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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  I have owned a few......... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Lee42812721 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  But this is not the quality of a Honda that I have known. The car itself is a nice looking car, otherwise, it is a nightmare. Terrible in snow, battery dies after 15 minutes, Gas mileage is approximately 12 MPG. Just an awful car. Honda, PLEASE TAKE THIS BACK!!!

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  9-speed models are not safe - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By BruceW - March 24 - 9:27 am

  Pilot can be bought with the navigation system only in the top trim models and these also have the 9-speed transmission. I took a test drive on the freeway and when accelerating onto the freeway to merge safely with traffic I floored the accelerator pedal and then waited a full 4 seconds before the transmission downshifted and the car computer fed more fuel to the engine and the car started to accelerate. When I simulated a passing situation by moving into the left lane and flooring the accelerator pedal the same thing happened. No response at all for 4 seconds and then finally the car started to accelerate. The published 0-60 MPH times with the Pilot are not at all accurate with the 9-speed transmission. Add 4 seconds to the time and you will appreciate why I do not consider the Pilot safe to drive on the highway. The other con for me was the feel of the electronic steering where there was no feedback and it was further complicated by the odd profile of the steering wheel that is rectangular rather than round. The storage space is exceptional with the Pilot and the navigation system that uses Garmin technology like that found in the Garmin 760 is outstanding and the best of any SUV at this time. I would only buy one of the two trim levels that have the 6-speed transmission and based on that I decided to instead buy a 2018 Chevy Traverse.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By King - March 23 - 9:03 am

  We just returned from a 2,300 mile trip. We got 30.25 mpg which is what the sticker says. I also have a 2007 Chevrolet Impala with a 3.9L that gets 29.0 plus driving 27 miles each way to work. Not satisfied with the car. Lots of road noise, not a comfortable ride and less than expected gas mileage. I was told I should expect mileage in the mid 30s. Very disappointed after reading all of the Honda hype prior to purchase. Unless something changes, this will be my first and last Honda Accord.

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  Honda Accord 2002 EX V6 Poor Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By gegogo - March 20 - 2:00 am

  In June, 2002 I decided to upgrade and get the top of the line Accord. What a mistake. I have 7000 miles on the car and to date have had the steering column and transmission replaced. If Honda is known for quality, Id hate to see the product of the other manufacturers. Horrible car.

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  not again - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Never Again Honda - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles the trans was replaced. It does not shift correclty since then. It has been in the shop for valve seals, rear window water leaks and other small stuff. Mine is for sale... watch out.

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  Serious problems with Sound System and Navigation - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JI - March 5 - 8:29 pm

  Purchased July 2015 - Problems started in September 2015 with navigation and sound system. Navigation screen would go blank - and display a Clarion Extraframework has stopped error. Dealer performed update to navigation system - error has not appeared since but sound system sounds terrible - sounds like an AM radio from the 1950s. Dealer tells us Honda is aware and working on problem - but still no fix and it is now July 2016. Sound system has this problem on XM, FM and memory stick.

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  Honda Pax Tires - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DFR - March 4 - 8:14 pm

  What a horrible experience with the tires, I cannot get 20,000 miles out of them, I keep the tires rotated, the dealership is only person that works on the Ody. No one will step up to ownership of the Pax tire problems. I have had 12 tires on my vehicle, last set Aug. 06, ready for another four.

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  Transmission failed - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Joseph - March 3 - 10:37 am

  I purchased my 2016 Honda Pilot in September of 2015. I was fairly happy with the purchase, but I did notice some unusual transmission experiences. Well this week, it got worse. The gears banged into place and made loud noises. Sometimes it would not shift and just stay in gear with the engine revving really high and then banging into the next gear. The problem? The cooling coil in the transmission failed causing anti-freeze and trans fluid to mix throughout the transmission and the cooling system. According to the dealership, this is the third one theyve seen like this in their shop. They also told me that their friends who work at the Acura dealer nearby are having the exact same issue with the MDX. They are going to replace my transmission and flush the cooling system. The car has 18,000 miles on it.

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  1800 miles and already broken - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Not a Fan - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Today my one month old CRV stalled twice within a 5 min. period. I drove straight to the dealership only to be told they probably wouldnt be able to find the answer. Turns out there is a "bulletin" about this very problem which requires the computer to be reprogrammed. Uncomfortable seats,frequent fill-ups due to small tank and higher than promised mileage, and loud road noise all add up to sub- par transportation. I miss my Blazer!

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  Not Impressed With The "08" Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By mtexas - February 12 - 4:23 pm

  The 2008 Accord is not the same Accord that past Accord owners have come to love. I am not impressed with the build quality or the very loud 4-cyl engine. The interior on the EX model looks cheap like something you would expect from a $12,000 American car. I did however like the looks of this car as it has nice clean lines and looks really sharp but I could not believe how bad the new accord drove and how cheap the car felt. I think for 25,000 you are better off looking into the Camry, Sonata or Altima. Honda take note your flagship Accord has been surpassed by Toyota, Nissan, and even Hyundai has you beat.