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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  Honda Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By William Rohrey - February 27 - 8:30 am

  So far it has been very good ,as much or more than I expected. I like this for its room & easy 0y entry from both sides & rear. The bad part is having to open the front doors to be able to open the other doors.I think Honda builds a good product in all their cars. Bill

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  My first Honda, and what a truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By John Molinatto - February 26 - 8:56 pm

  This vehicle is amazing! When I drove it off the lot, I didnt want to stop driving it. It has everything that I was looking for in a truck. A ride that is unbelievably quiet and smooth, controls that are easily accessed, great fuel economy for a q-cab 4x4. I keep saying wow everytime that I drive it and I can tell that its a feeling that I will continue to experience every time that I hop in and turn the key.

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  Noise - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Leslie - February 26 - 6:00 pm

  While so much seems fine we are having a lot of trouble with the exhaust. It seems when the car is at 2000 rpm there is a loud vibration noise under your foot on the gas pedal and under the seat of the passenger side. Weve brought it back to Curry Honda twice and they have said it is a feature with the car and not to worry. However it is extrememly annoying to drive.

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  Safe, reliable, and oh so sweet! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By joeyjoejoe - February 26 - 4:37 pm

  We have been driving our new VP AWD Pilot for almost a month now and absolutely love it! We decided to take the plunge because of the horrible weather weve been having in the MidWest and we also plan to start a family soon. Ive owned many Hondas, so owning a Pilot was always a goal of mine. I have to say that it has delivered up to my expectations hands- down. We plan to add a few extras like a towing package, all season floor mats, and a remote starter in the near future. We only went with the base VP model without all the bells and whistles and everyone still compliments on how nice and luxurious it looks. We were comparing the Pilot to many other SUVs and it easily beat them out.

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  The Van is Great - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By pat - February 26 - 2:59 pm

  Went looking for a 2004 EX Ody due to high CR ratings. Test drove 3 & found huge range of ride quality. Test drove three 2005s w/similar mileage and all had same ride quality - vastly superior to 2004. Previously purchased high mileage 99 Ody that served us well - despite installing 2 trannys at warranty expense. Wrecked it in January & bought the 2005. Incredible ride, handling, quiet, features, kids and wife absolutely love it.

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  My new ride! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Miss T - February 26 - 5:20 am

  I needed an AWD vehicle and drove several models. I chose the 2017 Honda CRV because I liked the interior arrangement and redesigned body style. I also like the reliability reputation of the Honda brand. The resale value is top notch. I hope my instincts prove true. So far I really like this vehicle.

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  Common sense pic, Florida car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By PROTRACK - February 26 - 3:46 am

  First decision to buy anything was a response to runaway gas prices. I immediately looked to Honda or Toyota. Honda won hands down on price and value. As a previous Honda owner , The Fit being my third I was rest assured of quality and performance. Looks are very contemporary and plain "cool". Im 49. Function was genius. Space inside was smartly engineered. Access to it was smart. This car is tight and precise. I only have 75 miles on it yet so no mileage to report on. I am like a crack addict on withdrawal trying to keep from using all of its power for fun performance driving until break in is over. Serious sports car like control at even moderate speeds. This car will dance on a dime.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mike Fucito - February 26 - 2:16 am

  I have been driving my new Polished Metal Metallic 2008 V6 EXL with Navi and Bluetooth. It all works great. The car looks great and handles really well. The VCM technology seems flawless. Everything is extremely well engineered and designed from the interior to the exterior to the engine compartment, etc. Nothing has been overlooked. Nobody builds cars, suspensions or engines like Honda. I think the controls for the navi, HVAC, awesome sounding radio, etc. are well thought out and intuitive - I do not agree with the criticism.

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  My 99 Accord EX - The car that wont quit! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Tom C - February 25 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased my 99 Accord EX sedan 3 years ago for a second car. It had about 140k miles on it, and I figured I would keep it a couple of years to get me through a new job, etc. Well it now has 192k miles on it and runs and drives as good as the day I took it home! I have had the timing belt replaced, and installed new front struts. Other than that it has been simple oil changes and no worries. What a great car! It handles and rides beautifully, is comfortable and great on gas too. For the small amount I paid for my Accord I feel like I stole it. I dont even have the desire to get a newer car - that is how much I love my Accord!

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  Expensive for a little above average - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John H. - February 25 - 8:03 pm

  First off before buying a Pilot Elite beware of the following. The Navigation voice activation is useless. After dozens of attempts to utilize voice activation, I have resigned myself to the fact that it just doesnt work at all. I thought that Garmin would have been good, I was mistaken. I t hought the Elite had everything, including dual exhaust, wrong...the CRV does...but not the vehicle that costs 15 grand more. The adaptive cruise control will freak you out when someone enters the lane in front of you in the protected zone. It will panic brake, and thus panic YOU. Again it is useless unless the road is totally clear. I have had issues with the liftgate opening only to immediately close again to clock me in the noggin. In auto headlight mode, the high beams come on automatically when it feels like it. I am not one to use high beams that often. I have owned many different makes of vehicles, and never had as many issues as I have had with this Honda Pilot. Dont make the same mistake steer clear, without the lane keep assist.