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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  Gotta like this vehicle! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By stevethemonkey - February 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, this vehicle has been extremely reliable. It has decent power and enough space for a typical family.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2003 Honda Civic
  By David W. - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive always had Honda type cars and they all have a certain Honda feel to them. Solid if not spectacular and pretty rock solid if one doesnt "dog" the vehicle. Beautiful styling, fuel economy and hopefully, long term reliability. The car sits a bit higher than I was used to on the Integra but am slowly acclimating, doesnt accelerate as quick or handle as well as the Integra but hey, thats the trade off for a more fuel efficient, comfortable car. As a constant commuter who gets bogged in traffic as I do, this is a great car. For the open road, race car enthusiast, there are better choices.

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  Problems from the begining - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Kate - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic, really I do. But once I signed the papers and brought it home I noticed that it was REALLY hard to turn the stearing wheel. I thought, by never buying a new car before, that this was somewhat normal. Of course my brother was quick to tell me that it wasnt. I had to bring the car back to the place where I had bought it, and explain to them what was wrong. The salesmen who sold me the car got in and tried to turn the wheel himself, and was really shocked to find it almost next to impossible.

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  We have two (2) Pilots - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Charles - February 27 - 4:23 pm

  I know, I know, to have two of the same vehicle sounds different however we cross the continental divide often in the winter. We liked front wheel drive (had a minivan) but having an extra two drive wheels has been often reassuring. One of us is not very hip on the outside design but is comforted by their quality mechanicals. Most people who ride in them comment that they will seriously consider buying one also. Plainly, that is what sells these Pilots! Looking to motor in them for at least 10 years or 200,000 miles whichever comes first.

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  Disappointed... - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed... - February 27 - 12:10 am

  I have been averaging 18-19 mpg in the first 600 miles. I thought this car was 24/34, at least thats what was written on the sticker window. I am also disappointed with the tight steering wheel. I prefer a looser and easier steering at all times. I wonder if any of you folks are getting this as well.

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  Experienced hybrid driver puzzled - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Dan Hurley - February 25 - 3:53 pm

  Have had Civic Hybrid for 5 weeks. Avg mpg is 22!!! ? hwy up to 44 mpg but genly 39. City and overall avg ends up at 20-22. I drove a Honda Insight hybrid on same roads for the last five and a half years. Hwy was 69-70 mpg with max of 83. City was more like 39 mpg. The point is, I am a hybrid driver. Insight was stick. Civic automatic. Cant imagine Im doing something so wrong to get less mpg than most small cars, much less what hybrid should get. Any thoughts from anyone? Brought it into dealer twice. They said they got 35 city/44 hwy in 10 mile test drive. I have driven 1000 miles now, with a continuous avg of 20-22 city. With heat on or off. looking for answers

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  Another perfect Accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Steven - February 25 - 8:10 am

  Bought this Accord to replace a BMW 325...really dont miss the BMW. As a former 95 Accord driver, I was wary of the auto shift quality, but the new 5-speed is a huge improvement. 4-cyl power is great, if you think you need a V6, youre probably wrong. (V6 would be nice on long freeway upgrades, thats about it). Handling is decent, definitely not sharp like the BMW, but the tires are made for mileage, not grip. Brakes are so-so, an area Honda could definitely address next time around. Amazing seats, almost as good as Volvos Ive ridden in, and thats saying something. Only regret is I wish Id shelled out for the EX with Leather...this car is actually worth the splurge...

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  Good car with Paint issues & Electronic Bugs. - 2015 Honda Accord
  By First time Honda buyer - February 24 - 12:38 pm

  Primary issues (really works my nerves): *Paint - chips, chips, and more chips... I cant be taking on this much gravel. I live in town! It cant stand up to bug guts on the hood. So, I have to wash frequently. I have had unexpected chips all around the car. Some near the size of an eraser. Its black paint and it is chipping to the grey primer! I called into Honda about this. It wouldnt be the first paint issue they have had... There was an extended warranty issued on Civics with bad paint about 5 years ago. *Road noise (sounds like wind rushing in door). the dealer said they had a fix for that. The dealer gave me a free paint pen. The first is free they said... How many will I be buying???? *Memory seating panel – loses memory or won’t respond sometimes. The dealer said they cant fix it unless they see it happening. I have it on video acting up though. Thats not seeing it? * Quick and Easy wearing of the driver side mat. It’s in shreds already. Im a simple 9-to-5er. What could I have done this mat?! My mats in my 9 year old Toyota are still in one piece at 180,000 miles. * Poor seal at doors: rain water gets into the middle spots where the door & trunk closes and causes excessive spotting and moisture. Water gets in with heavy rain, or basic wash, and dust gets in consistently. Constant wiping. Rust waiting to happen... On top of the paint chips. Features I LOOOOVE!!!: Heated seats! Right turn Side view camera!!! (Awesome) Lane departure signal warning Rear crash warning Gas mileage! Smooth ride Nice acceleration Oil changes are not frequent! Good handling on tires (even better than my Toyota Camry’s) Moon roof Passenger power seats Pandora radio connection Bluetooth! Memory seats (when they work, lol) My own adds: tint & lip spoiler = a nice touch! Ivory seats – when they are clean (: [not denim friendly] Secondary issues: *Digital screen is complicated to move around in. Could be a little more user friendly *Music system has only average sound (may be better with less road noise) I think my system would be the B level out of A-C. I have more than the base “C” system but not a deluxe “A” system I don’t think they offer a choice for BOSE-level sound though. *Radio – Bluetooth has taken a long time to connect sometimes, I have to go through a lot if the blue tooth wont connect to Pandora...I have to do all sorts of TLC and re-connecting. radio volume won’t respond sometimes, wheel buttons wont work sometimes Radio issues are infrequent and tend to resolve themselves. With radio it will re-set once the car has been re-started but if Im on a long drive, it can be frustrating. *Not enough storage compartments (no coin drawer, door pockets small). *Had a problem with driver window going dead. They fixed it ASAP. *Complicated screen system not user friendly interface. That improved with 2016s (my friend has one) but Im stuck. Things I wouldve liked: (some of these are in Touring and some V6s but not 4cyl for more $): Better wheels Navigation Rear crash brake defense Better radio

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  element - 2003 Honda Element
  By air1xyz - February 22 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive but should have drl

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  Could be better - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By All-Honda family - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Pilot last summer right after introduction. It has proven great in snow. However, road noise is excessive, and vibration from day one at about 65. Now we are told tires are cupping and need to be replaced at 20,000 miles +/-. Also, driver door does not fit tightly, squeeks while driving. Plastic on door pillar easily scratched by seat belt. Now we received a recall (called an "adjustment") about late-deploying airbags.