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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  Satisfied - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jbjonesey - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Green Pearl with beige interior. If you live in the upper Mid-West or receive a fair amount of snow, the Canadian version does have heated side mirrors but the US version does not. More comfortable seats and nicer interior than the Passat but is slightly less fun to drive than the Passat. Optional extended warranty can be used at any Honda dealership. An online dealer does sell the 7 year, 0 deductible extended warranty for less than $1,000.

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  Best Ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rick D - June 10 - 12:50 am

  Just bought the new Touring model after owning a 2003 Odyssey. Loved the 2003, but this one is amazing. Too many features and all are great. Navigation system is too good to be true, more room and I still feel like Im driving my Accord. Thought about the Sienna for a day or two due to the AWD, but made the right choice with nthe Honda.

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  Honda 4dr Lx Auto 4cyl - 2003 Honda Accord
  By GEE GEE - June 9 - 11:24 pm

  After 5 years of ownership car is excellent. Quality car. Fit and finish excellent. This is my 3rd Honda Accord. Great value. Average 18 to 19 mpg. city and 30 to 34 mpg. Highway. 4 cyl with plenty of pick up and go. Thinking of buying a 2008 Civic but I think I will stick with this beauty for a few more years.

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  My little Fit that can - 2007 Honda Fit
  By donaldchudsonjr - June 9 - 1:01 pm

  I currently have 23,000 miles on my Fit Base model that I purchased for my wife in September 2007. I have had no issues period with this car. It has made several east coast trips in the last few months. One trip down to FL averaged 42 MPG (with a tail wind)!!! That is just as good as my 1996 Civic CX that has 420,000 miles. The ABS system in this car is awesome, even while trailering to motorcycles. I made my own trailer hitch and have been moving everything I own down to FL, much cheaper than renting a truck. The interior is extremely comfortable, and the ride feels sporty even while lacking the get up and go to match it. All in all a great quality car well worth my cash.

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  Attention to detail makes owning a pleasure - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By 4Hawkeyes - June 9 - 12:03 am

  Ive owned/driven Hondas for the last 25 years and have always been satisfied with fit, finish, reliability, and safety and I have come to take these things for granted from Honda. The point is, up to now, I was just satisfied but the 2017 Pilot has blown me away with seemingly all the things I didnt even know I needed. Ive never owned a vehicle with remote start but now I use it almost daily. I love the auto door unlock/lock feature. In the past when leaving my vehicle my hands were full and I used to have to fumble for the door lock FOB and juggle packages. Now I just walk away and the vehicle takes care of itself. When I return I dont need to unlock the doors I just grab the door handle and the doors unlock. Dont buy navigation just use Android Auto it integrates well with all of the other Audio options. I know these are just minor things but the cumulative effect of all the minor design improvements are going to WOW you and make you appreciate your decision to buy this car. Its fun to drive, looks good, and gets good mileage. I dont think you will regret it.

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  Love this car - 2013 Honda Accord
  By derekleeo - June 8 - 9:02 pm

  I never thought I would buy a car with a CVT, but this car is great. Honda did a great job tricking you into thinking you are driving a car with a regular tranny. If you drive normal, the car simulates shifting....but put your foot down and you instantly know its a CVT. I bought this for commuting not racing. I am averaging 33 mpg in mixed driving. I turned the econ off for a highway trip @80mph and got 30.3, so I turned it back on and will not touch it again. This car is comfortable and kind of fun to drive. I am happy with the long list of standard features on the LX. I also know that since its a Honda, it will run forever.

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  Arizona Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Arizona Accord - June 8 - 9:00 pm

  This is my 4th Honda. As expected, an excellent car in quality and performance. The redesign of the 2006 makes the care look even better.

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  My Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Gail - June 8 - 8:39 pm

  It is likely more typical to write a review when you have had, or are having, a problem. This thought occurred to me reading through some of the posts here re: unexpected and expensive problems. Thought I would tell you about my experience. Bought my CR-V used in 2006 with 52,000 miles on it - now, 106,000. Other than changing the oil with high quality synthetic every 3500 miles & buying a new battery, I did nothing else to it until last month. Had to get new tires and the back brakes done. Also took it to the Honda Dealership & had them do all of the scheduled maint. to date (overdue). Every fluid changed - $600 poorer. But think Im good now for another 100,000 miles. Love the car.

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  2000 EX V6 was Hondas best model - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jim Rosalez - June 8 - 7:24 pm

  My 2000 Honda has been fun to drive and the maintenance which I has only been done by Honda for the entire life of the car, hence there is a record of all maintenance done on the car for anyone wishing to check it out. Clean and maintained properly. Really not sure that I will sell it but at the moment I am looking at doing so. All mileage has been on a local bases with the exception of trips to and from relocation areas. This is one of Hondas best cars done in 2000. Just recently got a letter from Honda on their Premier Program for 2000 Hondas. It appears that there is a great demand for this model year. Makes me think maybe I should keep the car.

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  Almost Perfect - One design flaw - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By tbcvideo - June 8 - 10:08 am

  I purchased my second Honda Pilot in March 2008 after being the happy owner of a 2005 Pilot. The vehicle is perfect for a large family as it seats 8 comfortably (kids in th rear). There is one flaw and it is identical to that in the 2005 model. When driving at speeds greater than 40 miles per hour, try opening the rear passenger windows ONLY! Start with the back right and you will notice a very loud hum or vibration. It is NOT a minor noise as it is almost deafening and pounds on your ears. I am not sure if Honda is aware of this problem. I thought it was just my own 05 model that was doing this however it is identical in the 08. The pilot otherwise is perfect!