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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  What a great auto! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JoeA - March 19 - 10:43 pm

  What an amazing auto! The V6 doesnt hold back, and the 6-speed manual transmission is so much fun! Gas mileage is exceptional for such a poweful car, and Vehicle Stability Assist really helps when taking those corners a little faster than you probably should. The Nav system adds a lot more fun, and is amazingly accurate and helpful. Forget BMW, Hondas got this one!

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  Gas mileage is terrible! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By L Lenell - March 19 - 7:13 pm

  I like the car but cant afford the gas. We are paying about $80.00 a week for gas. I wish we had gone with the cr-v

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  Nothing can touch it! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaGuy - March 19 - 10:23 am

  This is hands down the best SUV on the road, the price and performance cant be beat. Every Christmas I take my family from Houston to Chicago, 1100 miles with wife and three kids. This year we traded up the old minivan for the pilot, and I was a little scared we wouldnt have enough room for everything and still be comfortable. I was so wrong. Everything fit, the kids had enough room, and I averaged 25 mpg. My minivan couldnt make it over 20 mpg on the same trip. I highly recommend this vehicle to any family needing an all around great kid hauler.

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  Best Midsize SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Vanz of Tx - March 19 - 9:26 am

  Solid on road handling, easy to learn interior features(like the Navigation sys),lots of room for 8, safety and reliability. Although 16 MPG for city, very efficient on long distant driving. The drive is so comfortable...good job Honda!

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  2016 Accouring Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By scott L - March 19 - 3:09 am

  Great car for the price, it has everything you could possibly want, technology is superior

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  2016 and beyond - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By fernando atherley - March 19 - 2:47 am

  This a nice suv to get. had it over 1 month now and the v6 inside is really nice. The down side is they didnt put a cd player in the lower model.

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  Lovin it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Kevin - March 18 - 11:06 pm

  My dad has fun with his 04 Element, especially since it stands out with its Fiji Blue color. He mainly uses it to deliver restaurant supplies to his restaurant in LA. Ill occasionally take his car to school once in a while. I cant complain about those handy fold-up rear seats. Although they are a bit heavy, once folded up, you have plenty of cargo room. The floor is so easy to clean off as well - just spray it off with a garden hose. Handling is sharp sure doesnt feel clumsy on turns. I love this box!

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  Good Work or Run Around Town Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By John - March 18 - 10:30 pm

  I bought this to drive to and from work because of the dependability and resale. This is my first Honda and I bought it with just 23K. It replaced my Ford Escort. Gas mileage is about 1 or 2 MPG better than 2002 Escort. It sits better and has better acceleration than the Escort. Honda gets about 32-36 MPG to and from work which is about 8 miles in town, 34 miles on freeway. I do not just drive it in town. It gets twice as good of MPG as my Mountaineer!

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  Practical Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By David - March 18 - 7:10 pm

  Bought it for a week, drove in deep snow, it performed very well. I compared CRV to Toyota Rav4, Mazda Tribute, Chev Equinox, Mitsubish Outlander and Nissan Xterra. Factors I used to evaluate them are price, build quality, gas mileage, interior space, safty, resale value and features I like. After months of research and test drive, CRV is the winner. It has a good price with all disired features included, honda quality, best in class interior volume, very good gas mileage and best resale value. CRVs engine is only 160hp, but with 162 ft-lbs of torque at low rpm, acceleration should be enough for most drivers. To get most power out from engine, better select manual transmission.

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  Sport/Economy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Matt Weiler - March 18 - 4:54 pm

  Poor rear window visibility, picks up a lot of road noise, Auto transmission lugs in regular drive mode at 10-20 mph, unless you stomp on it.