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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  The CR-V is good, but not great. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Paul MacLeod - July 21 - 10:31 am

  The level of quality in this new Honda is not as high as I would have expected. Ive been to the dealer three times with one repair taking 7 hours and the other vibration issue in the front end extending to the steering wheel unresolved. Tires were re-balanced to no avail. Ultimately, the dealer said I should think of getting rid of the vehicle before the warranty ends. Thats a stellar vote of confidence in the products they sell. The interior is nice and the seats are mostly comfortable, though not for all. The infotainment system has been working well and is easy to navigate. The paint is very soft and chips very easily. So easily that touch-up paint should be included with your purchase. Gas mileage is great, but acceleration is weak with the 1.5 T. Overall, the vehicle is okay, but I would not purchase again. This is one of those one and done situations. I wish good luck to all who purchase...

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Honda Accord
  By quest2know - July 21 - 8:53 am

  I owned 2 Acura TLs in th epast but didnt want to spend the bucks this time around. I dont feel I made a big sacrifice going with the EX V-6....great value, well appointed.

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  Disillusioned Honda owner - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By gkg451 - July 21 - 5:43 am

  Purchased my CR-V as a low mileage executive driven vehicle after much research. The vehicle is exhibiting an annoying vibration at speeds between 85 and 110 k/hr. Dealer in conj. with Honda unable to correct. Honda says that no defect exists although they have a name for the condition - harmonic tingle. Apparently many other CR-Vs have same problem. I tried a brand new 90 and it had the same problem. Honda says I have to live with the situation as there is no way to eliminate problem.

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  Great mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ken pittman - July 21 - 12:26 am

  Had my accord for 4 months now, I was hoping when I bought the manual tranny, I would get better mileage. I drive mainly on country roads, so not town or highway, my vehicle is averaging between 31 and 33 mpg in these conditions. The car handles great and is fun to drive, great job Honda, a satisfied customer.

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  2016 Pilot Touring - Great SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - July 20 - 9:59 pm

  Driver Profile: 2000 miles driven in my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. Also own older model Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi (generally high expectations for my vehicles). Extensive on-line research X5, Q60, MDX and Explorer plus, test drove XC90, Highlander, Q7, Lexus GX, Durango, CX9 & Pathfinder. Looking for safety, reliability, relatively good gas mileage, 3rd row seating, value, luxury and style. Final choices: Pilot, XC90 & Highlander. My wife and I both love our new Pilot. Styling, safety features, reliability, usefulness - long trips have been a pleasure with our two young children. Like many, I took note of amazing Pro reviews and some less than perfect Joe reviews. It seems natural to me that less satisfied customers are more likely to make their feelings known. I looked for issues with the 9 speed - for some it is probably just different than what they are use to. I like it. For those who complained about the adaptive cruise control setting and how it leaves too much space in between cars, no problem when set to the closest distance (cant expect Honda to encourage close encounters) . Finger prints on screen? I have bigger things to worry about, it doesnt bother me at all & I will eventually add a protective film as others have suggested. Some complained about the lack of control knobs and speed of LCD display, however, knobs are on steering wheel and speed is generally fine if not spectacular as in the XC90. Ergonomics, including screen size, location & ease of use - outstanding. Second row DVD screen does not interfere with drivers rear view. Push button transmission a problem? Really? At worst, it is an unnecessary feature. Road noise? Non-existent. Folding mirrors (Elite only) would help in NYC, although they protrude less than others. We had one problem: a micro tear in the back seat leather that came from the factory. At first, this was disconcerting, however, Honda took care of it quickly and I can no longer detect its former location. What do I like? Everything. Engine, all wheel drive handling system, turning radius, visibility, manners, comfort, features, gas mileage (in econ mode you are looking at 28-30 mpg on the highway), using regular unleaded & the expected reliability and price retention. I simply love the safety features, especially how the lane assist vibrates and then brings you back to center of lane. Incredible crash ratings. So much space inside, especially in the third row. It drives like a much smaller SUV and, unless you are considering larger vehicles such as the Expedition, Suburban, Escalade - the third row seat space can not be beat. For me, with one exception, the Pilot clearly stood out amongst all vehicles I mentioned. If you are willing to spend $12-15k more for similar features, the XC90 is definitely worth a look. I was scared off by the 4 cylinder super-charged, turbo charged engine - a lot has to go right for this engine to age gracefully. Straight up, Id even take the 16 Pilot over the 15 MDX (dont like the exterior look and expect the 16 MDX will step it up when released). Final note: It took awhile, however, I realized my visual preference was dependent upon the 20 rims (drives fine), chrome handles, trims and roof rails. They really add something for me. Standard on Touring/Elite, optional on EX, EXL models.

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  Best car for the money, period - 2004 Honda Accord
  By STINGRAY - July 20 - 6:55 pm

  I love my Accord. I put on about 30,000 miles a year. I am around 155,000 currently. No major mechanical issues at all. Major cost are 50k, 100k and 150k scheduled maintenance at the Honda dealer. Brakes lasted 75k miles before replacement. Shocks lasted 140k before replacement. Still have orig. exhaust which is unheard of in NH. Very comfortable, sporty ride and performance. Perfect mix of sport and comfort. Liked much better then Camry or Maxima. Do not waste your money on a 3-series BMW! Accord V6 with leather - cant be beat.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Honda Owner - July 20 - 6:47 pm

  I have owned my Pilot for 8 months now and I love it. Its clean, comfortable, resourceful, and well built. I have not had any problems whatsoever. It is the smoothest drive and has lots of room, more than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its great for traveling, camping, fishing, family and more. Everything is durable and well put together, even the engine looks clean and easy to work on if necessary. I would recommend this vehicle to everyone. I havent been so satisfied with my car like this ever. Before I owned 2 VW Jettas and had nothing but problems and I have never been happier with my Pilot.

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  Another great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Paulinflorida - July 20 - 5:53 pm

  Purchased an Accord EX-L 4dr, 4 cylinder automatic after looking at Camry, Mazda 626 and Ford Fusion. All around comfort in the Accord is heads above the others I looked at. The seats are comfortable for both front and rear passengers. Displays and control knobs are easy to reach and easy to operate. Ride is quiet and smooth on the highway and the 190hp engine provides more than enough accelleration merging into traffic. Honda also is willing to deal these vehicles, I got mine for $1100 under invoice, with some extras also added. If shopping for this size sedan, give the Accord a try, I do not think you will be disappointed.

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  2nd EX-L Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By john - July 20 - 4:22 pm

  This is my second EX-l Pilot. I had a 2005 with 120K miles on it that my daughter is still driving. Except for tires and timing belt, I had no other issues with the 2005 and expect the same from the 2009. The 2009 seems quite a bit bigger both inside and outside. The third row is much better on the 09 and easier to use, although seldom use. Ride is fine,and so is road noise, it is a truck so will not be as quiet as a car. Fuel economy is 18-20 no matter what. I cant say I am thrilled with the variable ignition because at certain RPMs it seems to jerk like it cant make up its mind. I would not hesitate getting another Pilot.

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  Overall Im Happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Jacqson - July 20 - 3:43 pm

  Just purchased my CR-V LX AWD, it drives nice and smooth, I love the space in front and back. I dont feel like Im driving a big SUV almost feels like Im still driving my Jetta. This was reasonably priced, although I do wish there were some extras in the low end model, dont need all the bells and whistles, but some would be nice. Overall safe pick, compared to the Toyota RAV4, I feel I got a bigger car with more room.