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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  Love this Car! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Ronnie Law - May 29 - 9:20 pm

  The Honda CRV is such a comfortable riding car. I have been a Honda owner of cars since 1993. This is first SUV. Just got it a month ago so not sure how repair frequency there will be. But based on my previous Hondas (2004 Accord has 200K miles and still running perfectly) I have no doubt this will be a reliable car as well.

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  No Headroom - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - May 29 - 8:24 pm

  I test drove the 2016 pilot lx awd. There is no headroom for someone 61" or taller. The EX has power front seats but even then you find yourself looking at the visor. I have a 2014 CR-V and I can see the sky. Both have decent headroom the problem is the design of the 2016 Pilot leaves you looking right at the visor. Wow, and I wanted to buy one. It is a problem they decided to overlook. I guess I am leaving Honda because I want and need (towing) the midsize suv.

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  Very nice and smooth! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By John Douglas - May 29 - 11:14 am

  Very roomy inside, third row seating was the best we found when compared to other SUVs in the same class (except maybe the VW Atlas, that was very good too). Even the EX trim model came with a lot of nice features. Gives a super smooth ride! Opted not to step up to a higher trim and get the sunroof because it was noisy anyway. We wanted an AWD but found that is hard to get in So Cal because manufacturers do not think divers in So Cal need that, so not many are sent there.\, had to settle for a 2WD.

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  Love me some Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By gamoore - May 29 - 10:07 am

  One of the least expensive 4WD vehicles on the market. It has more rear seat passenger room than my Suburban. You can even recline in the backseats. Just fold the backseats up and you have tons of room. Its fun and comfortable to drive, great in snow, and its a Honda. The resale values Ive seen are really good. I own a Ford Explorer, and GMC Suburban also, but I prefer to drive the element. The next vehicle I purchase will be another Honda Element. For the money and qualty get the Element.

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  Juans New Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Juan Valdez - May 29 - 3:26 am

  When I did the math this car will not pay for itself in 10 years. In the mean time my head hits the door edge getting in and out and Im only 58". The back seat is for decoration as my teens cant fit in there with the sloping roof and no leg room. The interior is very plastic with only one cheap removable drink holder for 2 small child size cups. The fabric seems cheap too and stains easily with its dirty looking brownish gray color. It even has the cheap Dunlop tires. Be careful when you lean on it. I should have bought that Honda Fit. Though its a lot cheaper, it essentially gets the same real world gas mileage. The Fit is just as tiny and plastic, but will save a bundle of cash!!

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  A fun to drive compact sedan - 2007 Honda Civic
  By FmrS2KDvr - May 29 - 1:13 am

  The Civic Si is a well-rounded economy sedan with some great performance features...a 4-door S2000 it clearly is not, but you can easily see the design influences throughout the car. Ergonomics are fantastic for a car in this class...the steering is very good, shifter is better than 90% of all sporty cars out there, and handling is better than I expected. Seats take some getting used to...I almost yanked mine and installed Recaros during the first week of ownership...but got used to them after a 1600 mile drive. Overall, I am very pleased with the car.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By zadscmc - May 29 - 12:53 am

  I have had my mt hybrid just about one year and I am highly satisfied. Over the 30K I have driven it, I am averaging 51.4 and have had tanks at 56 or more several times. I never have problems with acceleration as I keep an eye on the battery gauge and love trying to make one tank of gas exceed the next. I strongly recommend changing the air filter even before recommended interval, as a modestly dirty filter will drag down mpg by 10 percent.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mitch - May 28 - 11:36 pm

  I was impressed by the styling of this all new make over. It reminds me of a more expensive car. I recently sold my 90 Accord and was impressed by the standard features the base model Accord has. I like the tightness of the suspension and the reasonably quiet ride. The transmission is smooth also. While I only have 1,000 miles on it I would highly recommend it to my friends.

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  I LOVE this van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Heather - May 28 - 7:30 pm

  After extensive research and test driving every option out there, we decided on the Odyssey. We love it! Very fun to drive, great features and a solid history of reliability...what more can you ask for? I highly recommend this van to anyone who needs space, but values a quality vehicle and wants to enjoy at least the ride while doing those dreaded errands! Kids love the DVD and power sliding doors, and we really value the navigation system. Overall an A+++++!!

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  Great mileage for an outstanding SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jason - May 28 - 6:15 pm

  With 1K miles on it now, Im positive I made the right decision getting the Pilot. Im not sure why all the negative posts about mileage. Its an SUV folks. They all get poor mileage but the Pilot is amoung the best in class. On a 450 mile trip, I averaged 22.9 mpg cruising at 70 mph. My old Grand Cherokee wouldnt even come close with its antiquated inline 6. I bought this with gas prices over $3 per gallon knowing full well it wasnt going to be cheap to run. For those wanting better mileage, get a Civic. We were only considering Subaru / Toyota / Honda SUVs when we were shopping. The Honda had the best combination of features vs. price point.