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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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By dkdriver - February 8 - 5:43 am

  We had an 03 Pilot 4wd with 50,000. Totally truouble free, but so many more features on the 06 with no extra cost! Especially like the new safety features, the voice navigation (with great voice calendar option) the sliding third row so taller kids can now be comfortable in back, etc... We are not yet getting comparable mileage - used to get 17.5, now at 16, but only have 1500 miles on it so far.

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  Nice car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By nessman - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  Luxury on a budget. Lots of little nice touches. Nice standard options package. Nice interior. Fun to drive. Solid grip on road in snow/ice.

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  A Great Midsize SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Very Good SUV - February 7 - 8:26 am

  The Pilot is an awesome midsize SUV. Although built like a car, its very sturdy, solid feeling. Very refined. Strong engine power w/smooth transmission. Gas mileage is very good if you dont gun the throttle. With 5 people (some large sizes included) and some light gear, Ive managed to get 21.4 on a 360 mile round trip doing speeds up to 80 mpg. Very good for its size indeed. Quiet on the go. Super visibility and comfort to spare. Good handling with firm but comfortable ride. You should definitely check out the Pilot if in the market for midsize SUV. Glad this one is mine.

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  Best Minivan out there! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By jenchap418 - February 6 - 9:50 pm

  We absolutely LOOOOVE this van. The ride is smooth, quiet, and enjoyable. The quality is amazing. This is our first Honda and we couldnt be happier with it. In the past we have owned Toyota vehicles and the quality doesnt even compare with a Honda. We were almost sick that we almost bought the Sienna before looking at this van. Now, our kids (2 & 3) tell everyone they need a van like Mommys.

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  it keeps going and going and going - 1995 Honda Civic
  By auhollid - February 6 - 6:02 pm

  I love my civic, I have driven it across the country. It now has 208,000 mile and is still going. Just in the last year has it begun to need repairs. (Head work, air compressor, rear door interior)I am looking for a new car and hope my next car is as good as this one has been.

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  Vehicle color and aesthetic? - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sarai Kashani - February 6 - 3:20 pm

  Color of vehicle makes a big difference in this car in terms of aesthetic.

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  07 Honda Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Vu - February 6 - 11:42 am

  Great Truck! Very well designed comes with almost everything youll ever need in a vehicle. It drives like a champ! I live in Alaska, where roads are rough and icy in the winters. The AWD system works great! It delivers great traction on slick icy roads.

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  Buyer - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By scottnjenk - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very well built SUV. There is plenty of power for the weight and you barely feel the transmission shift. The seats are very comfortable. Plenty of headroom. I am also pleased to find that the fuel economy is very good as advertised. 20 mpg in the city. I have driven and priced all of the competition, this is by far the best deal in a four wheel drive SUV on the market.

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  A great small SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By okchonda - February 6 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the nicest, affordable vehicles I have every owned. Much better than the American-made trash Ive driven before.

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  The Accord coupe has it all!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By lphantom7 - February 6 - 2:00 am

  2000 Accord Coupe EX. You get a lot for your bucks and that comes with the Honda reputation of reliability. Performance is top notch, from steering and road feel to acceleration on highways. This is the most well thought out interior I have ever experience. All the controls and buttons are well placed and visually uncluttered.