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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  Honda is Slipping - 2015 Honda Civic
  By J - March 24 - 10:32 pm

  Having been a Honda owner all my life, the 2015 Civic will be my last! Buick here I come.

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  Review 2005 Honda Oddessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Mayo - March 24 - 5:33 pm

  This is a very comfortable, reliable automobile. The information provided by display: range, average speed, tire pressure, etc., is very reassuring to the driver.

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  My pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cellardude - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Wife has always driven the family car, but after we sold the MDX and bought the Pilot, I volunteered. Rides and drives great for its size. Drove the Toyota Highlander but the Honda is a couple of knotches above.

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  A fun car for a great price - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By GeoBernd - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a small SUV and researched a lot. I am happy with my decision. The CR-V handles almost like a car (I drive a lot of winding mountain roads and I like to drive...) has lots of cargo space and enough horses to go around. That with good fuel efficiency makes for a great everyday car. I didnt not expect to get this much car for my money...

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  I love my CRV! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By BlackCRV - March 24 - 10:00 am

  When my husband first wanted to look at the CRV I didnt want to. I decided just to look for fun and ended up getting one. It is perfect for my family, its very comfortable and drives very smooth no matter what teh weather conditions are. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  fuel efficiency - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By dueldr - March 24 - 9:55 am

  I shopped around for the truck with the best fuel mileage rating. In Canada it may be different, but the rating the Ridgeline had was 28 miles to the Gallon. The Tacoma was 27. Between these two I preferred the Honda as it had more available options that I was Looking for i.e. loaded. Unfortunately, I have yet to do better than 22, and as last winter progressed I did many tanks at 16.5 miles to the gallon. The mileage just isnt their, a major disappointment. I believe the vehicle is underpowered for its size with a 3.5 l engine. The Tacoma with its 4.0 gets better mileage, and better power. If I had it to do over I would have gone with the Tacoma.

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  9-speed models are not safe - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By BruceW - March 24 - 9:27 am

  Pilot can be bought with the navigation system only in the top trim models and these also have the 9-speed transmission. I took a test drive on the freeway and when accelerating onto the freeway to merge safely with traffic I floored the accelerator pedal and then waited a full 4 seconds before the transmission downshifted and the car computer fed more fuel to the engine and the car started to accelerate. When I simulated a passing situation by moving into the left lane and flooring the accelerator pedal the same thing happened. No response at all for 4 seconds and then finally the car started to accelerate. The published 0-60 MPH times with the Pilot are not at all accurate with the 9-speed transmission. Add 4 seconds to the time and you will appreciate why I do not consider the Pilot safe to drive on the highway. The other con for me was the feel of the electronic steering where there was no feedback and it was further complicated by the odd profile of the steering wheel that is rectangular rather than round. The storage space is exceptional with the Pilot and the navigation system that uses Garmin technology like that found in the Garmin 760 is outstanding and the best of any SUV at this time. I would only buy one of the two trim levels that have the 6-speed transmission and based on that I decided to instead buy a 2018 Chevy Traverse.

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  adrenalin infuser - 2006 Honda S2000
  By nicktop - March 24 - 7:08 am

  After driving this car almost one year I still find that there are no walls ceilings or "flaws". Glycerinized clutch, brakes, shifting and booster rocket sensation.

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  What am I missing? - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By threeputt - March 23 - 9:32 pm

  I should have posted this sooner. My wife and leased our 05 Pilot in September of 05. The dealer drove it himself and put 5k miles on it. The seats are uncomfortable. Spongy braking, hiccuppy acceleration, upper body roll, poor sound and a noisy interior. On the positive side, good turn radius, good build(lousy seat belts) quality. Based upon what Ive read from others, this vehicle is overrated. Never, and I repeat never, let your wife tell a Honda order taker that she absolutely loves it. They will never back off on price. Im on the hook for another year. Then, he lease is UP!!!!!

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  Great car? - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Anne Shapland - March 23 - 1:55 pm