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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  This van is ...... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Handsomepig - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second minivan, the first one was a Caravan,I think that was bad, but I never think Honda makes one even.....

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  Vibration - Shake, Rattle & Roll - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By TimP - December 6 - 8:04 pm

  I bought my 2006 AWD Honda Pilot EX-L RES in October of 2006. The Salesman was OK, but the rest of the Sales Staff was total HIGH PRESSURE and snobbish. This is my first Honda and my last. Its been in the shop 5 times since I bought it ONE month ago. It has such a severe vibration problem between 60-65 MPH that I cant stand to drive it. Check out the Pilot forums and you will see its a widespread problem that Honda refuses to fix. Overall, this vehicles build quality is absolutely the WORST of any vehicle I have ever owned. All I can say is " DONT BUY ONE ! "

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  interior poor quality - 2002 Honda Accord
  By johnf - November 24 - 10:00 am

  THE INTERIOR IS WAY TOO CHEAP. I GUESS I MESSED UP BY GETTING SUCKED IN TO A CHEAP LEASE. THE ONLY THING CHEAP THAT I GOT WAS THE POOR QUALITY AND UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. THE PRICE DOES NOPT MEAN ANYTHING IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE CAR. I SHOULD OF BOUGHT THE VW PASSAT

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  1Yr - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Civie-Hy - November 22 - 1:30 pm

  The car is decent, but doee not live up to expectations. I get around 35mpg city and 38-42mpg highway. My brother get 40mpg on average with the non- hybrid version. The hybridness on this case is not on par with Toyotas technology. I find several aspects of the car annoying. The transition from engine off to on causes the car to kick too much. The brakes will often slip when transitioning between friction brakes and electric brakes. On the reliability issue my windshield wipers recently refused to turn off (@ 17000 miles.) To summarize I would get the non- hybrid version.

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  Whats the big deal? - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Don Johnson - November 14 - 2:30 pm

  I cant believe I bought this thing. Its rather bland styling turns me off, I feel like I was sold a bill of goods... It seems very reliable, but once Ive driven it for roughly 1,500 miles, I wish Id have not completed this purchase. You guys rate the seats a maximum score on comfort...my rear tells me different. The outside is bland...plain, boring. I still cant believe I listened to my salesman. Kudos to him, he SOLD me.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Karl - November 6 - 11:51 am

  Researched and test drove the 2003, but waited for the 2004 in hope of Honda removing any bugs. At 19,000 miles the radiator had to be replaced due to a split seam. At 20,186 the ECT sensor was replaced. At 20,300 the thermostat was replaced. At 22,495 the fuel pump/filter assembly was replaced. At 23,500 the PCM was replaced. The the fuel injectors were replaced during same service visit. The vehicle is in the dealership (not the one purchased from) having the head gaskets replaced. This is the seventh trip to the same dealership to repair the check engine light and VTM- 4 light on. We have the technology to put a man on the moon and safely return him but I cant get my car fixed.

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  Really Disappointed - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Junk - October 19 - 4:23 am

  I had been dying to get an S2000 since they came out. I have had mine for 6 months and am trading it in. It keeps blowing the radio/cell phone charger fuse, which I find REALLY disappointing in a Honda. It IS fun to drive...for about 10 minutes. The ride is stiff, the mileage is horrible for a 4-cyl, about 21 mpg (hwy) and it definitely isnt as fast as I thought it would be for a 240 hp. I hate to be so negative, but I am really disappointed in not only the car, but the Honda brand. I had a Civic for 7 years and was delighted with it. Two thumbs down for the S2k. If youre considering the S2000, test drive the BMW Z series first...I wish I would have.

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  THIS IS NO TRUCK - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By General crazy - October 5 - 7:03 pm

  1. IT CANT TOW AT ALL no more then maybe 6000 lbs. if youre lucky which i was not. They could learn a lot form Ford about trucks! 2. It has some room but the avalanche is much better! 3. This truck needs better MPG It has about as much as the american trucks but it is sissy truck! So It could have more!

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  My old chevy pickup runs better - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mattvss - October 4 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this car as a comuter back and forth from la to san francisco and am not pleased. I bought the car with 300 miles and now have nearly 92,000 miles on it. 85% highway. I was driving around napa valley and my steering started to make noise and wobble so i pulled over and found my steering knuckles came out at 5k. My radiator leaked at 15k, rear brakes failed at 25 and luckily tranny went right before warranty at 34,650. My gas mileage is good but reliability is flimsy, build quality is cheap. Ive replaced the axles twice since out of warranty, brakes once, stereo went twice and then decided to add new one.. Not impressed with honda product

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  Great if not for a bad transmission - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By David - October 1 - 7:55 am

  I really want to enjoy my 2016 Honda Pilot but I cannot ignore the fact that my car shutters at 35/45 MPH and jolts during deceleration. My local Honda Dealership said they found wrong with it and it might be normal car characteristics. That sounds like a cop-out up for a terribly made car... Very disappointing!