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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  Be Your Own Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By PMS - June 6 - 9:06 pm

  The Pilot has it all...plenty of room, solid handling and great reliability. It handles just as easily as a car so those who dont like the typical truck handling of an SUV have nothing to worry about. It has met all of my expectations.

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  Wonderful Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By brodym - June 6 - 11:56 am

  I own a 2007 Honda Accord EX-L (I4). This is the best car I ever owned. The ride comfort is awesome!! Heated seats and mirrors. Automatic Dual-Zone climate control. Standard auto drivers seat. Standard power moonroof on my model.

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  97 Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By wig - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, reliable vehicle. Fun to drive, comfortable. Everthing works.

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  Escaped to the CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck Scala - June 6 - 10:00 am

  The Escape was going to be my next vehicle, but the revised CRV stole the purchase. It has the ride height, cargo area, and (just) enough power for someone who wants the small SUV experience but does not go off-road. In addition, the automated part time AWD provides a comforting extra level of traction. Do not be fooled by the 4cyl engine, as this is quite probably the most sophisticated among mini-SUVs, with 160hp and 162 lbs. torque. If you have already experienced the last CRV, please head back to the dealer and update yourself with another test drive. For my $20K, the CRV cannot be beat.

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  Honda Accord EX V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Flattop - June 6 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 is an outstanding automobile. No vehicle in this class gives you more "bang for the buck." It drives like a much more expensive car and the quality of workmanship is outstanding. Since driving off the Dealers lot,I have found nothing out of place or wrong with it. It drives and handles like a dream.

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  Gotta Love It - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By newhopian - June 5 - 6:22 am

  I registered ~2800 miles on my 2014 Accord Hybrid Touring, and I gotta love it! I had to learn how to maximize mpg, which is my focus in this review. First, my hybrid starts with lower mpg on every trip and builds as I drive. Best mpg requires about 10 miles of mixed driving (or longer on the highway). Second, one is not rewarded for slow acceleration (in EV mode). This drains battery power, and reduces the number of miles driven in EV mode. Best mileage (51 mpg average this month, 48.5 overall) comes from accelerating quickly enough to engage the gas engine and easing back to EV mode once you have reached cruising speed. Slow deceleration is always rewarded, as is downhill battery charging.

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  Powerfull fun car! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Pilotman08 - June 5 - 6:21 am

  This car is amazingly smooth. I bought mine new and it has never had problems. The ac went out once but thats about it! The 3.5 vtech v6 is very powerful and quite fun when you dig your foot down. Good acceleration off the line. Gets to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in around 7 to 8 seconds. I live in denver and this car has no problem trudging around in the snow. The all wheel drive system works magically! I recommend this car to anyone looking for an suv thats reliable powerful and fun.

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  Best Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By TD - June 4 - 7:56 am

  I have driven all of the hybrids and the civic is by far the best on overall performance, comfort, style and overall combination. I am planning on buying another one for my wife when we trade hers in.

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  My Very First Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By HBdude - June 4 - 4:36 am

  Being 15 1/2 I have been looking for a car that would suit my needs...Ok anything would have been fine I mean driving=freedom but I really wanted something that would be large enough for me not to be cramped in and luxuroius. The Honda Accord EX-L fits my needs, the 160 HP is plenty power for my driving, I took it for a drive down the coast and it handled well in the hilly areas. The quailty of the ride is good from the drives seat but In not expecting it to handle my friends BMWs or Mercedes. The brakes are a bit weak but I adjusted and Im fine with it. The interior is amazing and is roomy for everyone, this car is extremly safe which makes it a great family sedan, or a teen car.

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  Save Thousands! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Mr. Frey - June 4 - 3:23 am

  Internet online purchase is the best way to buy any 2017 Honda Pilot!