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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  AWESOME CAR - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drums98 - March 16 - 2:23 pm

  Had a deposit on it in Oct, finally came in late Jan 06. It looks great, inside and out, feels great, sounds great. I love driving it. Have made several long trips with out a problem. Drove to Key West and back from Pensacola, also up to Virginia and South Carolina where I live now. Great on the highway, great around town. Very fun on windy mountain roads ;) It is very quick, if need be, handles like a champ. I absolutly love this car!

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  New - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ace - March 16 - 10:26 am

  I have only had this vehicle for 1 day but the V6 that I initially thought would be inadequate is surprisingly nice. It could use about 50 horses though.

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  Good dash, questionable engine - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Hondabuyer - March 16 - 9:45 am

  You have to wonder what Honda was thinking with the engine-transmission combination in this SUV. This vehicle is so underpowered that it is almost dangerous on the freeway. You dont have enough extra power to avoid potential accidents (i.e. truckers changing lanes into you, ect.). 3rd and 4th gear are too close together requiring the vehicle to frequently shift down to 2nd gear simply to travel up and over overpasses or to maintain speed on hills. The result is rather poor fuel economy in freeway driving (25 MPG or less). Engine in my vehicle is plagued by misfires and a worn cylinder head. Some rust already visible below side windows. The dash doesnt rattle. Thats worth something.

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  What Subaru? - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dennis Carlson - March 16 - 6:13 am

  I traded my 04 Subaru Forester XT for the Ridgeline. My wife asked me if I regretted that decision and I responded with "what Subaru?". The Ridgeline rides and handles like a sedan but has the utility of a AWD pickup. The interior is luxurious, spacious, and has numerous nooks and crannies for storage. After driving it for 5000 miles I couldnt imagine life without it.

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  Nice Entry - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Josh - March 15 - 10:01 pm

  Great truck for a first stab at a new market. This truck has amazed me far beyond my imagination. I have hauled everything from a bed load of concrete to my sons nursery full of furniture. It handled beautifully. By far the best mid size truck on the road. More room inside than nissan and toyota. Im still amazed at the payload capacity of the RL even without a solid rear axle. 11000 miles, two oil changes and not a single problem to report. I love all the cool features that you cant get with other trucks...Honda seems to think of everything.

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  good transport - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By openseat - March 15 - 9:15 pm

  its a good car for the commute. i wouldnt keep too many passengers in the back. the design is a nice change from other sedans and suvs.

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  Love my little red sport car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By claude from florida - March 15 - 8:12 pm

  Fell in love when I saw it in the showroom, love has not stopped, its an attention getter, performs like a regular car when you want and its like a bat coming out of hell when you want it to be one. Truly a great car. My seat where stolen once, desirable item I guess.

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  The good old days.... - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Gary - March 15 - 5:02 pm

  If you are looking for a driving experience like the muscle cars of days gone by...then look no further! The acceleration of the V6 will put a smile on your face when your head is pinned back against the headrest and suddenly its the 60s and 70"s again! Power band keeps pulling past 125mph and more if you have the courage to take it there! Of course you get all that Honda is famous for too, ride, handling, quiet, great sound system, comfort, safety and of course style! After all, if you are a Honda person ..... there are no substitutes! Honda folks know what I mean. Nice job Honda....2017 Accord V-6.... best rocket yet!!

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  1995 wonder car - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By david knick - March 15 - 4:58 pm

  i have 209000+ on my honda that had 52 miles when i bought it // runs like a top// on hwy @60 mph i have gotten 31mpg with cruise and "light braking and gas pedal// i have taken out both rear seats// plenty of room for luggage and shopping// car has been hit twice once in drivers side/fellow said he did not see red light// crush rear door and part of drivers//head on hit on drivers side // air bags went off// lucky guy i am

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  What Hype?? We love ours!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RoadTrippin - March 15 - 6:21 am

  To begin my review, I dont know what Larry Pines means by hype. No one should be buying a car because of a "hype". Especially a new car...he sounds like he needs a car that drives like a sedan, sounds like a sedan, and feels like a sedan. But I think that might be too much of a hype for Larry and family.. Yeah, the plastic is super glossy. Did you not test drive this thing before you bought it? I put so many fingerprints on the test drive car, I almost felt bad. Whatever...even satin finish surfaces get fingerprints. 9-speed shift? its CVT...it "continuously" shifts. Theres a brochure about it. It might not be the smoothest shifting transmission, but its to save a little bit more on gas, right? anyways, I could go on for what "could" be better about the vehicle. But you know whats so great about it?? Its got room! Its like minivan, but in a SUV body. You dont want sliding doors and look like youre driving a get-away car? this would be it. But it IS a get-away car. I was impressed with the acceleration with econ mode off for how much it weighs. Its a SUV, not a sports car. The entertainment system/panoramic sunroof? Definitely a plus! My daughter loves watching Frozen and she doesnt cry. She likes pointing out birds, and says tweet-tweet. She ca barely say mama or dada on good days. Remote start? Awesome. Auto-idle? yeah its annoying in bumper-to-bumper. But you cant tell me its so hard to press a button thats right next to your finger when youre just cruising down the road...its probably easier, safer, and quicker than checking texts on your phone. Jumping battery? meh...if you can afford auto insurance for the Pilot, Im sure your plan has road-side assistance. Otherwise, carry a screwdriver in the car. boom. problem solved. Horn sounding a bit weak? screw it. high-beams and a finger always work just fine. How about that auto trunk?! I love it. The range of auto start is definitely a plus. It starts the heater or A/C depending on temperature. How cool is that? You want heated seats? How about cooled seats? Have you checked out Toyota highlanders range on their auto start? not cool... Navigation? My daughter loves that the car on the navi looks like a plane. It might be clunky, but that review is all over the internet. Probably shouldve checked it out if the reviews are saying its clunky. I installed running boards. Yes, please. Safety features? You can turn them off...the safety features are for people who are distracted anyways...Honda Pilot is not advertised as self-driving car for crying out loud. The lane thing is pretty cool. I love that I can take my hands off the wheel if I wanted to. But if the car cant see, it lets you know. I dont "fight" anything. A little nudge here puts the car right back where it was. The vehicle is quiet. Its a SUV. Its not meant to be aerodynamic...its not meant to be the best ride you can have in a vehicle. The seats are a bit stiff....that I didnt like. The lumbar option doesnt have as much adjustability as my Hyundai Santa Fe. That might be my only comfort complaint. Oh the steering wheel controls can be re-done..but how many times are you pressing those things while you drive anyways? You want more dashboard car information? get yourself a bluetooth OBD reader and download Torque. Problem solves and youve got whatever information you need/want from your car. Look, the Honda Pilot isnt for everyone. If youre good with the EX-L, then great. If youre good with the Elite, great. The point is, do your homework and make sure you know what youre getting instead of listening to any "hypes". Thats just a terrible way to purchase a vehicle. Im sure the Highlander has some advantages over the Pilot. But it doesnt have what I was looking for, so it didnt cut it. Oh, and try sitting in the 3rd row of the Highlander.