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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  2006 Pilot LX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By PilotPilot - July 22 - 1:50 am

  Owned 5 Hondas before this and have always been very satisfied. Drove other similar priced SUVs and the Pilot was the best deal. I have 1400 miles and have been having a loud humming at 35 to 55 mph (comes and goes) since 200 miles. Dealer had no fix until now and is saying they have a temporary fix which is to disconnect the noise cancellation. Others saying they have been down this road with no luck. Either get the 4WD or roll the dice on getting the problem.

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  Great four and a half star car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Cruzmann - July 21 - 4:48 pm

  The problem here is that I was looking for a five star car at a four star price. The Civic is a fantastic car for the price but the touring model does not have the same feel of an Acura TSX or Lexus ILS etc. even though they seem to have the same features. The gadgets all work but the feel is just one of "Its a Honda Civic". I would not open my eyes inside of it and think I was in a luxury sedan, but rather a fully loaded popular priced model. If thats what you want, thats what they deliver.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ajsmithva - July 21 - 12:50 pm

  Needed a big vehicle to transport son and hockey equipment. Rides well, comfortable, roomy. Not great mileage, but consider it weighs 4300 lb empty. Gearshift positions D, 3, 2, 1; needs a 4 so you can shift down from 5 to 4. Great antilocks; saved my bacon when someone abandoned a stolen car right in front of me on the highway. Good in snow, though we didnt get much the first winter I had it. Would like a stick shift, but that will never happen.

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  Boring and predictable - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By David Lastname - July 20 - 3:03 am

  Dont expect any bells and whistles with this. Its a well built but totally bland SUV. Everything feels exceptionally well built and sturdy but some of the design is poor. The head unit it tilted too far up and gets smudged easily, the dead pedal under the parking brake is very small, and the cabin height is quite high for a vehicle with such little ground clearance. Road feel is good but not exceptional, car feels very large because it is. If you want something more fun to drive, get an Outback, if you want an SUV that both mom and dad will like, get the Pilot.

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  Great family SUV thats worth every dollar - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Hank - July 19 - 6:59 am

  Like many reviewer, I have also researched heavily on-line and test drove many SUVS such as MDX, Infinity, Highlander, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Volvo, and after considering the value, performance, 3rd row seating, appearance, convenience, cost of own, and more I decided on the 2016 Pilot Elite. PRO: - Great new look. I hated they way previous pilot looked. - Roomy 3rd row seating. New Pilot actually can accommodate adults on the 3rd row and enough to carry some cargo. - New 8" touch screen with Gamin Navi works well. - Blue Interior lights and ventilation seats - Built-in remote engine start (I use it all the time) - Updated Technology with functional display in the instrument panel - Comfort (remember, this SUV is built for suburban family life style) CONS: - No power folding mirror. Why ? My 2007 sienna has it which cost $10K less than this SUV - Transmission. As other reviewers mentioned, it does shift up sometime on a downhill where the transmission thinks the car is accelerating even if I have my foot on the break slightly. However, it does not happen all the time but happens only at particular speed like 30mph. I live in NJ and there are plenty of hills and it does not happen enough to bother me. - Audio power button. The touch screen is located at the top of the dashboard and audio button is also located in the touch screen. When the car is moving, it is difficult to press the audio button with accuracy since my arm must be in the air. This causes me to either hitting the audio power button twice or miss it entirely. - Touch screen is finger print magnet. - Theres no exterior light illuminates when unlock the door as you approaching the car middle of the night. Door handle or lights under the side view mirror would have looked good and helpful !

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  Depends what you will use it for. - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By EH - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves it, i think its okay. "Its cute" and has a tight turning radius. Great for short runs to the grocery store. Definitely NOT a highway car. Seats are uncomfortable, road noises way too loud. Steering wheel set at an ackward angle. No problems with it yet.

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  97 HONDA PRELUDE - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By DAVID - July 18 - 2:00 am

  MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW. IT HAS BEEN A OK CAR. WE HAVE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH IT. SINCE NEW WE HAVE PUT 2 RACK AND PINIONS,TRANSMISSION,AND HAVE HAD SERVICE LOOK AT THE SUN ROOF MANY TIMES FOR SLOW OPENING.

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  Great car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By puffy999 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The car is great. It handles well, goes as fast as I need it to go, and is great on gas. Has not had one problem since I purchased the car. There is only one difficulty Ive found. It does not want to go into reverse very easily with a 5-speed manual transmission. It sometimes takes a bit of work, especially on a slight hill. Also, if you are putting in an aftermarket stereo system with subwoofers, make sure you take a day off to do it. It takes awhile to take the entire interior of the car apart. Remember to connect a couple wires in the stereo plug if you want to use the dome light!

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  Civic EX 06 Automatic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - July 16 - 12:23 pm

  So far Ive enjoyed this car. Ride could be a little less bumpy but it is a coupe after all. Gas mileage is great. I get a lot of stares when driving this car.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VFRBEE - July 16 - 11:00 am

  Currently I have 20,000 miles on the car with one problem with the power outlet. Im impressed with the fuel economy which is better than I expected. Best is 36 mpg in spring & fall when AC not in use. Worst is 33mpg in winter and when AC in use. Driving is rural country roads with stop sign every 1~4 miles. Power train is refined and smooth compared to other cars Ive had in this class. I was not happy with the handling, a little too much body roll. Ive heard theyve dialed in a little more softness into the suspension of this iteration of the Civic.