpected repair, a single $40 coil pack, in the 195k miles weve driven! And we havent exactly babied our Odyssey either... For 5 summers in a row we towed our 3000lb boat back and forth through the Adirondack mountains, and the van never flinched!

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  Moving from 2010 Touring AWD w/DVD/RES to 2013 - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By assassin11b3p - January 4 - 2:37 pm

  What I love about this vehicle (2010), is how it works so damned good in the real world. As mentioned in the article, its boxy shape means large items go in without any worries, unlike the RX330 we traded-up from and all of its slopes. Its third row accommodates even my large body (5-10, 235lbs), and 8 people can travel in comfort. The fuel mileage is excellent too- nearly showing 25mpg on a week-long trip a couple years ago, and needing only about 2 tanks of gas to travel from TN to MS and then AL, and back, with a lot of driving in between (and on regular fuel), really impressed me. No, it doesnt have Suburban-class towing, but I dont need that. And its not a large vehicle!

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  Love my EP3 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tomjaaahallo - January 1 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my Si in may 2012 with 140k and now it has 154k. This was the first car Ive bought with my own money, and I am extremely satisfied. The 2.0L 4 has just enough hp to have fun but still is capable over over 30 mpg highway. The shifter is very easy to use and the handling is very responsive. Most of all, this car is extremely reliable. I have only needed brakes put on the car after purchasing, other than that no problems have surfaced. The best way to sum up this car is deceptively quick, deceptively room y (especially the rear seat), and deceptively reliable. I will definitely look at another Si when the time to get a new car comes, but for now I am extremely happy with my 03!

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  55k miles, almost 6 years - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By jimbo118 - January 1 - 12:12 am

  I almost in 6 years of ownership at 55k miles. The original tires lasted me 50k miles. I am still on the original brakes! No complaints about this car, its fantastic. Ive only had one minor problem fixed under warranty. I had a AC that whistled under acceleration. A valve was replace under warranty and that is fine now. This is a great reliable car that gets an average of 24mpg.

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  2nd review-crash result - 2012 Honda Civic
  By carlonz - December 30 - 11:16 am

  I submitted a review previously, just after purchasing my new 12 civic. I thought I should submit another after recently totaling it. It was a great car, in fact I have replaced it with the same exact model and color. Whats important to know is that I was hit (t-boned) on the passenger side at about 35 mph. Side impact air bags went off and car spun 180 degrees. I walked away with only a bruise to my right foreman, no other bruisers, breaks or next day sorenss, with the driver and passenger seating areas fully intact. Its not often someone submits a review on safety in a real world incident. Above and beyond its strengths and weaknesses, this car is built for safety. Thank you Honda.

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  Rear Suspension Problems - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ioeuropa - December 26 - 3:00 pm

  This is my 4th Civic. The 1998 Civic ex was the best. Still running with 280k miles on it. Both my 2004 civics had Cylinder head gasket problems, one at 127k, the other at 214k. I have 80K on my 2010 civic lxs. Its comfortable, has pep, and gets 38mpg. My one complaint is a big one. The rear struts are basically non existent if I have two adults in the back seat. The car bottoms out on small bumps. Its truly frightening, and loud. Youd have to experience it for yourself. Oh, and I drive highway only miles. I believe that Honda quality has been going down steadily since 98. Im probably going for a Toyota or Nissan next.

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  Does exactly what is needs to - 2012 Honda Civic
  By code_break - December 26 - 11:10 am

  I recently purchased a 2012 Civic LX after doing a lot of research on fuel efficient compact cars. Fuel economy was a top priority as my old gas burner was robbing me every other week. After comparing real world users reports it was clear the Civic would get good fuel economy. Many other cars seem to be highway rated at 40 mpg (Hyundai Elantra), but people in the real world are not actually getting that. After about 1k miles Ive already got over 45 mpg on a 200 mile trip.

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  Nice car but due for an update - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By bebo2014 - December 24 - 7:42 pm

  This is my second Honda Pilot. Honda is very well known for producing reliable vehicles. This Pilot is no exception. Very roomy from inside. Smooth drive on highways. Acceleration is sluggish. You also feel like driving a truck rather than an SUV. I used to own a Murano before my new pilot, which was more fun to drive. I like the boxy exterior which makes it more unique than current SUVs in the market today. Seats are comfortable. Excellent sound for the Touring although does not carry a brand sound system like the majority of other SUVs. I am getting about 24 MPG on highways but about 14 to 15 MPG in the city.

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  2011 Honda Pilot EX AWD - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By ron84 - December 21 - 5:40 pm

  I have owned my Pilot EX for two years (bought it new) and have approximately 50,000 miles on it. Absolutely no problems and it has performed as expected. It has plenty of power and is very comfortable. It handles very well and is easy to drive. It does very well in snow (better than my old Subaru). It is a perfect family vacation vehicle. It seats 8 and has plenty of leg room in both the second and third rows. All seats are comfortable but it seems to be slightly lacking in knee space in the drivers seat. You cant go wrong with a Honda Pilot. There are fancier SUVs out there but when all things are considered, you cant beat a Honda.