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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  Its a Honda - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By RICK - November 20 - 1:33 am

  The only thing I can find wrong with my Pilot is the placement of the windshield wiper lever in relationship to the shift lever. It is comfortable & fun to drive and I am very happy with my choice. I show off my Pilot every place I go to anyone who’s interested

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  Honda at its best - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dale - November 20 - 1:30 am

  So far this vehicle has exceeded my expectations. My combined mileage has been 19 MPG and as advertised, 22 MPG straight out highway driving. Cabin noise level is very quiet. What little road noise there is, comes from the cheap Goodyear tires. I have read a few online reviews about "drive line vibes" but even up to 90 MPH, my Pilot is very smooth and drives very tight. We have had 2 snowfalls recently; the 4WD works great and the vehicle gets excellent traction. The Pilot drives, rides and performs much better than the Grand Cherokee, Explorer and Four Runner. These vehicles dont compare in quality either.

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  We Love our Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ck - November 19 - 10:20 pm

  This van is wonderful! Our other cars are Lexus RX and Lexus sedan. This van is amazing - two kids live in the back with plenty of room for soccer gear, karate equipment, friends for sleepovers, toys, games, beach trips - even a full size sofa went for a ride one day! Tons of room. Captains seats are easily removable. Very comfortable seats - even the back bench is passable for adults. Great handling and pickup for a big vehicle. Easy to park with the backup camera and parking sensors. Fantastic turning radius! Only thing I hate-the run flats-like the idea of being able to drive without changing a flat, but the cost of replacements is too high, and they need early replacement. Love this van!

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  GREAT CAR... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kimmi - November 19 - 1:12 pm

  2006 Honda Accord Cpe in January fully loaded (leather, Navi) with 26,000 miles on it. I did have a 2005 Civic before drove that one for 180,000 miles never in the shop accept for oil changes, and still going. I love the Accord it is quick and reliable. I now have 53,000 miles on it and I have never had an issue it drives like it is brand new. 2 things: better paint. It chips easy and does not look appealing. Better leather, not too bad and mine still looks Nice but I clean it with Lexol every 2 months. Best navi. It pin points down to the exact point of turn and finds the best routes to bring me everywhere. Recommend the car to anyone I am a Honda girl for life.

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  8K review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Marlon Ramirez - November 19 - 11:53 am

  Bought my Accord back in May of 2008. So far I get 28-29 MPG in mixed driving. The interior quality is OK, my 1999 Accord EX had a better comfort level on the seats. The dashboard is very well lit, but the stereo system is horrible, it seems to have too much bass when set at zero. Road noise is also bad, my Accord does not have a noise damper on the hood like my old Accord had. Whenever the car is cold, the brakes always make noise, after it has warmed up, it goes away. For some reason, when I use the windshield defroster, I hear the Air conditioner motor on (Dont think thats normal at all). As with other threads Ive read, yes, the Accord should come with a semi auto and projector lights.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Jon - November 19 - 9:23 am

  My wife chose this over my preference for a CX-7 and no regrets. Well-built, roomy, drives well and nicely designed and finished interior. Wasnt sure about the looks, but they grow on you. V6 option would be nice.

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By sooner1 - November 19 - 1:46 am

  Excellent ride with better than anticipated mileage. Handles well. More storage than you can imagine.

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  Noisy Ride (Wind and Road) - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By M. Kennedy - November 18 - 11:32 pm

  We just purchased a 2015 Honda Odyssey and traded in our 2012 Pilot. I loved my Pilot but we decided to make the switch with the addition of our 3rd kiddo. Unfortunately, Im not pleased at all with the exchange. While the van is attractive and has all of the bells and whistles, it doesnt make up for the extremely noisy cabin which is filled with road and wind noise, even at low speeds. Im not sure if Im overly sensitive due to driving my quiet Pilot for the last 3 years, or if there is something actually wrong with the Odyssey. I would expect more for the amount of money that you spend. The Dealership can find nothing wrong with the noise and has told me that it has to do with where the driver sits over the wheels and possibly the quality of the tires. Just something for future buyers to be aware of. Make sure you test drive it for more than a 10 minute drive, turn off the radio and pay close attention before you sign.

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  Good economy choice - 1994 Honda Accord
  By zaum88 - November 18 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this car as a commuter car. Its essentially a nicely styled economy car. The 4 cylinder VTEC is decent in power (compared to other 4 cylinders from this era), but its no racecar (as many people like to drive these like one). The interior isnt all that comfortable. The controls are well laid out, with a huge backseat as far as coupes go. The interior benefits from this generations extra width Ive owned an 89 Accord LX-i in the past and this comes across as quite spacious in comparison. Large trunk, well laid out engine compartment. Good mileage (I get around 28 but I drive mostly highway), fairly reliable. Rusts like crazy so keep the body clean.

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  Honda needs to learn from the Europeans - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Buyers Remorse - November 18 - 7:23 pm

  Ive had 4 Hondas over the years, and several European makes. I purchased this car this week, and in the first 400 miles I realize this was a mistake. While Honda manufactures wonderful engines and transmissions, and are generally user-friendly, the steering and suspension are COMPLETE DISAPPOINTMENTS. The car drives like a rollerskate, fights changes in direction, rebounds off any inperfections in the road, cannot track around bends to save itself, and has a completely unacceptable amount of road noise resonating in the cabin. I drive 100 miles a day, and this car makes me tired with steering corrections and road noise. This car is pointed in directions - it doesnt "handle" at all.