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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  one year of ownership - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By osprey - December 24 - 8:42 am

  Was really torn between last of the 2015s vs. new 2-16 redesign.... Saved some$$$ and went with the 2015. After reading all the issues with the transmission, touchscreen, radio probs of the 2016 glad I did. No issues as of yet. Had an anchor seat cover come loose and that is it (glued back in) It is a famiiy hauler...very smooth on the highway. tracks straight and true easy family cruiser. BIg, boxy and bulky - tough to find anymore. Love the true center console. great sound system, rear dvd, and no touchscreen crap - true knobs to turn!!! So far so good.

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  Comfortable/affordable/fun commuter - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cash-money - December 23 - 8:56 pm

  My EX is sooo easy to drive. I have an 89 Si and this is a big improvement. The 06 Civic gets great gas mileage, is practical, but also nice looking with the new design. The EX has most of the luxury features that I became accustomed to with my sport/luxury sedan so I dont mind moving down in class to save money and get to where Im going comfortably. Besides, most of the time I drive at a moderate speed and dont treat this like a sports car. This car is perfect for our expected baby (safe), an occasional friend, and an easy to drive tool for getting from place to place without the hassle of a big bulky vehicle. We installed leather to make the ride seem more than it is. Mileage= 31mpg

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  Traded it for a Toyota 4-Runner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John - December 23 - 7:40 pm

  The car is well equipped but its a very noisy drive, especially when traveling on the interstates. The car was designed with a very low ground clearance which causes the undercarrige scrape when going up inclines.

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  Things you should know - 2007 Honda Element
  By Honda lover - December 23 - 3:31 pm

  Its exactly what I expected. Only car I have ever owned in which I do not get a backache-amazing support on short or long trips. Split rear door is extremely efficient-infinitely better than most splits & better than all single doors. Very useful for utility, carrying big & lots of things. Great traction in snow. Only 3 negatives which I expected:rear seat is useful only in a pinch had to remove headrests from rear seats to see, but dont use them anywaychoppy ride. Otherwise turning radius is great,headlights great,lots of stg places,easy to clean. Got armrest stg option, and love it. Would not suggest for young kids with carseats. Great for dogs-leave backs of rear seats down always

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  Awesome Little Red Wagon. - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Claude Lafler - December 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. There have been many of all genres and price. Since 2008 there have been many technological advances. However at the time my CR-V was on the leading edge. It is comfortable, economical, and trouble free. The beautiful red makes it a standout

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  2005 pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By mcginchristine - December 23 - 2:40 pm

  Love it!!!!!!!!! The pilot is very smooth and very comfortable to drive. It has alot of leg room and the entertainment system is a bonus. I drive alot of miles and it is a pleasure to drive.

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  EX-L Coupe-2009 - 2009 Honda Civic
  By pktommi - December 23 - 11:20 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost two months now and this is the first car I have never had to take back shortly after purchasing to have squeaks fixed or rattles fixed or adjustments made. Honda really has really got their act together. The first month or so the ride was a bit choppy but on the second month the suspension seems to have loosened up a bit and the ride is much better now, I am coming down from a much heavier car that did have a nicer ride to it and it has taken a while to adjust. Quality craftsmanship every place I look, everything is put together very well. I am a little disappointed that the trunk lid does not have a liner on it, no computer, and no intermittent wipers.

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  Traded our 2007 for a 2017 - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Richard Hamilton - December 23 - 6:09 am

  Very pleased with the new Honda Accord.

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  IT WAS WORTH WAITING FOR - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Douglas - December 23 - 1:27 am

  It is as simple as this, if you need to tow more than 5,000 lbs or like to off road then buy another vehicle. In the truck talk around RV campsites it beats ALL the competition in the rest of the needs hands down. Compare the ride and it is a no-brainer. Also, if you are older and like climbing a ladder to get into the vehicle then dont buy it. Entry into the vehicle is simply open the door and sit down ! !

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  Official Minivan Convert! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Sofia Walters - December 23 - 12:30 am

  My husband and I were super Minivan averse...but, none of the three row SUVs were able to match the space and comfort of the Honda Odyssey. I was also concerned about acceleration and performance on highways and have been pleasantly surprised.