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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  Solid, Good Power ... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ajwray - December 30 - 11:57 am

  Having owned over 10 new Hondas in the last decade this is easily my favorite (prior was the initial CRV). I traded in a Durango (V8) which was getting 11 MPG for the Pilot and the trade off between V8 power and the Pilot is negligible. The Pilot easily accelerates on the highway while being fairly stingy for the MPG (we get 18- 20). We also have a Liberty Sport which is a great 4x4 but this is the SUV which balances family needs, safety, and versatility all in one vehicle. Dont expect to go offroading in this SUV but we just got hit with major snow here in New England and my Pilot cuts through drifts like butter. Many other cars were stuck in the drifts but no problem w/Pilot.

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  Enjoying my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Jasmine - December 30 - 1:23 am

  Ive had my CR-V for 2 weeks now, and so far I am enjoying it. It has all the features that I was looking for, and for the price its a great value. Its a great car for anyone whos looking for a small SUV with good gas mileage.

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  Pilot for me - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By elizabeth Anderson - December 29 - 8:50 pm

  Its roomy and comfortable. Love the new exterior

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Van - December 29 - 3:15 pm

  Purchased new in 12/05..had to wait 2 months after ordering. EX model with navigation. Has been a great vehicle and very reliable, though weve had it serviced regularly as recommended. Purchased for safety rating & reliability. Lots of room, especially with rear seat folded flat. Brakes have been okay but not strong. Power sliding door has stuck during freezing weather. In spite of others concerns, thats to be expected. Maybe Honda could make a suggestion about best way to "unfreeze" stuck door. Honda has offered extended warranty on transmission and EGR valve, but havent used it. We added leather and flip down video since they it werent options when purchased. No regrets.

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  They finally got it right! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By conquerer77 - December 29 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned the following: 1994 Accord LX Coupe; 2005 Toyota Camry LE; and now, 2009 Accord LX Sedan with 5-speed manual. My new car was bought after much detailed and painstaking research. Issues with past Accords that kept me away: Road noise, stiffness of ride, high price, arrogant dealerships. I got lucky by finding a good dealer that gave me good value on 05 Camry. Camrys started to have an issue with valves rattling (70K miles!), so I may have had a lemon. It was a refined vehicle, and the ride in my new Honda is a only a touch louder and harsher, . But I get better mileage, more agile, new suspension is wonderful. Close & tough choice, but made best decision. Looks more masculine !

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  Wow - 2007 Honda Civic
  By IXbloodsimpleXI - December 29 - 6:46 am

  To start off, I usually purchase at least 1 car per year, this is my 13th in my life. With this car, I cant convince myself to get rid of it. Ive customized it to my liking and cant seem to want anything else. No problems with it, I barely have to feed it gas and its very sporty for being a base model.

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  Insight is a winner - 2005 Honda Insight
  By l Howe - December 28 - 7:14 pm

  This is one of the first cars in a long time to exceed our expectations. It is exceptionally well engineered and manufactured. The fuel economy is outstanding. Honda took their time and did this one right. They were obviously looking for every "tweak" they could find for economy. For a two person family with grown kids, this car is ideal. We have a Lexus RX 300 when we need to haul more than an average load of groceries or take another couple. The Insight is getting more than 2/3 of the use because of the economy and it is fun to drive and a joy to park. And this thing has zip. I have had to learn to keep my foot out of it and stay at 70 or a little below to go for the best mpg.

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  Hybrid Accord w/ Navigation - 2006 Honda Accord
  By wgrant94 - December 28 - 4:50 pm

  Delighted with the mileage. We got 38 mpg on a trip to Atlanta. My wife loves the mileage and I love the performance. One car magazine reviewer said that the Hybrid was like a pouring a can of nitrous in the fuel; instant torque and acceleration. While it may not be as quick as our Acura TL-S - it feels like it is. Instant response, great mileage,and reliable whats not to love?

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  My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.

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  My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.