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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  Best minivan on market - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By jw78732 - August 26 - 11:38 pm

  After sold our 2000 Odyssey with 130K mi, wife decided to get another Odyssey right before our summer vacation trip. After our 4000+ mi trip, it seems to be a right decision. The van is very comfortable to ride in and drives like a Honda. Although I wished it could have 50 more horse power, and have sports tires. The fit and finish are very good and we didnt experience any usually wind noise. The gas mileage is unbelievable on highway. With 3 adults and lots of stuff in the back, we get about 26.5 mpg on average and at one point, close to 29 mpg. The transmission shifts smoothly, although the van is kind of sluggish when you try to pass someone on highway due to lack of torque.

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  Sturdy and Capable - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By jaybou - August 24 - 10:33 pm

  We look for utilities in SUVs, and Pilot stood out the most among other 3-row seat SUVs we looked at. It offers a solid ride, with the not-so-new-tech yet proven quality engine, the VCM for fuel efficiency, and a very spacious interior which seats 8 passengers comfortably. The last point was very important to us. When test-drove a Toyota Highlander, we found that the 2nd-row middle seat was not quite a full seat (removable). We find the ride to be very smooth (Listen with a grain of salt to those critics who say Pilot has a sluggish acceleration. The Pilot is probably not meant for them anyway who frequently test drive and might even own sports cars. Its perfectly fine for family use.)

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  Good Deal - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By rr1959 - August 24 - 7:13 pm

  The reason I bought this car for reliability and it has not failed. I used it to haul my tent trailer up down the mountain ranges in British Columbia Canada and it did the job well. Hauling the trailer I got about 20 miles to a imperial gallon at about 70 miles/hr. Handling is reasonable braking is fair, fabricate interior stains easy. Not a lot of negatives other than the cost to purchase it new back in 2008.

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  Honda quality all the way - 2005 Honda Accord
  By cyoung6 - August 24 - 6:22 pm

  I purchased this car about 2.5 years ago with about 97K on it. It appeared to be highway miles and I believed in Honda quality so I purchased it. Extremely reliable and has had nothing but general maintenance done...I even skimp on this and the car is working great. It now has 160K. After reading other reviews, Im thinking I will just keep it until it needs a new engine or something so major. Only issue I have currently is a rusty squeak/grind from the lower steering column and under the body when I stop from moving and take off. Ive taken it to the shop twice and they cant find anything wrong, so I will just keep driving....

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  civic exl - 2012 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - August 24 - 6:06 am

  Just gor this EXL coupe w nav three days ago. Traded a 2010 ex coupe. This car is quiter, more comfortable, rides better, and feals more premium. Consumer Mag dished this car and i am saying nuts to them. I have had 64 cars and this is nicely appointed quality car. Big difference to the 2010. The nav and bluetooth and xm are great ! Buy one you wont be sorry.

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  Great car! - 2012 Honda Fit
  By kinggeorgeiii - August 21 - 12:46 pm

  This car is really superb. Ive owned and driven Cadillacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, Chevrolets, Chryslers, and Fords over the last decade. (Additionally, before I bought this car, I rented and test drove an Elantra, a Corolla, and a Yaris for a combined month.) Some were better than others, but none managed to get the whole package right like this Honda Fit. Its a wonderfully capable car, for hauling people. The folding seats will let you fit all sorts of stuff, and because its a car instead of an SUV, getting heavy items into the back is a breeze. This is an economy car, which means the price is cheap, and its thrifty with gas, too. Im getting mid-30s, even with "spirited" driving.

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  Built like a tank, handles like a point guard - 2012 Honda Accord
  By gioreeko - August 20 - 2:04 pm

  This is my 3rd Accord, and just leased it after putting 240,000 miles on my Civic. The Accords are just so solid feeling, feels a lot like my old BMW 5 series. The seats are really supportive and comfortable, so dont go by the few negative reviews, some people carry some extra weight, and no seat feels comfortable. Good power from the 190hp engine, yet gets really good gas mileage. Cant go wrong with Honda.

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  I love my Pilot, even at 187,000 miles! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By hampton6410 - August 20 - 11:15 am

  We bought our Pilot used in 2009 and now even at 187,000 miles it still drives just as good. We have not had any major issues and only do the Honda recommended maintenance. We do change the oil at 3000 mile intervals, not 5,000. The Pilot has been a great car overall. The only thing that I wish was better was the gas mileage. We have also owned two CRVs and currently own a 2005 Accord, and all have been great. We have had no major issues even with our 2003 CRV with 197,000 miles that we just traded in on the Accord.

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  I loved this SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By mommabllck - August 20 - 9:03 am

  I had this SUV for 5yrs, they only thing that I didnt like was the comfort of the seats and that the vehicle rode rough.

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  Most reliable car I have owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By sublimefan661 - August 19 - 11:12 pm

  I bought this car brand new from the dealership with 7 miles on her. Its now been 6 years, 80k miles later and she still drives the same as she did when i first got her from the dealership. No major work done except oil changes, battery once, all four tires twice, front brakes once, air filter and just passed smog with flying colors. Im going to keep driving this thing till the engine blows up.