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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  Pilot flies on its own - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Beth Ethen - February 15 - 10:51 pm

  Great car, really glad we purchased it!

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  05 Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By C Moore - February 15 - 3:43 pm

  Overall excellent, this is my first Honda purchased after reviewing serveral web sites and looking at four other SUVs. Honda won out based on overall features and price.

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  well made with bells &whistles but bland - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By pilot inspecktor - February 15 - 6:26 am

  Car is a little too big for my original needs but it is better to have more space than less. Fuel economy reasonable for its size. Seat a little hard to get comfortable in-- I am very big. Well made, peppy, lots of creature comforts. Nav system a fun toy. Back up camera useful. All in all an excellent value.

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  Off to a good start - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Sonny - February 15 - 2:40 am

  This is my second Accord and the best so far. Very happy with performance and build quality but disappointed with road noise. Fuel efficiency acceptable considering the pep from the V6. Overall, very impressed after 500 miles of ownership.

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  MomMachine - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Leilani - February 15 - 1:51 am

  Decent so far, reliable Honda SUV roomy enough, comfortable, AWD great for east coast where we just had 3feet of snow. Its not fancy, its not stripped down, its just right for everyday driving and commuting. My last Hionda vehicle ( Civic) going strong still 80,000 miles no issues, hoping the same for this 2016

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  Beware of Honda quality standard - 2010 Honda Accord
  By bigmistake - February 15 - 1:06 am

  If you are considering 8th gen Honda Accord, do your research on what you are going to deal with. It is not the Accord that it used to be. Mine is Silver and its painting has zebra stripes all over it. Yet, Honda insists that it is normal and refuse to deal with the issue while none of the silver Accord owners and Dupon automotive painting rep I contacted think its normal. You will have to deal with all kind of creaking and rattling noises, in addition to ear-deafening noises from road, tire, wind and so on. Sub par braking performance. So so engine performance and so so fuel economy. Styling is nice but not worth it considering what you have to go through during your ownership.

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  Small outside, big inside - 2007 Honda Fit
  By itsmalcolm - February 14 - 7:30 pm

  I haul a bunch of stuff around, often a really-large number of articles--had always used a van (Dodge minivan), which was very good for this purpose. Test drove the Fit, the Yaris, the Versa, the Scion xB. My new Fit is, well, perfect for general driving, and on most days, I have plenty of room for hauling stuff, with lots better MPGs than my van. Saving lots of money in gas in this fine little car that has a big, useful interior. Rear seats fold absolutely flat, leaving bunches of room. My first Honda--probably wont be my last.

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  Great Car except for One Thing - 2008 Honda Accord
  By KarMeg12 - February 14 - 7:23 pm

  I loved this car when I took it for a test drive. I was a Toyota fan for years, but this time Honda won me over. My decision came down to the Camry or Accord. I decided to go for the car with more pep (Accord) rather than the one with the smoother and quieter ride (Camry). I thought I could just turn up the stereo to drown out the Accords notorious road noise. Boy was I wrong. The premium sound system is below par any other standard sound systems Ive had in any of my previous low end models (various makes). I took the car back to the dealership and was told there was nothing that could be done, this was the premium system and there are no upgrades available.

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  Great Purchase - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Allison McKenzie - February 14 - 4:25 pm

  Glad I purchased! Clean smooth feel for my commuter vehicle.

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  Outstanding economy and utility - 2008 Honda Fit
  By tedguy - February 14 - 2:33 am

  I traded my 04 Accord, as I needed more space and maximum mileage. The Fit hasnt disappointed. I average 36- 37 mpg in open and rush-hour driving. Ive carried lots of cargo, including a 46" TV upright right behind the drivers seat. Seating configurations are great. Its easy and fun to drive, maneuver, and park. The only thing I miss from my Accord (which I loved) is the automatic temperature control.