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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  Not your sons Si - 2012 Honda Civic
  By jsevier14 - January 20 - 10:01 pm

  Having driven an Acura RSX-S for 11 years I expected a lot from my new ride. In the end, I like the 2012 Civic Si, but ultimately it doesnt feel quite complete. The TSX engine and transmission are definitely improvements, and the fuel efficiency is pretty amazing for a performance vehicle. The electronics package is adequate, but the rest of the interior is cheap and frustrating. Compared to previous Sis, the 2012 is way less juvenile, and delivers a fun smooth ride for my long daily commute.

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  Fit to Impress - 2011 Honda Fit
  By arbolero - January 20 - 7:48 pm

  I have only used half a tank, but I am eager to share my first impression of the car. Ill start with the bad. Sport, implying some relativity to a sports car, is not an accurate description. Yes, its nimble, eagerly reving, and fun to drive, but it lacks proper acceleration, maneuverability, or pedigree to be a member of this class. The Fits enormously practical design would make it the odd-car-out if it shared some tile in the showroom of sport thoroughbreds. But I didnt need another car with senseless horsepower and "member" compensating qualities. This time, I was in the market for sensible. Plus, Honda was wise enough to forego a Sport badge on the rear gate, so, we can let it be

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  love my CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jennypennygirl - January 12 - 8:57 pm

  bought mine in 8-2011 and have 10k on it already. I love driving it, it rides really nice. It is smooth and quiet. I was surprised to learn that the tires are only good for 20-25k. and how cheesy the seats are, they are hard, and a bit uncomfortable. lack padding and contour. cargo and gas mileage are great. It is good in the snow. I am spooked after reading 2 reviews about the engine bolts sheering off. that is a big worry for me now. hopefully it is not a common issue. overall I love my crv and its safety ratings. also the roominess is great. Im 510 & husband 65 and we fit & love it.

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  Not Bad - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By cupcake617 - January 12 - 8:28 pm

  Loved my Pilot I traded it in at 95,000 miles never had any trouble with it. Very reliable for us. My biggest complain was the terrible access to the 3rd row seating. The seat moved up no more then 12 inches, once my kids got in the back I couldnt get back to help them buckle up. Also, gas mileage very crummy.

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  Great people hauler with some downside - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By navyhawk - January 11 - 4:56 pm

  Overall, we are very happy with our Pilot. Traded 2007 CRV to get more space. Also considered GMC Acadia (thought the 2nd row captains chairs would be better). Turns out actually liked the Pilot second row bench better because it is more comfortable. This SUV is very roomy inside. I also have an Audi A4, which has a quiet ride. I dont understand others complaints about road noise in the Pilot. Its quiet. Its great for family road trips and has a comfy ride rear entertainment works great for kids (DVD and can connect to gaming system). Honda really needs to give the Pilot more power and better fuel economy to compete in this class. We get 20-21mpg AT BEST on highway.

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  Great comfort and feature sets for a family on the go - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By happyvan - January 10 - 11:01 am

  This is a review after owning the car for 3 wk and 900 miles of driving. The V6 is extremely smooth—when it idles, there is no sound or any sense of vibration, and when pushed, it gives off a nice sporty exhaust note. The engine could use a bit more low end torque but has enough power for passing with a full load. The seating are very comfortable, even after a 300 mile trip. The versatile interior is wonderful to accommodating the need of a family on the go — we have two toddlers in car seats. The fit and finish is very good if you are not too picky. But taking a close look, it is hard to ignore the use of cheap materials in some areas to save cost. I have no QC problems at the moment

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  Third Pilot Owned - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By wallsttrader - January 7 - 6:18 pm

  Purchased a 2012 LX 4WD for 28,000 before taxes and plates. Much better than the 2011 LX 4WD I traded in. Traded in the 2011 because my company pays for my vechicle. I expected the 12 to be the same as the 11. However, I found the 12 handles much better at highway speeds on twisty roads. Not sure why, but the tires are more highway like. But, the difference is huge. City gas mileage is much better by about 2MPG. Freeway mileage is about the same. I also have a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The 2011 Highlander was much better than the 11 Pilot. However, the 12 Pilot is as good as the 11 Highlander. However, Highlander still gets a little better mileage than 12 Highlander.

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  A great value - 2011 Honda Accord
  By gccmb5 - January 5 - 9:27 pm

  This is my fifth Accord, and they continue to improve and refine them with each new model. Very well put together. I have had mine for about eight months and have almost 10K miles on it. Everything is still as it was when new. No squeaks, rattles, or issues of any kind. Great ride, great feel and handling. Tire noise is a little loud, but once I wear out the Dunlops Ill put on something quiter. Im 64", so the seats could be a little larger, but there is plenty of head room and I have no problems driving for six hours at a stretch. The 4cyl is peppy around town, but it is by no means fast, I would describe it as adequate. I have need averaging just over 30mpg in mixed driving.

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  Disappointment! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mansell2004 - January 5 - 2:48 pm

  When my husband died I decided to trade our Honda accord in for a fourwheel drive Honda Pilot. We had been so pleased with our other cars that I felt sure that the Pilot would probably be my last car, We had put so many trouble free miles on the earlier cars, and I had all the confidence in the world in Honda. This no longer holds true. I was totally amazed when I had to spend over $3000.00 to replace the transmission with a little over 80,000 miles on my car.The Honda dealer wanted over $4,000.00. Then I find this was a well know problem when I purchased it. I will never recommend Honda to anyone again!!

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  Love this car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By metakizerman - January 2 - 11:20 pm

  Love my accord. some people that leave reviews have no idea what they are talking about. They complain about the seat not comfy, well if you weigh 300+ lbs then no seat is comfy. I am 170 and the seats hug me sooo nice. I feel like Im in sports car. This thing is safe, reliable, family and fun to drive.