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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  Best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michele - April 9 - 8:23 pm

  We look and drove them all. The Odyessy by far was the best minivan on the market: Safty, Fuel Economy, Functionality, Reliabilty, Price. We have taken two long road trips so far and this is the only way to travel.

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  Best Civic Coupe ever - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Samuel Newman - April 9 - 10:37 am

  Pros: - great MPG, mine average is 37 for NYC-NJ-LI; - coupe looks very good - people are still staring and asking about the car; - acceleration, especially in Sport mode; - fun to drive. Cons: - constant issues with Android Auto on Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - Im an IT guy and still cant make it work properly. - CVT is not smooth. When I slow down fast almost to stop and then release brake (mostly in traffic) - feels like stroke in CVT. Audis 1.8T 2004 CVT feels much better that Civic 1.5T 2016 - manual front seats for EX-L? come on, its 2016

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  Best Mid Sized SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Gerry Z - April 9 - 8:40 am

  Had a 2002 Envoy prior to the Pilot. No comparison. The Honda is quieter, smoother riding, more spacious and comfortable interior. 10K trouble free miles so far far and has not been back to the dealer for anything.

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  Good all around car - 2004 Honda Element
  By SHARKBAIT - April 8 - 7:46 pm

  I bought the Element because of its versatile interior and waterproof qualities. It drives well for its height, not too much body roll. Wind is not as bad on the highway as you might think. It cruises easily at 75- 80, though the engine revs higher at this speed then some other cars Ive driven. I have had 28mpg highway, and average above 20mpg for mixed driving. The plastic panels are easy and relatively cheap to replace if they get scratched or damaged.

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  gks pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By karlstad - April 8 - 5:43 pm

  Excellent truck. Short of a heavy towing need, this is all the utility you need. Great build quality.

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  Great All Purpose SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Davek1 - April 8 - 8:20 am

  Just purchased a 06 4wd EXL. Great all purpose SUV. 3rd row seats are a big plus. (great to be able to recline the 2nd and 3rd rows). When both rows are folded flat, the amount of cargo space is tremendous. Easy to fit large boxes or equipment (i.e., bikes). Just drove in through our first snowstorm and it passed beautifully. The four wheel drive engages and disengages quietly (although, you will hear a faint clunk, as the rear differentals disengage). Heat side mirrors are also a plus. The versatility of this SUV is comparable to a minivan. More adjustable seating configurations than most other SUVs. Has decent acceleration from a dead stop, but much better during passing

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  Best Value for a Small SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By John H - April 8 - 5:20 am

  I tried the competition, Honda CRV LX is the top dog, drives like a V6. The CRV has it all comfort, great power, great gas mileage city and highway ave 28 to 30 on a trip. Cruise control is the key. My wife finds it easy to drive. Resell value is another thing in its favor. I recommend it highly!

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  More Bang for your Buck - 1997 Honda Civic
  By 1BADCIVIC - April 8 - 2:00 am

  With 140 horsepower stock, you can easily upgrade to over 200, and not have to worry about gas prices, or wether or not its going to start every time.

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  Love our minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Judy Lipinski - April 7 - 10:13 am

  seriously very happy with our purchase. I just think the user interface for the controls could be better. and the one thing we HATE, is that there is no way to adjust the passengers seat height.

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  Perfect Car - 1995 Honda Civic
  By meltron+HondaLove - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be more happy with my Civic. It is a blast to drive and looks excellent. The car has 94000+ miles on it and has never had any of the original parts replaced! It is excellent on gas. Went 313 miles on one full tank of 87 unleaded. Parts are cheap as is the maintanence. I have a 5spd manual and the throttle delivery is fine on freeways. Enjoy your Honda. It wont treat you bad. Just watch out for shady salesmen and get a good clean, mechanically sound car no matter what you buy.