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:

• 

  2008 Pilot review - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By energetik9 - May 24 - 11:44 am

  Just purchased a 08 EX-L Pilot with Nav to use as a third car. Car drives really well and will work great as a puppy hauler and road trip car. I typically stay away from Hondas and this is my first in some time. Good cars, but generally far too sterile, uninspired styling, and lacking in performance for my tastes. Zero issues so far and I especially enjoy the leather and back up camera. I have been very unimpressed with Acura/Honda Nav systems so well see how this does over time.

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By to_perspective - May 23 - 2:53 pm

  Original owner with 85k miles. Other than routine maintenance, which is inexpensive, we havent had to spend a nickel on this vehicle. Previous SUV was an Explorer so the reliability was a nice change. Comfort is good although a telescoping steering wheel would be nice. Mileage is as advertised.

• 

  Uncomfortable seat! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By norberte - May 22 - 10:49 pm

  This is my first Accord. I have it for about a month. I did not notice the seat issue with the short test drive. I like everything else about the car. However, I found myself still searching for a comfortable adjustment for the seat after almost a month of driving it. It is so hard and uncomfortable comparing to my Chrysler LHSs nice soft cushy seat. It seems that the adjustment range of the 10 way power seat in the Accord is too limited. The front of the seat is tilted up too high, even at its lowest setting, pinching on the back of my thigh. It feel like I am seating in a folding chair that is about to fold up on me. My bottom and legs feel numb after driving for about half an hour!

• 

  Love this car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By littlemrslarge - May 20 - 9:52 pm

  I have owned my 2005 CR-V for about 4 1/2 years now and love it! It has about 120,000 miles on it now had 29,000 when I purchased it. No problems at all - all Ive done is change the oil on schedule (every 5000 miles), replace the tires and brakes once each, and regular maintenance items. Weve taken it on many 400+ mile trips and it provides a very comfortable and safe ride every time. Cargo room is great and comes in handy often! The interior plastic trim does gouge easily if youre not careful when loading large items, and the "H" on the steering wheel will discolor if wiped with a Clorox-type wipe (oops). Otherwise, its a fantastic vehicle that well have for years to come!

• 

  SIDE DOORS - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By catalina60 - May 19 - 5:33 pm

  Our 2011 EX-L has a peculiar safety issue: Both my wife and I have driven off with one of the side doors open. Other than a small red door adjar symbol in the instrument panel, there is no other notable warning to the driver. It seems there should be a high-pitch audible warning or even the inablility to shift into Drive since the danger is so great if a side door is not fully closed, esp. if there are children or other passengers in the middle seats.

• 

  Status Report- 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid After 200K - 2003 Honda Civic
  By auburngbb - May 19 - 12:39 pm

  Total 2003 HCH Cost- HW Items purchased from 79k to 200k miles as follows: 2 sets of tires 1 speed sensor (drove thru deep puddle) 1 set of spark plugs 1 set of ft brake pads 1 fuel filter Fluid change maintenance from 79K to 200k miles as follows: * Several 0-20W/0-30W oil/filter changes (8k mile intervals) * Two CVT fluid changes noting I assumed to change oil every 100K miles until I noticed the transmission was slipping and read my OEM operators manual stating to change trans. oil every 30K. After changing the oil the first time THE TRANSMISSION QUIT SLIPPING and I make sure to change this fluid at recommended intervals. * One Antifreeze change Car runs good(mildly abused)

• 

  Electronics are poor - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By all4wheels - May 18 - 9:55 pm

  I have had the 2011 with navigation system for about 2 months now. The good is that it sits a little bit lower to the ground and has good headroom. I am over 6 feet tall and the headroom and legroom are fine. It drives nicely. Compared to my prior 2001 Odyssey I would say that the ride of this van is "softer" and it is less responsive than my other van. The front hood slopes down and I am unable to see the front of the Van. This takes some time getting used to, especially parking in tight areas. Now for the AWFUL: The Navigation system is TERRIBLE. The bluetooth for the telephone drops every few miles. They are both useless.

• 

  hwy mileage on my 2007 accord ex 4 cylinder - 2007 Honda Accord
  By hondaron - May 18 - 9:12 pm

  I am amazed by the performance and highway MPG on my 2007 Accord EX 4 cylinder sedan.. We averaged 33 MPG on a weekend trip to Nashville from St Louis. This is our third Honda. The first two were V6 Accords. Normal pure highway MPG seems to be 32. We have approximately 28,000 miles. I share the complaint that I cant easily play my IPOD. through the sound system. I recently purchased a system from SAMS for approx $50 that enables me to play my IPOD Touch through an FM setting.

• 

  Hinda Civic 2008-2010 Break pad WARNING - 2010 Honda Civic
  By carmichael1210 - May 18 - 12:05 pm

  My car has 16,000 miles and I am having the break pads replaced. Break pads should last atleast 30,000 miles. What Honda is failing to tell their customers is that they are in a lawsuite about this exact problem. In other words, they are aware of the problem, and have been aware but are not disclosing this problem to buyers. The break pads are not covered under warranty and honda is aware that their break pads have a 50% less lifespan than normal break pads. This is a safety hazard. And costly problem that Honda will not cover.

• 

  Honda Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By seadog9 - May 16 - 6:08 pm

  I bought my Pilot new at the end of 2008. It has been a great work horse and has performed well (now has 38,000 miles). My only complaints are: The road noise. I have made many trips between S. Oregon and N. California and the road noise has been terrible. My other complaint is the gas milage. I proabably average, on the highway, about 18/19 mpg. I was hoping for more especially since the sticker said I should expect 22 mpg on the highway.