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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  Awsome Vehicle - 1999 Honda Civic
  By BigNate - March 22 - 11:52 pm

  I recently purchased this car, I have owned many, many Hondas/Acuras and they build a very nice car. My new 99 ex sedan has always had its routine services, and always done by certified Honda Techs. and you can tell it. Its ten years old, but looks amazing inside and out. Has a auto trans and shifts smooth, and rides nice. As long as you do the necessary work when it needs to be done, this car, along with all the other Hondas, will last a very, very long time.

• 

  Good Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Zman - March 22 - 10:04 pm

  The van has great interior fit finish and space flexibilty. Little I would do to improve, other than some road noise and very poor MPG. With the variable cylinder management, I has hoping to get near the sticker MPG. There seems to be some extra vibration in the steering column when the engine is under load. It was bad enough I actually thought a tire was out of balance - easy to get at and change the engine oil.

• 

  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  Catchy title goes here ... - 2017 Honda Civic
  By MJ - March 22 - 9:24 pm

  First, its a very nice looking car. The 1.5 turbo should be the standard engine, its great. Seats are very comfortable compared to the Prius I came from. Handling is predictable but not extremely tight. Wish there were more choices for interior color, Im not a huge fan of black interiors. My biggest disappointment is in Honda not providing more Honda Sensing versions of the EX-T. My dealer says he has no control over inventory. A search shows very few with Honda Sensing EX-T models. That being said, that is the model I wanted but ended up without it. Mileage is good ~38mpg. Im disappointed in the stereo sound, cheap speakers in a $25k car is well.... cheap. The electronics are a bit confusing and layout seems odd, but Ill likely get used to it in time. Though the stereo/car settings have some pretty cool features. Wind noise is superb compared to my 3rd gen Prius. Warranty is miserable, warranty length defines confidence in their product. Transmission has a slight delay and then a thud when shifting into reverse. USB ports are a bit awkward to get to and I wish there were some for the rear seats. The clear film you can get for the nose and mirrors wasnt offered but it should be. We had an Accord that was a mess after four years. Simple things - I love auto up/down for both front windows, I like that I dont have to turn cruise control "on" each time I get in the car, I like manual seats, I also like heated seats. Overall, its the car I wanted in the price range it sits at. Others are close but this is the clear leader of the pack. Honda has some details they need to work out though to put away first place in my eyes.

• 

  the best foreign car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Robert - March 22 - 8:35 pm

  This is the first foreign car I have ever bought. I got it at a very reasonable price. It has great mpg, I have got over 30 mpg on the highway and even higher when Im coasting! I love the bass, its crazy! You use up a lot of gas when you accelerate really fast, and it kind of sounds like a tank. My son talked me into getting it and Im glad he did because I love it.

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  Fun to drive - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Helen - March 22 - 5:10 pm

  The 2009 pilot has a lot of great things going for it. Its fun to drive, has a great ride- has comfortable seating for kids and adults alike, great pick-up, Rear DVD, great storage and easy access to 3rd row seats. We are a family of 4, with 2 small kids and it fits are needs very well. We Love our new pilot.

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  Beautiful Death Trap - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By B Smith - March 22 - 5:09 pm

  I just about died due to acceleration on braking. Car thrust out into traffic when stopping at end of our street. Others barely swerved in time crossing into opposing traffic to avoid us. Have now read others reports of identical issues. Sudden acceleration even when brakes applied. Sudden deceleration with steady accelerator pressure at slower speeds. Only 3 months with car and have had growing concern and increasing experiences with these issues. After todays incident this car has to go back. It is not safe.

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  My Little Honda!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Angie-lou - March 22 - 2:43 pm

  My Little Honda and I have been on several road trips together and we have both survived!! She is a beauty and she is fun to drive. Her small size and get up and go helps me maneuver in and out of traffic very efficiently. Right now, she is at about 120,000 and is doing great!!

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  Great mileage--little else... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brian - March 22 - 2:00 pm

  Owned the 2006 Civic LX coupe for three years. Great mileage, but terrible in the snow- ascending the slightest hills were a challenge. Tires wearing unevenly. Hesitation starting in cold weather. Suspension squeaks in cold weather. Interior plastics cheap and scratch seemingly just by looking at them. Car very unsteady on the highway especially in cross winds and most use the foot to the floor for acceleration. Only had 17,000 mi and brakes were worn. Front end so low would scrape parking barriers. Paint chips easily, needs thicker clearcoat. A/C not the best. Traded for Ford Mustang. Its good to be home!