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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  karceneaux - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By K ARCENEAUX - July 22 - 5:22 am

  The gas mileage for the first year was 19 on the highway, but now we get 24. The back seat area needs more room if you have kids. The factory tires are terrible. Road noise, uneven wear.

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  05 Pilot EX does the job. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Coogs - July 21 - 11:31 pm

  Love the ride, drives better than most cheap cars around. AWD is great, but this baby needs wider tires, and better performing tires. Snow falls less than 9"inches are a breeze. With the big northeaster though, better tires were needed. Im not sure about the fuel economy because Im usually revving highs and driving stop and go a lot. The truck is as reliable as can be. Engine performance is great, wish the tranny was a 6 speed though. Handling is good for a 4400 pound vehicle but bigger tires and rims would help close the gap between SUV and car like handling.

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  2017 Accord Lease - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mitchell - July 21 - 9:56 pm

  had some issues with the dealer not being prepared for what I was looking for, however, the car pretty much sold itself. I was trying to decide between the Civic or Accord and went with the Accord because of how much more room in the cabin there was compared to the Civic. At 64" I fit well in the front seats of either model but would not do too well in the back of the Civic. I have no issue in the back of my Accord along with the rest of my family and friends that are all over 6 feet tall.

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  Beauty Within - 2004 Honda Element
  By George - July 21 - 5:05 pm

  I thought it was the ugliest car on the planet until I opened the door and looked in. Its enormous inside! I fell in love with the interior. The exterior grows on you over time. I now joke that "When it grows up, it wants to be a Hummer." Either way, its well built. Not a problem in almost 2 years, and it gets decent gas mileage to boot.

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  Honda 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Big Daddy - July 21 - 4:20 pm

  Service not up to par-----for the money should come with more features.Steering wheel should telescope. No center console, directional signals have no warning or enough sound when on and I could go on and on.$500 for a trailer hitch??????

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  My 3rd CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By R in LA - July 21 - 1:10 pm

  This is my 3rd CRV, all body styles. I like this one best for quality inside and out. It does need hands free as standard equipment. Great ride and this is my 4th Honda and the best, never did use the picnic table. Glad I upgraded to the EXL. It handles better than previous models but I wish the rear gate had a split door, cannot get an extension ladder in there, great for the dogs, stuff and not as top heavy. Great layout of the digital dashboard and the fuel economy light, and love the lumbar support and the seat heaters (like my dads 1950 Studebaker). Honestly how can you beat a Honda for practicality, sensible layout and usefulness?

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  A Very Nice Ride - 2006 Honda Element
  By JOHNE - July 21 - 11:23 am

  My first new car ever, and a real joy for me. Roomy, comfortable, plenty of space to knock around in. I looked at a lot of other cars in the class and the Element out ranks the others to me. I am getting 25 mpg in the city, which surprised me. A real joy to drive, very nice ride height and view of the road. I have only got 2200 miles on it so far, but it suits me. More backseat leg room and no "scrunched" seating, and the rear seats recline, so passengers may snooze if they choose. It is a loaded Tangerine, bought before I saw any ads. It just seemed right, it fits.

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  This car rocks! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By alextazi - July 21 - 8:39 am

  This car lives up to all the hype. Fun to drive-even in 1st gear. Handles like a race car. Love the push button start and low growl of the engine. Hugs curves and can beat anyone off the start line.

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  Failed Struts are Dangerous! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bliss - July 21 - 7:45 am

  I bought a Honda because I had always heard how reliable they were. They are just about the ugliest cars on the market, but the Pilot had several features that I really wanted, seating for eight passengers, integrated DVD system, and fairly good gas mileage. The warranty is not nearly as good as Hyundai, but I didnt think that would be an issue.

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  Way to go, Odyessey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By azsoftball - July 21 - 4:30 am

  Drive really good, Compared to other vehicles we have tested, and honestly, Honda is the best so far. So Smooth and very powerful engine. We bought this vehicle for my wife. One time, He He, I kinda race against the Crysler Grand Caravan and beat them. He He