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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  Excellent Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By jmcycle - August 30 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the EX-L new. Bad: Paint job-scratches easily. Wind noise-Honda replaced seals as a recall, but still noisy. Steering pump-Honda also fixed steering pump under warranty. Good: The van is extremely comfortable. Drives excellent-like a car. Good power, handling,and brakes. Excellent in snow. Tons of room in back even with seats up. Fuel Economy=18city/27highway-great for a heavy and tall van w/244hp. Replaced tires at about 36,000 miles not sure why other reviews say Michelins required b/c my replacements are GoodYear @ $120/tire. Few minor problems were unexpected for a Honda. Still much better quality and ride than my two Caravans. Would definitely choose the Odyssey again.

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  Hondas Reputation is Based on Historical Results! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By J. Perk - August 30 - 9:43 am

  I bought a brand new 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L. I had the SUV for 8 months before trading it in. The vehicle drove very well and was very comfortable - great for a growing family / large family. I traded the Pilot in as the vehicle was frequently emitting a gas/oil odor through its front vents. I bought the Pilot in several times for diagnostic and repairs but the dealer was unable to replicate the issue and therefore did not have a resolution to the problem. Honda stated they would no longer look at my vehicle given the inability to replicate the issue and suggested I go through arbitration if I was still unsatisfied. I unfortunately went through the arbitration process and lost badly given Hondas experience in dealing with these matters. Honda changed its position regarding the issue, stating it was a common issue and the car should be emitting such disgusting/hazardous fumes - noting this was not a defect, but normal. (The change in Hondas position was a result of me getting a 3rd party mechanic to verify the issue.) I was very disappointed with my ownership experience and have realized that companies dont care about their customers, just their bottom line (should have known!). Also, the radio is terrible on the Pilot (I think the company is working on resolving this issue). The touch screen doesnt have a volume button, which I didnt think would bother me, but became pretty annoying over time.

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  Its a overpriced matchbox toy - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Choopacabra - August 30 - 8:40 am

  The navigation is a waste of money, Get a tomtom. Its noisy, slow, and fragile. Tires wont last, wheel bearings are cheap, and its leather heated seats are pathetic. The 350 watt stereo just plain blows. I regret buying this car and I will be trading it in as soon as its warranty service is complete.

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  Great Car... if it WOULD START - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Kelli - August 30 - 6:25 am

  I love(d) Hondas. This is my 3rd Honda. Certified, not even 3 years old, right at 50k miles on it. Car will not start. Replaced battery. Still will not start. I look online and realize that it is due to a faulty starter, which Honda continually denies. Now I am not sure if I want to pay upwards of $500 to replace the starter, probably multiple times, when I could just get a different car and not deal with this nonsense that has accompanied this practically brand new vehicle. Come on Honda... really disappointed.

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  2017 Honda Accord Sport CVT - 2017 Honda Accord
  By BdeB - August 30 - 5:32 am

  This car does everything well- very comfortable.

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  Overall its a great car, ready for change - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Christmas86 - August 30 - 12:13 am

  Ive driven my 1991 Honda Civic for 6 years now 3 in high school and 3 in college. Right now Im about to finish school and Im in desperate need of a new car. This car is great on gas and Ive gotten where Ive needed to be but its such an old model. Its falling apart to the point where I would love to scrap it, but I have to finish school first. Its embarrassing because of how beat up and old it is. My friends use to make fun of it and call it a toy car or a clown car but it was and still is old faithful to me!!

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  115,000 and runnin it like I rent it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Shane - August 29 - 9:45 pm

  This is a great commuter car. However the only downfall is the light back end makes it slide in wet or slippy conditions. Runs as good now as the day I bought it. It does like to eat back tires so rotate them and service your car (i.e. oil and rotating tires) no big expenses yet. ITS KINDA A TIGHT FIT FOR A 6FT 200LB guy but it makes up for it at the pump...

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  No Surprises... Its a Honda! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot_4A_Pilot - August 29 - 11:50 am

  Having owned Hondas in the past, it came as no surprise that our Honda Pilot would be a great, solid and reliable mode of transportation. We wanted a dependable vehicle that would be large enough to hold 5, plus our large German Shepherd dog, yet still be fuel efficient and able to get us through the snowy Wisconsin winters. No Surprises. And no regrets!

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  Ridgeline Review - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Honda Ridgeline - August 29 - 11:50 am

  This is the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned! I have had it 8 months and it is fantastic! I have owned other 4wd vehicles but this one came equipped with everything! The flexibility that comes from having a lockable trunk, comfortable 5 passenger seating and bed built for hauling 4 x 8 sheets of plywood, in addition to having built-in tiedowns, bed lights for loading at night and the power to pull my 20 ft fiberglass boat with extra motor and gear is unique!!! I would definitely recommend this vehicle to my friends!!!

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  05 Accord Hybrid 30 MPG actual - 2005 Honda Accord
  By E. Roeder - August 29 - 10:46 am

  At 3000 miles the mileage is increasing as it gets broken in. Currently is at 30 MPG. Mileage judged by electronics in car and by miles ./. gallons used. Excellent quality. Only downside is rear seats dont fold and slight loss of trunkroom due to Hybrid Battery location. Roomy interior, 255 Horsepower, 30 MPG. The ideal car for me