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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  Hope the cvt holds up - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ricky Mcfarlane - March 16 - 3:07 am

  Gauges not great but happy over all so far

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  Keep on going - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Poiltman - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My polit contiunes to suprise me everytime I drive. I recently went on a long trip and drove my poilt, it was an 14hr trip and I did not feel tired after the drive. In fact I could of drove anther 8hrs and still would of felt rested. I love my SUV.

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  2004 pilot with dvd - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pack rat - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I read many reviews of different suvs and test drove two but settled on the pilot. It seems to be the best value for the money with many features standard with the leather dvd package. The ride is very comfortable and much quieter than I expected after reading earlier reviews. I am very satisfied with this suv and do recommend it to others.

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  nice suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By douber - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I didnt think I would like this car as much as I do. I wanted a pilot but as the wife was the primary driver she won and we got the crv. I am gald now plus 10,000 dollars richer. I how ever am the one who sevices it and that sucksa the filter is hard to get at and makes a real mess. But all the hondas I have owned are about the same. They seem to give no thought to servicing there vehicles.

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  Lovin it - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By tenebrion - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Im about 3000 miles into ownership and completely satisfied. This replaced a 99 Jeep Cherokee, so the ride is like a Cadillac in comparison. I took it on a long trip for xmas. Its carried five grown men. Its gone through moderate mud and snow. Its been great in all those situations. The rear center headrest pops out if you decide it blocks your view. In contrast to another review, the cassette player comes in handy if you have an mp3 player.

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  Its a Beauty - 2004 Honda Accord
  By SK2004 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Luxury at an affordable price. Honda has done a great job on this and has nicely packaged the options so you dont need to go in for anything extra. Great drive, interiors, dont settle for V4. We love this car.2nd Honda accord for us much better than the older verison.

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  Excellent truck. - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By bubba smith - March 16 - 1:49 am

  The 2017 design is much improved over the earlier Ridgelines. So far, highway gas mileage is better than 30 mpg. However, city mileage is around 16.5 mpg. Overall the average mpg meets the sticker numbers. The big improvement is how quiet this truck is! I love it. The RTL-E is really loaded with goodies, with excellent safety improvements. Really glad I bought one. Not crazy about the turning radius - hard to pull in to a lot of parking spots without backing up to get centered. The original horn was so anemic so I got another one installed - a two-town real truck horn instead of a "meep, meep" kind of noise. I wish the back doors would open even 3" wider. Im averaging 21.3 mpg overall, which is a big plus. I have gotten a number of compliments on the truck. I am really enjoying this truck.

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  made a mistake - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By john911 - March 16 - 12:33 am

  Bought van used it had only 28550 miles. WE were excited to get a Honda Van!! Heard so much about Hondas. What a disappointment after I read the reviews.We are having the same problems. Noisy engine. It sounds like a small car engine also the wind noise from the windshield. It was two days over the warranty the local dealer will not cover it.The told me this after they said the noise was due to the tires that needed balancing which I paid for. After reading the reviews on this site I wonder how they could not know what the problem was. Now they say it is a loose rear engine mount and the whistling is from the windshield cost will be $1000.00 now I am just waited for the brakes to be next!

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  Boringly Perfect Car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By PCampos - March 16 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car new 13 years ago this month. It has 164,000 miles on it, and like so many other Accord owners I can say its never had a major mechanical problem. It also gets very good gas mileage. The only real complaint I have is that its so reliable that it makes it hard to justify getting another car! After 13 years its acquiring a lot of cosmetic damage, but mechanically its still seems to be in perfect shape, and since Im only driving about 7000 miles a year right now I could probably keep it for another decade easily. Its hard to believe there could be a better car for anyone who ranks reliability and low maintenance at the top of what theyre looking for in a car.

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By luvmycivic - March 15 - 11:24 pm

  This car has lived up to its reputation. I have been averaging 43 mpg driving to and from work. You cant beat that!