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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  Two years later, my views have changed - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Red Sled Again - June 2 - 10:50 am

  In 03, when I bought my red sled, I loved it, couldnt complain about a thing! Two years later, I fell like I got jyped! The window trim peels, the paint is the cheapest Ive seen(you almost need to wax it after every wash just to keep from spider webbing), the windshield leaked form factory, and after 6 months, everything rattled over the smallest bumps! The car has horrible blind spots, and at lower elevations, I cant get any traction out the 215/50/17 meats! The brakes have warped three times, the shifter slips out of the gate under any hard shift, At 4500 miles, third gear went out...then at 19000 miles, second gear went out! So ive had one transmission rebild and then a new one!!!

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  First Honda - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Fred R - June 2 - 4:51 am

  This is my wifes car, I drive an electric i3, she was in her second Prius. We had an Avalanche that we just got rid of and needed something with a little hauling capacity. Since we were happy with our 2 Priuses (Prii?) we looked at the Rav4. It was OK, but then I started looking at reviews and everyone rated the CR-V as #1, the RAV4 way down as it hasnt been updated recently, so we checked it out. It was all the reviews said, lots of safety technology and a fun car to drive.

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  Tough Little Work Horse - 2005 Honda Element
  By Drew - June 1 - 6:20 pm

  This is my first Honda,and I cant say enough about it. I drive to customers homes, and workplaces for my job and cover about 1000 miles per week. Great in the New England snow! Dont think twice about buying one. You wont regret it.

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  2005 Honda Minivan EXL-RES - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By cmf - May 31 - 5:50 am

  The minivan is very nice. The one complaint we have is that for such a nice car, it has a cheesy plastic fold down center console. The cup holders here are non adustable and do not fit larger containers. The front dash cup holders are too large and do not adust to fit even bottles of soda. The fold down rear seat is very nice. the ride is very quiet everywhere. Passengers in the second and third row all were comfortable and did not feel carsick at all, as many typically do in the rear of minivans. Overall, a very good car.

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  Good. Still room for improvement - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bobbie Smittie - May 30 - 3:45 am

  I buy cars every decade or so. I seen many reviews that gave the redesigned 2016 Pilot rave reviews. To me? Most SUVs in this class are very close to each other. I decided on the Pilot due to the safety features found in the Honda Sense. As far as I know, Chevy/GMC, Toyota dont offer same options and Ford is only in the higher Limited edition. Had a few moments where these "Sense" options dont work as expected. One example, going around a curve in the car pool lane where the other lanes of traffic are stopped. The car sensed there was a car in front and slowed down, even though the car pool traffic was not slowing. The slow downs are not soft. No blind spot warning in the EX model w/ sense... just a right side camera. Seems like a short coming now. Adaptive cruise control works nice. Volvos implementation (albeit in a sedan not a SUV) is much nicer in terms of lane keep and braking. The engine is strong in the Honda. Good acceleration. "Harsh" downshifts, not very smooth between 2nd and 1st. The touch screen navigation is horrible and the connectivity with phones are limited. iLink is designed for iPhones, and even then they cripple the interface so you can not display the navigation on the touch screen. Apps are very limited. You can connect Bluetooth with an Android, and listen to music. Thats about it. 3rd row access is "OK". I think the Highlander and Explorer design is bit better. However, its not used often so not a deciding factor The plastic in the rear storage scratches easily. Sound system is very "Flat" sounding, even with separate tweeters and (supposedly) a separate subwoofer. FM Radio reception is absolutely horrid. Good fuel economy for a mid sized SUV. On the highway, I seen 28 to 29 MPG. 23 mixed.

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  Satisfied Overall - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By stevenlaura - May 29 - 5:46 pm

  Went with the 2007 Pilot over the CRV to get extra space as we often total 4 adult passengers, and sometimes more. CRV felt a little tight for 4 tops. Preferred the superior quality of the leather in the Pilot. CRV leather felt thin and has a tufted look, which some may prefer, but we dont. CRV felt somewhat underpowered, but not too bad. No question the Pilot has plenty of power. Overall very pleased with the Pilot. Expecting it will do well in the snow if we get any.

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  Try again HONDA! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RAM II - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 01 Accord EX on the Pilot. I was sure the Pilot would be as nice as the Accord...WRONG!! Road, wind, and tire noise is TERRIBLE! The interior shakes and rattles like a Chevy! Too much plastic inside. HVAC Vents break with the slightest bump. Leather is OK, but seats feel like a park bench. Lots of features for the price, but Honda had to sacrifice something....Quality!

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  1 big problem - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim Taylor - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Front window(s)have developed squeaking noise over bumps. 4 dealer fixes havent fixed. Design problem. Also too much wind noise.

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  My First 2008 Accord w/ Brake Issues - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark Z - May 28 - 1:50 pm

  My wife and I looked at many sedans and decided to go with the 2008 Honda Accord (purc. 10/16/07) because of its reputation on quality. We enjoyed our new Accord for about 200 miles when the rear brakes started to squeal (radio would not even drown the sound out) during braking. We took the car into the dealership (10/30/07) and they replaced the pads and scuffed the rotors. Again on 11/30/07 we took our car in for the same issue and they replaced the rear pads and rotors. Again on 12/6/07 we took the car in for the same issue and they replaced the front rotors, pads and calipers. Since then we have taken the car in 2 more times for the same squealing brakes (they still have not fixed them).

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  My so-so Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By miket - May 26 - 11:20 pm

  I expected more from this car. Ive had it for about 9 months, engine has to be broken in by now but the mileage is terrible. Barely get 400km on a tank and thats 50/50 city, hiway. I dont drive that hard either. My friends with domestic v6s get something close to that. It is fun to drive, kindve like a go-cart but because of all the little things, Im considering trading it in for something else. The auto tranny doesnt work for this underpowered engine either, theres too much downshifting going on at the slightest hint of throttle. I wish I did more research rather than be blinded by the fact that it was a new Honda. BTW the orange colour doesnt work too well for this car.