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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  Overall Satisfied - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot - May 13 - 12:20 pm

  Had the Pilot since Feb, 2008. Living in Boston, Stop and Go traffic doesnt help the fuel economy. Been in to the deal twice since purchase, wheel alignment and wheel Balance. OEM Bridgestone Tires suck. Overall the car is good, great visibility, comfortable on long trips, Gas mileage is good compared to other same size SUVs. I get around 22-24 MPG on Highway going around 70 mph. Light foot on the gas pedal will help a lot with this car. Black Paint came off muffler after 2 weeks on the road.

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  First Driving Impression of 07 CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By handy - May 13 - 3:56 am

  This SUV comes close as it gets of scoring perfect in all aspects in its class. Totally superb handling, comfort, style and reliability. Compared to previous generations of CVRs, the 07 is much more refined and classy as if its a 45K SUV. I would be proud to park it next to any Lexus Acura or BMW without being ripped off.

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  We now own 2 new 2017s - 2017 Honda CR V
  By DDearborn - May 12 - 10:55 pm

  This is my third CRV and they just keep getting better and better!

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  Good, not great - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Aaron in IL - May 12 - 7:33 pm

  This is my first and probably only Honda. This was a want vs. need purchase. Coolest style V6 coupe w/o nav at under $30k MSRP (paid $26950) is main reason I chose this model. Good pickup, quiet motor and interior. Love the standard ipod adapter but the subwoofer is substandard! The trunk lid needs alignment, one speaker was bad, the passenger front seat needed to be tightened and there are two very visible paint blemishes on the pillar above the driver mirror all which were noted for correction by the dealer at delivery. Having said that, I feel the final factory pre-ship inspection was poor and I hope for better days ahead having driven only 600 miles. 23.5 overall mpg so far.

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  Love It!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Amber - May 12 - 6:50 pm

  i love my Honda its great on gas and its nice for long trips.

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  Safe and fun witj lots of room - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By L.Cline - May 12 - 3:49 pm

  The Odyssey is by far the best auto buy we have ever made. It handles like a car instead of a top heavy mini van. My husband and I have 2 children and 2 dogs. We can all ride together and not drive each other crazy. The kids watch the local t.v channels or a movie from the flip down screen and, the dogs sit in the back area. We still have room for more. The fuel millage is great for a mini van. The "ECO" mode kicks in a lot and that really helps. Around town, we average 22-24 mpg. We just went on a 3.5 hour trip to the mountains in NC and going UP the mountains, our avg. we 24. Coming down and back to Greenville, SC our avg was 33 mpg.

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  review - 1996 Honda Civic
  By chad - May 12 - 2:32 am

  This car so far has just been amazing. Simply amazing. I will give anyone a ride just to have the enjoyment of driving it.

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  WHERE DID ALL THE STORAGE GO? - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Adriana_Honda - May 12 - 1:13 am

  From someone who owned and loved a 2007 Pilot for 10+ years I am super dissapointed in the interior design of my new 2017 Pilot. The storage in the dash/console is TERRIBLE! Basically just one giant deep bucket to throw everything into and never to be seen again. I would say this vehicle is a family car, but obviously a male with probably no kids designed the dashboard/storage. The 2 previous models of the Pilot were much better. A few other complaints... the parking brake foot pedal gets in the way when trying to get a comfortable position on long drives. I never had that issue with my 2007 Pilot. Also, there is really no bumper on this new version, which means you cant reach up on top of the car from standing on the rear bumper if you ever use a roof rack. Not to mention saving the cost of repairs if you ever back into something, you will be smashing your back door along with the non-bumper. Some feedback on the radio, I would have loved to still have had some buttons for controls along with the touch screen. The touch screen is not very user friendly, and I consider myself a tech-savvy person. I was so excited to buy my new Pilot after reading so many great reviews, and it wasnt until I started driving it I feel there are so many let downs on this new design. Im keeping my fingers crossed they will listen to their customers and make the design better in the future.

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  awesome - 2005 Honda Civic
  By brassrok - May 12 - 12:43 am

  My first Honda...very sleek and easy to drive. The dealership was very easy to work with and offered me a great deal. I would buy it again if I could go back in time with the knowledge I now have.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melch - May 11 - 10:43 pm

  This is the first Honda I have owned and what a car. The most outstanding thing about this vehicle is MPG. I drive 110 miles RT each day and I average 39 to 41 MPG. The instrumentation, navigation and comfort far exceed my wildest expectations. I would highly recommend this car to everyone.