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:

• 

  Performance and Comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By korydan - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving over six months and all my family are very happy about performance, size, ride, handling. However, night time driving is not a fun at all due to very weak headlight. This headlight should be improved right away.

• 

  Lexus LS 400 to Honda Civic Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By maui902 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I needed to replace my 1991 LS400 and became interested in the hybrid when fuel prices spiked. Although definitely not a Lexus, I have been very satisfied with my purchase. Car is roomy and performs better than one would expect. Its also true that the Civic Hybrids battery guages will change your driving behavior. Im convinced the same gauge in regular gas powered cars would significantly reduce gas consumption. Im also impressed by very good balance between luxury/convenience features and environmentally friendly technology. And I wish I had a dollar for everyone who asks, "But where do you plug it in?"

• 

  Great but disappointing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wfpalacio - January 27 - 4:13 am

  Honda Accord EX-L 4cyl Auto is my first Honda purchase. Enjoyable to drive, fuel economic, and handles well. I have been driving it for 2 weeks now. 1 week within ownership my driver side mirror started with a quarter inch crack that grew to 3 inches. I showed it to the dealer, they are quick to believe that an object hit it or somebody bumped it and is not covered by any warranty, however no scratch, starring, or chipping indicating foreign object hit or bump. The explanation is hard to believe leading me to believe that Honda uses substandard parts, I wonder what part will break next. I chose Honda over Volvo S60 because of reviews and over all cheaper. Now, I got substandard cheap.

• 

  Great Car, Bad Leather - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Honda - January 25 - 3:30 pm

  Fun to drive 6 speed manual, Great features for the price. Decent MPG and excellent performance. Leather seats are poor quality, and wear badly. Only other disappointment is with the TPMS not working with snow tires after paying up for the sensors. Would love to have the EV-L options without the leather. Exterior looks are very nice. Really enjoy the car. Dash controls are a bit overly complicated. Car feels like a Honda, it will run a long time with no major repairs. Honda did miss their standard of quality with the leather seats.

• 

  Dont Buy Honda for Fuel economy.. - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By yennik - January 25 - 11:20 am

  The car is perfect in almost every respect except for FUEL ECONOMY.. started out at 12mpg city and 16-21mpg hwy.. thats 40% below city and 25%+ below hwy EPA estimates.. Just over 9000 miles and its 14-15 city and 19- 23 hwy.. Thats very gentle driving.. No hard acceleration.. The Honda service manager told me that is about typical economy for the Odyssey with VCM.. My 7200lb 4x4 Crewcab F-250 diesel gets better fuel economy than the Honda.. From 5 or 6 other VCM owners, I get the same report on economy.. I bought the car over the Toyota strictly on economy.. Honda USA is disingenuous to mislead the consumer on the fuel efficiency of the Odyssey.. It weighs 4600lbs!!

• 

  Good car overall with flaws - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Jim M. - January 25 - 1:16 am

  Have owned my 2015 Accord EX-L for just under two years now this is my 4th Honda I really liked all my previous Hondas however I am disappointed with this one.Most of the complaints on this site are pretty valid regarding wind noise and tech but to me these are minor issues my major issue is the poor suspension cushioning over poor roads it is awful I do not understand why more owners are not complaining about this it not mentioned here that Honda upgraded the suspension for 2016 model year have been told is much improved(thats how we know it was an issue) overall I feel it is a very good car I realized this after recently renting a new Nissan Altima for 4 days it had some advantages over the Accord but I find Accord better overall.I will be getting rid of it after 2.5 yrs of owner ship due to poor shock absorption especially in cold weather(usually keep my Hondas for 5-6 yrs not this one).Will check out new Accords this fall for new generation for 2018.

• 

  Mouse House - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By penguinn - January 24 - 8:16 pm

  If you are considering using the Ridgeline off road or where there may be rodents, be advised that they have easy access to the interior of the vehicle. Funny that anyone would use a 4 wheel drive outside of the city. Honda of America does not consider this a problem. If you plan to use the Ridgeline in an area with Hanta Virus carrying mice, bring along a cat. Although Honda corporation is dodging this issue, our dealer is stepping up and trying to solve what should be a detail of basic design. We are very pleased with them. Honda Corporates position is that any damage to the truck or your health from rodent infestation is not their responsibility. Consider this carefully.

• 

  Honda Pilot Experience - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By krish prasad - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent buy. Average mileage. Road imperfections evident while driving. properly sized engine

• 

  Bills Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Carstoons - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I was a 37 year GM/Ford person. Glad I made the switch. I tow a boat and also load it up with gardening stuff. This is by far the best tow vehicle I have ever owned, in both handling and power. It also has the smallest engine. I did have some problem with an A/C leak but that has been corrected. I do not like the air flow system very much. On a cool day the vent doesnt give you cool outside air- you have to put on the A/C or open the windows. Which brings up another problem. At highway speeds with only one back window open I get this wierd air compression thing that bothers my ears. Playing with windows or turning on the A/C corrects it. Bill

• 

  Honda CRV EX - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By omarino - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle (03 EX) is a replacement for our 98 model which was totaled by being broad-sided by a vehicle running a red light at 60 MPH. My wife was the driver and only occupant. She walked away from the accident with only minor bruises. Aside from the safety features, we are impressed with all of the improvements made to the 03 EX model. More horsepower (big improvement over the 98), sunroof, 6cd changer, better handling and slightly more room.