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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  Own 5 Hondas - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Michael Maddix - December 9 - 9:42 am

  Tried, tested, and true. Five drivers...five Hondas.

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  Love it! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By April - December 9 - 8:05 am

  I have owned a 2003 Accord EX, 2000 and 2005 Civic EX, and a 2004 Odyssey- so you can say that I like to trade cars a lot. I have 2 kids, 2 labs, and a husband- we can all fit in the pilot! My husband has driven it several times, pulling his trailer/4-wheeler and it does great. We think the towing capability rocks. (and he has a full size, 4x4 truck!) Absolutely love the XM radio and it rides so smooth. Needless to say, I have found a vehicle I will keep for a long time! At least, until they come out with a new model of Pilot! Fun to drive and worth the money.

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  Great car great mileage, large capacity storage - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By jack barclay - December 8 - 10:36 pm

  Ive only owned the HRV EX-L Navi since may But it has been fantastic on gas , good acceleration, we been on trips where storage counted and it handled very well on the roads. Id buy it again without any reservations.

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  Honda knew this car needed more torque! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By wprince - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this this car since new for 70000 miles. Overall a good reliable car and fun to drive on flatter roads and curves. Engive loves to rev, but low RPM torque is *very* weak. Its difficult to start from a dead stop up hills with steeper grades (especially when youre with passengers) - the engine just doesnt generate enough power unless you really rev it and burn the clutch! MPG in my opinion is average - 25.5 over life of the car with "normal" mixed city/hwy driving - and requires premium fuel. The original front brake pads lasted over 60000 miles for me.

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  tires - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By deerhunter123 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  do not wait if you need tires,no one carrys the bridgestone tire size p235/70r/16.My pilot is sitting in the drive way waiting on a new tire which takes 3 to 5 days to get.

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  Air Compression - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By M.Chu - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Im a first time Suv owner and I love it. The only problem I have with my Pilot is that when you open the rear windows and close the front windows the outside air is compressed in the vehicle causing a sharp pain to your ears. Its worse than the popping feeling of an airplane. I wonder if other Pilot owners have experienced this. I have also expierenced that when you go over a bump you feel it. Its not a smooth ride when it comes to bumps in the city (NYC).

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  2003 Odyssey - Excellent - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Will - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Reliable and a the most attractive minivan on the street. Easy to drive and extremely confortable. Exception excelleration for this class of vehicle. A good cruiser for long trips as well.

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  Love my van! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ChristyC - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Its been almost a year now since I purchased my Honda Odyssey. I really have enjoyed this vehicle. Its great being a single mom. I have the room to haul around things for my daughter. Take her friends to the mall, etc. Its a very comfortable ride!

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  Not perfect but very good. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By nrivera - December 8 - 10:00 am

  No problems with this car(it has an auto tranny. Emissions related sensor was replaced after two months of driving (no problem since replaced).

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  love it - 2002 Honda Civic
  By cyop_42 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun reliable, sporty(sort of)However I have minor 3 beefs with this car, 1. damn uncomfortable seats not great for long commutes. 2. arm rest sux 4 inches too short, fixed for 2003 3. sound system could be better