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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  Solid performer - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By cbrunson1 - November 28 - 11:40 am

  Ive had my Pilot for 4 months and drive it mostly in town but took one extended 2,400 trip. Were very pleased so far. Weve found excellent build quality and reliability. Mileage has been good 18.7 in city and 24.8 on the highway (65+/-). Im 6-1 and drove 14 hours one day and rode in the backback seat for 10 hours another day. The front seats are very comfortable for extended periods and the backback seat was better than I thought it would be. My wife loves the shifter because it frees up the console area. Steering and engine are great, ride is good, and after getting a good EOY deal, it was $8k less than the Acadia/Enclave I shopped. My insurance premiums are less than my old Passport.

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  Best choice of a Minivan since sliced bread - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben L - November 28 - 8:19 am

  Chrysler may have invented the Minivan, but Honda has perfected the design. As a male driver who loves vans, i find it a purchase worth every penny. The new design for 2018 will grow on you mainly for the innovations and safety features. I regret not buying sooner but am grateful for the new model designed found in this van. There are some nice features worth spending the extra and I highly recommend the EX-L model. All others pales in comparison. Whether to upgrade to the Touring or Elite is a matter of personal choice, but the moving up from the base model of the LX to the EX or EX-L is worth looking into.

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  Our newest "convertible" - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Franz Schaller - November 28 - 5:09 am

  I also own a 06 MINI convertible...this is kind of a convertible with its cargo/storage options. Its one of the main reasons we picked the HRV, we love the fold flat rear seats for our dogs. The ride is nice and tight but composed and not uncomfortable. I wish the passenger front seat had the option to raise or lower like the drivers seat but it is comfortable and I easily fit my 6 frame inside. I enjoy the all touch digital dashboard but then I love Star Trek and the futuristic look. I dont have any issue using the controls. Most of the radio and phone controls are also controlled on the steering wheel and if your the passenger you can mess around and have some fun with the touch screen. I didnt think the Navigation could be better than our Garmin but its way better. You can enter phone numbers for locations instead of addresses and heres the big one, you make a change to your route and the Nav doesnt bark back, "recalculating". The Nav just adopts to your new route without the annoying voice. Gas mileage is good with our mix of freeway and city, making 28 mpg right now, that is mainly using the eco mode. Speaking of, even on eco the acceleration is good, its not my supercharged MINI 6 speed fast but it is acceptable. I can pass on the freeway without annoyance. The mirrors and visibility are good and the right side camera helps a lot when switching lanes. I never used a paddle shifter before but had fun shifting up and down with the sport mode. I also found this useful going up longer hills on the freeway when maximizing my acceleration. Honda is known for their reliability and we are looking forward to 10 years with this vehicle. Time will tell but as we bought this car and the very end of winter in Wisconsin. This may be the 1st time Im looking forward to next years winter snow with the Honda HRV!

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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car!!!! Very sporty - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - November 28 - 3:18 am

  Love this car!!

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  Great car, jury still out though - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eak - November 28 - 1:43 am

  I have owned Volvos all my life(37 yrs.) and I am extremely impressed with this cars safety record; a large reason why it won out over the Camry and any American sedan. The 4cyl. is plenty peppy enough and the interior design is very ergonomically friendly. The 6 speaker stereo was a pleasant suprise. Overall this car drives beautifully in any environment with plenty of power especially when stepping out to pass at 65-80mphs. It is so quiet that I actually was doing 90 and didnt realize it until I looked down at the speedometer! Whoops. Jury still out at only 200 miles on the car.

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  We love it!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Keith Moore - November 27 - 8:46 pm

  We traded our 03 Pilot EXL for an 06 EXL with DVD. The Pilot has definitely improved and we were extremely satisfied with our 03! More standard features now offered (sunroof, heated seats, 6 disc in-dash CD, etc.). The drive is better than ever and the improved interior cosmetic changes (dash light color - never liked the green!, leather surfaces, improved A/C vents, etc.) are welcomed changes, in my opinion. If you have/had any drving experiences with previous Pilots, youll definitely like the 06. Would still like to see memory seats, back glass windshield open separate from the tailgate, lighted steering wheel controls, and 17 inch wheels (still looks top heavy with 16s).

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  Not A Very Reliable Car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Steve - November 27 - 6:44 pm

  I also bought the Civic for its reliability, but the overall experience has been somewhat of a nightmare. It all started when the struts went at about 65,000miles. Then at 85,000 miles alternator went. Then at 93,000 miles the switches to the windows went. The lining in the bck is coming apart over the rear passengers. The SRS light came on around 124,000 miles because of the seatbelt buckle. Now the big kicker the transmission is going at around 126,000 miles 5th gear pops out for no reason at all while driving. From what I read from other reviews, I will needing a new transmission. If that is the case the car is getting traded in!! I will never buy another Honda!

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  Prelude Love - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Morgan - November 27 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my Prelude used at about 58K miles. Took her in recently for 105K service and still going strong. While the ride can be stiff, you get excellent road feel. The rougher ride dosent seem to matter on long trips. After driving a rental recently I really missed my precise handling and road hugging Prelude. Great long-term reliability. Fun to commute to work in or tool about town in on a lazy weekend.