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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  2000 Honda passport and ethanol gas - 2000 Honda Passport
  By lilk9or - April 22 - 8:12 pm

  Do not mix, ever since they changed the gas to having ethanol in it my Honda dies on me and stalls like crazy and I read in the owners manual that it says not to run methanol or ethanol in it otherwise it will have mechanical malfunctions. I do not recommend getting this vehicle since they are changing the gas to having ethanol in the gas. But all around besides that problem I like it a lot but with all the problems I think I am gonna get rid of it. Do not buy it!

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  Comparing the 2006 to the 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Miz - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  After 364 days my 2006 CR-V was totalled in an accident. I got my 2007 CR-V a few days ago. There are some marked differences between the old model CR-V and the redesigned 2007 one. The 2007 has a much softer, more car- like ride than the 2006, the seats are more comfortable and the engine is more responsive. On the down side there is almost no practical storage in the vehicle, the the cargo nets on the rear of the front seats is gone, the shift knob had been moved to the middle leaving a couple of usless holes where there once was a drawer and box big enough to hold CDs. The passenger underseat drawer is useless to the driver. The flip down center console holds nothing but drinks.

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  Its ok for city driving - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Daniels - April 22 - 2:58 pm

  Great Gas mileage rides nice , you can not have 5 adults in it. ....not a good touring drive ...perfect for inner city driving

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  Honda Pilot 2016 Touring Transmission Issues!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Reddy King - April 22 - 2:56 pm

  We got Honda Pilot 2016 Touring spending $45K and drove the car for 8 months with 8k miles on it and started making chirping sound when shifting from 3 to 4th gear. Took it to the dealer and had it inspected to find out that transmission went bad and had to be replaced!!!! wow really Honda? on a 45k car the transmission went bad with in 8k miles...!!!! Please dont buy pilot it has lotta issues, this is the 3rd time i had to take my car to dealership with issues, spend your money on something worth not on a pile of junk!!! i am a long term owner of Honda cars but this pilot pissed me off and i am not buying Hondas any more!!!! for future owners... please dont buy Honda Pilot 2016, read comments on edmunds, there are lot of owners with the same kinda issue and they had to replace transmissions. I cant believe Honda is making such a pile of junk!!!!

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  Still love it - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By jeff - April 22 - 2:45 pm

  Just purchased a 2005 Odyssey EX-L and thank God I checked here about the Touring edition first (didnt buy that one) We still have the 2000 EX and still love it, never a single complaint or problem...NEVER! We did the timing belt and water-pump replacement at the correct time and the tune-up too. All done at the Honda dealership. I can not say one bad thing about it other than I never thought I would drive a van, now I bought another one!

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  good vehicle - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By bradleyc - April 22 - 12:15 pm

  We have owned our Pilot for 8 months and have been very happy with it. We were looking for a smaller SUV that could still seat 8 people if needed. The back seats are cramped when you have 8 people or children in the car but are adequate for short trips. The acceleration is good and it has a tighter turning radius than our last vehicle (Chevy Impala) which makes it nice for parking. The fuel mileage isnt all I had hoped that it would be - about 16-18 mpg city and about 22 highway. Doesnt have automatic headlights which took some time getting used to.

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  Honda rating - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Honda Puss Man - April 22 - 11:34 am

  Great mileage, great looks, reliable as all hell. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Fun, Reliable, and Efficient - 1998 Honda Civic
  By David - April 22 - 11:01 am

  Wonderful car! I got my civic as a hand-me-down. It was my first car and will be my only car for some time. Fuel economy is superb for such a sporty compact. The hatchback is a great model due to its transportation qualities. The D17Y engine isnt exactly the best in its class, but Honda did put enough work into making it rev extremely high. Put your foot to the floor on a long stretch of road and the automatic transmission down shifts and launches you forward. The air conditioning isnt the best, however, if it is left on long enough at high power it WILL cool the entire car down. My only complaint is that if you drive the car at the top end, fuel economy suffers quite a bit.

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  I love it "but" - 2008 Honda Element
  By dds4 - April 22 - 9:26 am

  When I saw my black SC in the show room I loved it. Unfortunately, I drove a regular EX and then bought the SC. The SC is very harsh riding on long trips, punishing actually. It is at the dealer now replacing a defective rear tailgate hinge. For around town it is great and fun to drive. If you travel on weekends, I would select something else if you like some level of comfort.

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  Disappointed with Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Emily - April 22 - 9:19 am

  I love the style, like the drive BIGGEST problem.. Making a roaring sound while going up hills. Almost like vibration. Honda claimed it was a heat shield they fixed it & we are still having problems. Obviously wasnt a heat shield. Not happy.