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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  bullet proof - 1993 Honda Civic
  By dave jones - July 16 - 2:35 pm

  I just sold my 93 ex with 282,000 on it. Never touched the engine and I drove the heck out of it, spent about 3,000g over 175,000. Have an accord now, would recommend an accord over a civic, much nicer ride/ comfort for very little penalty in gas consumption.

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  Worst Infotainment System in History! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Diane Larkin - July 16 - 2:11 pm

  I love many things about the Honda Pilot Elite, but I absolutely "hate" the Infotainment system after 7 weeks and 1,300 miles of usage! It is cumbersome, slow to respond and in no way aids the driver in safe and efficient access to information. When driving, you cannot access the phone book, speed dial (more than the first 3 listings), call history (more than the first 3 listings), touch tones (for automated attendant inputs) and many other features without pulling off the road and stopping the vehicle. VERY DANGEROUS!!! The "rear audio" screen is completely useless other than pausing a DVD. I have found the navigation system to be confusing and missing many standard points of interest. I thought my Garmin database need to be updated, however, Honda in-car tech support was unable to walk me through the update procedure using a thumb drive and USB port as described in the manual. The nav screen will indicate that you need to "take a right" when it is clean you need to take a "left"?? Very poor accuracy and slow to catch up while driving. I spend way to much time "touching the screen" as opposed to looking at the road. Again, VERY DANGEROUS!!! I have used several Infotainment systems and this is absolutely the worst! Voice commands are almost non existent for many screens. My other vehicles would allow me to give voice commands for any topic displayed on the screen or to access a main topic (Nav, FM radio, Map, Phone, Phonebook, Speed Dial, Next Screen, etc.). A dynamic voice command system would alleviate the need to constantly be looking at the screen and touching the screen. There is also many inconsistencies in what can be accessed through the touch screen while driving and what cannot be accessed. The driver is constantly "guessing" about whether to use voice activation or touch or being locked out of the selection. Very poor design, confusing and very user unfriendly. Would not have purchased this vehicle had I known how deficient and cumbersome the Infotainment system is. I cannot understand why Honda would take such a "giant" step back in Infotainment technology, yet take such a giant step forward in all other aspects of the Honda Pilot safety features.

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  Best all around car ever - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - July 16 - 11:40 am

  love the high tech bells and whitsles. A fantastic traveling vehicle for one or for the whole family. Practicle and mulitpurpose for all kinds of activities.

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  Best Car for the Money - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CLARKBAR - July 16 - 1:40 am

  I traded in my 2000 Civic Si for the new 07 Civic Si with Nav. This car is perfect. The looks are great and it handles even better than the 2000 version. The navigation is really useful especially for people in a sales occupation. 10 out of 10 .. nothing less

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  This car is a tank. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Rachel Day - July 15 - 11:52 pm

  This is the most reliable little car! I love my Honda Civic--granted it isnt the quietest ride and definitely has to gather itself before accelerating on the freeway on ramp, BUT Ive had this car for many years and now at a little over 150K miles it still is the most reliable car Ive owned! Just have to check the oil every 1500 miles and its good to keep on going. They just dont make them like this one anymore! If you need a basic, simple car this is a great choice!

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  Love my daily 70-mile round-trip commute - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Don - July 15 - 10:04 pm

  People think this car is my mid-life crisis... but they didnt spend a year in Iraq thinking about/researching the new car I was going to buy when I got home. My Suzuka Blue Metallic S2000 is a kick to drive: quick acceleration, precise handling, and I dont think I know where the top end is yet... if it has one! Even though my daily commute is 35 miles each way on I-5 from Puyallup to Olympia (WA), I dont mind a little traffic for all the days I get to put the top down, feel the sun and wind, and look out at Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic Mtns. I have the optional hardtop for the wet winter months: good visibility with the full rear window and reduced road noise. I love my S2000!

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  First SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By newbytosuv - July 15 - 9:43 pm

  Replaced a horrible GMC Safari with the Honda Pilot. Should have done it sooner. Took pilot on a 500 mile trip to Myrtle Beach and got 22+ MPG during break in. Fit, finish, reliability on ours has been perfect (1500 miles so far). Rides quiet and smooth--sometimes I think it has shut off sitting at a light. Mileage is as advertised, although the mileage readout feature on dash can teach you to be light-footed and bump the mileage up some (AWD gets close to 16 in stop and go commute and close to 23 mpg on I-95 with its occasional slowdowns). Turning radius makes it easy to handle. Seating comfort and room is 100% better in 2009 than 2008.

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  Solid and comfotable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Keith - July 15 - 3:35 pm

  We are very satisfied with our Pilot. It is a solid vehicle, the gas mileage is good. We recently took 5 adults on a trip with luggage and were all comfortable.

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  Awesome Pick - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By D - July 15 - 2:36 pm

  We love this vehicle from top to bottom. Rides like a sedan but gives you a nice field of view of the road while driving. The variable cylinder options is great for fuel economy and having the DVD system rocks! My kids are appeased while driving which in turn makes road trips bearable! The wife is in love with the Navigation system, which is VERY user friendly! A must buy if youre in the market for a minivan.

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  Little Blue Toaster - 2005 Honda Element
  By Chris - July 15 - 7:23 am

  I have loved the blue toaster since the first day off the lot. The manual transmission has great pick-up and can get out of its own way. This is a great little car for someone like me who has three dogs and a back yard that has needed lots of love in the last year. That means lots of trips to home depot to use the mop clean interior of the car. Also the bike mount on the interior of the car has come in handy. But here is a tip...you can make one yourself instead of paying the dealer $300 for the accessory. Get the mount at REI and a large screw some washers and a small piece of wood from home depot. Happy toasting and see you on the road. Remember to wave hello in your new toaster.