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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  More room then our 1997 Expedition - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Canada - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 1997 Ford Expedition because we needed 4x drive in Canada. I didnt expect to have more room in the interior but we do and it handles in the mountains much better. I hate to say it but I doubt Ill ever buy American again. With 3 kids and a Golden Retreiver we had plenty of room and no complaints on a long trip.

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  near perfect vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By char baby - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The big three only wish they could build the quality, reliability and fun to drive of this vehicle!

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  We love every minute in it! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Chicago Mike - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV! It is so unbelievably smooth. On a recent 400- mile ride it was so comfortable, I wasnt tired of driving at all. When cruising on the highway at 80 mph the cabin was so quiet (at 80 mph the engine revs at barely 2000 rpm). Power: 0-60 mph in 8 seconds!!! These 240 horses can beat many sports cars in stoplight race challenges. Fuel economy is great and the 4WD system is technical miracle. There is a lot of passenger safety features built in (e.g., automatic detection of the size and position of the front passenger, etc.). Headroom is excellent even for Shaq-size drivers and passengers). Legroom in the second row is limo-like.

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  Two things - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lmiller - December 15 - 3:40 am

  The idle stop should defalt to off. With two car seats in the second row, the 3rd row is not accessable.

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  Great tech but the skimped on materials - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Rich - December 15 - 3:21 am

  Great tech and great ride but it is diminished by the following cost -cutting / design flaws.. 1. No volume knob! Really? Do they not know how important this is?!? 2. GPS is not very reliable: Often takes a while to find your location/direction. Needs a better antenna. 3. Remote start has a short reach. Lame! How am I suppose to start my car from my office?? 4. There is no visor over the dashboard / navigation screen to prevent sun washout. There should be. 5. Navigation system does not show you the name of the road you are on. It only shows you the name of the road you are approaching. That is useful but it should display the name of the road you are on.

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  Nice All Rounder That Is Fun To Drive - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ANDREW - December 15 - 1:16 am

  Bought my car in Feb, enjoying it so far. Clutch took a while to get used to, and i wish the nose was further differentiated from other/previous Accords. Everything else is pretty awesome about this car, i especially like the little orange mood light next to the interior lights. Stereo is pretty nice and interior is well executed.

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  Loud and bumpy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Kris orton - December 14 - 10:14 pm

  Loud interior noise and you feel every crack in the road

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  LOVE this car!! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By litleladybug28 - December 14 - 8:16 pm

  I bought this car in April 2006 and absolutely LOVE my Honda!! I have had to replace my timing belt and water pump at 92,000 for the very first time in my Hondas life but otherwise its great in winter weather,g reat to transport my dog and me. Great on gas for a 5spd. Id buy another in a heartbeat! I LOVE my Honda CR-V!

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  I became THAT Soccer Mom - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Alexis Dolan - December 14 - 1:56 pm

  Love this car! It was my first (and so far only) new car when I bought it 24 years ago - I raised two kids with this car - from infant seats to pop-ups, coolers, first aid kits and extra clothes in the back for club team soccer tournaments, this car has never left me or them by the side of the road. Im at 225000 miles and still never worry about jumping in the car for a road trip. Never took it to a dealer - too expensive. Have a long term shop that has taken care of it for the last 10 years. I have a 5 speed manual, and I love driving it, it is a dream car. Honda got it right with this one!

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  crave - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By tony - December 14 - 2:46 am

  This car runs great so far, handles very well and the ride is smooth. Engine power is good not many cars on the road can pass you if you dont want them too.