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:

• 

  Love my Pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Linda - February 20 - 7:23 am

  I have previously owned a Civic and a CRV, and traded in a 2003 xterra for my Pilot because I missed having a Honda. It is very comfortable to drive, and I love how big the back is when you put down the 3rd row seats, since I have to fit a stroller back there. My husband wasnt sure I needed a car this big, but now he loves it too!

• 

  20/28 mpg, not quite! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By craig - February 20 - 2:30 am

  Its a pretty decent vehicle, although we miss the comfort of our Chrysler LXI. The Chrysler was quieter and drove more like a car. The brakes in the Honda and other safety features are far superior though. The two things that just frost me are the fact that the sticker mileage was lets just say -- inaccurate. Yea, I know your mileage may vary but I expect to be able to at least compare these numbers with other vehicles. Were getting 15 in the city and 18 on the highway with no execptional demand on the car! Thats less than my gas guzzling neighbors Suburban! I brought it to Hondas attention and they said your mileage may vary

• 

  Better than hoped for or expected - 2005 Honda Accord
  By nytransplant - February 20 - 12:13 am

  Very comfortable around Phoenix but a true delight on the highway and up in the mountains. The indicators for the electric usage and optimum driving conditions work clearly. Roomy and quiet for long trips. Trunk space is adequate, even though the battery cuts down on available depth. No problems in the first 20,000 miles.

• 

  Little Red Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hondagirl - February 19 - 8:43 pm

  It is hard to get into the back seat if you have kids or even adult passengers. It is great for 2 people and comfortable. It has good acceleration. It drives great. It looks amazing.

• 

  AWESOME SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Kammy - February 19 - 2:56 pm

  Its like you are driving a car but its an SUV. I love it and my kids are comfy in it. I fit 2 big carseats in the bag and a teenager as well as room for a stroller and other items. Its a great famnily car indeed!!!!

• 

  2 weeks of pleasure - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ed F - February 19 - 2:43 pm

  Minor updates for this mid-cycle change. Ive had the car only 2 weeks, and just filled-up for the second time this morning. 31.5mpg in 70%hwy, 30%city driving. I can take or leave the XM radio, but the maintenance minder is a nice feature. The new wheels are difficult to clean (space between spokes too small).

• 

  My First Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By E. Joseph - February 19 - 12:53 pm

  This car handles really well in rain or shine. Its great on gas. It took a little while getting used to windshield wipers that operate from the middle instead of side to side but they do the job. When inside this this car its like being in your own little world.

• 

  Thanks for the crashbox Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DJS - February 19 - 8:53 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle new in Feb 06. We are very pleased with the vehicle. We have averaged between 21-26 mpg since its purchase (70%highway) and have had no mechanical issues to date. I never imagined that a minivan could be fun to drive, but this one is. Most importantly, it is a very safe well engineered vehicle. My wife and two kids (20Months/3years) were recently involved in a serious side impact collision with a full size pickup. In the end, the vehicle suffered approx.19K in damage, but all three walked away unharmed. We purchased an 08 model as a replacement. Thanks Honda, From a greatful father and husband

• 

  Great Car With Awkward Moments - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave Woolley - February 19 - 4:58 am

  If your over 511" you have to duck your head to get in. Also the temp controls are awkward. To sink your phone to the Bluetooth is another story on its own. The dealers dont tell you the front end is heavy and wears out the tires quickly at 20,000 miles. They will tell you to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles or no tire warranty. Who wants to rotate the tires every 7,000 miles? All it does is destroy the back tires as well that look like new. Taking the car back to the dealership to rotate the tires and have a big stinky mechanic leave his stench in your car for a week no way. Also if you click the lock button twice it will crack all the windows so it airs out in hot climates. Good idea but it also cracks the sun roof that is not visible to the eye. If you forget to close the sun roof at this point and go through a car wash your hosed. Water will get in all the way to the center of the car and you will not know it until the dryer fans go on at the end of the wash. Youll love the dripping water coming through your top controls on your new car. Other than that I love the car for kid convenience and it halls ass and handles very good. It sucks gas but you can go slower and the fuel efficiency light will go on telling you your conserving gas consumption.

• 

  Different type of SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By dragon43078 - February 19 - 4:37 am

  I lkie the interior and exterior design. It is not a copy of anything else out there. I hate looking for my vehicle and seeing several that match. Has more pep than I was led to believe. Heater actually puts the heat on my feet instead of my knees like it did in the Kia. Defrosts the windows really quick. No blind spots. I sit up high enough that oncoming trucks headlights are not in my eyes. Handles better than i thought it would being as tall as it is. Unique atomic Blue paint.