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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  I cant find a thing wrong - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Paul Mon - June 29 - 12:05 pm

  Like most Hondas you have to be very picky to find something not to your liking. I have now owned my Pilot over 3 years and still enjoy driving it. I can do all of the routine maintenance myself thanks to online resources.

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  Best value in mid-size SUV segment - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - June 29 - 9:15 am

  I have owned my Pilot for a few weeks now and have not been disappointed. Gas mileage is acceptable for SUV - getting no worse than previous minivan while providing a very comfortable ride. Compared to 08 Nissan Pathfinder and 07 Saturn Outlook, the Pilot can be purchased for thousands less when comparably equipped while giving the owner a very handsome trade-in value down the road. Vehicle has excellent fit and finish both inside and out.

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  More than a car. - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Robert palmer - June 29 - 6:44 am

  Every detail was more than I expected.

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  2016 Honda Accord Touring Modern Steel Metallic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Greg Orlando - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Saved money switching from Acura TL. Same interior and same size engine as TL.

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  2016 Honda Accord Touring Modern Steel Metallic - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Greg Orlando - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Saved money switching from Acura TL. Same interior and same size engine as TL.

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  Civic coupe manual - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Leon - June 29 - 12:53 am

  Had my LX coupe 5sp manual for a year now, 0 problems, its comfortable, pretty stiff though, but I like it. I do about 30 MPG and all of them are in the city, and very short drives. No real space in the back, kids will do fine. Front is very spacious, Im 64" and its fine, drives well, second gear sometimes wont go in.

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  Name says it all! Honda Civic EX Coupe! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By RichB - June 28 - 9:25 pm

  This car has been awesome. Owned it for almost 10 years. Just tripped 64k and still runs like a top. But times have changed and Ive gone from just me to a wife, 2 kids, and me. So, Im going from one extreme to another... trading it in on a 2007 Tundra CrewMax. Its hard to let go, but it must be done. I know someone else will enjoy it for another 10 years or more.

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  Fun Value - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Randy T - June 28 - 3:12 pm

  My first non US big 3 car and I love it. Fun to drive, very reliable. I have over 100,000 miles and Im still on my 1st set of brakes!

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  Cant beat the reliability statistics on a Honda - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Debora M. - June 28 - 2:52 pm

  I was looking for a Honda CR-V that would take me through the next 10 years and I think I found one. One owner, low mileage. Only hitch was a couple of door dings, which was OK by me. Chose not to buy Honda Certified Pre-owned because of the higher price for the certification and the Honda dealer wouldnt work with me on the price or my trade in.

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  Piece of garbage! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Lauren - June 28 - 12:05 pm

  We bought our CRV in 2004 and we absolutely hate it! We cant wait to get rid of it. It revs up really high when trying to speed up, so it sounds like you are going fast, but you are hardly moving. The cruise control can differ like 10 mph than what you set it at. It has a hard time going up hills and revs up really high. Good luck trying to pass anyone. The stereo sounds horrible. The paint is cheap as well as the carpet. We think there is a slight oil problem because of a little smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Electrical is so messed up! Alot of things dont work properly. Very uncomfortable, especially for long trips. I dont see why people recommend Hondas! They are cheap junk.