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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  2016 Odyssey EX-L Great buy, great Car. - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben Laurens - December 28 - 8:10 am

  We are 3rd time Odyssey owners. Each purchase was preceded by scrupulous, in depth study of all minivans. Odyssey proved best for our needs every time. Reliability is beyond expectation. All else fits our needs very well. Highly recommend.

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  Cant think of much to change!? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jen - December 26 - 5:56 pm

  I bought this car a few months ago and it is the best car Ive been in in a while. It handles great, fuel efficient, cute, and great features. I was able to get it for below MSRP, so talk your dealer down. I would recommend this car to anyone, if you plan on having more than two people in the car its a bit of pain to get in and out from the back so much, but I love it for my college and commuting life.

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  Honda CRV first 6 months - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mrdad1 - December 26 - 3:06 am

  Purchase in March of 05 have 10089 miles break down 70% interstate 30% city. A few reviews have mentioned a pulling to the right I did take it back to dealer twice. There still seems to be a tendency to pull to the right but this is over a long strech of road. It offers comfortable ride minor road noise and excellent fit and finish. As to performance it is 160 HP with a five speed automatic fwd. When I need to get moving the design of vehicle drops you down from 5th to 3rd gear and you increase about 1200RPM if you are runnig the A/C that is design to go off for time your demanding the HP to accelerate. When done A/C comes back on go back to 5th gear. MPG high 27.24 low 20.41 average 23.38

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  best convertible sports car under 35k - 2000 Honda S2000
  By bby2ks2k - December 26 - 2:00 am

  to drive this car is to love it. its chassis is extremely rigid, the steering is fast, the brakes grab and dont let go, the sound of engine spinning at 9000 rpm makes you shiver and i dare you, i double dare you to find a more direct and precise shifter for in a car less the 100K dollars. i must warn you that it is a purists sports car (for the most part) it rides very stiff, its noisy and interior storage is a joke. lets not forget the good gas mileage (27+ on my car) excellent reliablity history and resale value

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jbz - December 25 - 6:23 pm

  I had done a ton of research before buying my 2006 civic, and I am so glad I purchased this car. I actually had to fly 850 miles to get it! I live in AZ and these cars are hard to find. I love the Nav system. This is the best nav system I have ever used. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra bucks for the Nav. I am 64" and I have plenty of room in this car. I love the bi-level display. The engineers at Honda are genius! Also, for those who like to detail their cars, this is one of the easiest cars I have ever hand waxed and polished due to the smooth design.

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  Quiet Strength - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Taxi Mom - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have never driven a vehicle with such a smooth ride and transmission. Fuel economy is not the best, but it does beat the Suburban I traded out of. The Pilot does a nice job of getting my family and my stuff where we need to go.

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  Honda Pilot - Unsurpassed Value - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By alok - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 2003 MDX for about a year. I just bought a Honda Pilot EXL w/ DVD for my wife. While I absolutely love the way my MDX looks and performs, after driving the Pilot for a few days, I am convinced that my wife has essentially got the same quality and performance from her Pilot for about $9000 less. So, far the Pilot has been very impressive in terms of the driving experience, its looks, its build quality, thoughtful design, fuel economy (it runs on regular v/s premium for MDX), and passanger and cargo capacity. I would have liked a bit more power (it has 240hp, but even without that it is real close to PERFECT.

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  My Dream Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By stitesb - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Our family absolutely loves our new Pilot. It rides handles like a sports car w/ all the flexibility of an SUV. The outside is stylish & the inside both practical & refined.

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  04 Honda Pilot GREAT! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By grandadtexas - December 24 - 2:00 am

  First Honda and I love it. All its cracked up to be. Havent tried the towing package yet, but should have plenty of ooomph to pull a 3500# pontoon boat. Hope the Pilots quality doesnt get well known; everyone will want one then.

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  Best Well-Mannered Car for the Buck - 2004 Honda Civic
  By amangle - December 24 - 2:00 am

  If you are reading this review you already realize the quality and value of this vehicle. I dont want to beat a dead horse, but your not going to find a better car for the price. You cant go wrong with great relability, safety, gas mileage, resale value, etc. Drive it, I did, and you see what I have now. The transmission, ride, and engine are smooth as silk. Great Car. No hassle buying, wonderful experience. I recommend Rob M. from Herritage in Westminster, MD. Great laid back guy. Third Honda (Oddessey and Civic Si Hatchback) from the dealership.