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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  Maine Pilot lover - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By John T - December 16 - 8:27 pm

  Have now had our Pilot for one year. Its been a pleasure to own and drive. We have taken a couple of long trips (Maine to Ohio and back, Maine to PA and back) and have always exceeded the EPA highway mileage of 22 mpg. We get 18 city and 24 highway.

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  A car enthusiasts car! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By CUL8ER - December 16 - 6:22 pm

  I traded in my 2002 BMW 330I with only 6K miles 4 this car. I was really nervous at 1st because I loved the BMW but I am so glad I did. This car is so much fun to drive and it is so cool looking (I am 50 years old). You will not believe how many people stop to look at the car. Most do not even know what it is because there r so few of them. I had a man pull up next to me that said he was a Jag/Porch/MB saleman and wanted to know if it was an Italian sports car. I have joined S2K clubs and autocross events and am having a blast with this car. U will learn what v-tec is all about. I must warn u that it is easy to add aftermarket parts to customize this car and it gets addictive. Love it!!!

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  Amazed - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Cobb8606@yahoo.com - December 16 - 12:57 pm

  Rides great I’m in love 😍

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  Great car for the money! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mike - December 16 - 7:22 am

  Grreat car for the money

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  3rd CRV and the Best one! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank A. - December 16 - 12:35 am

  I wanted to upgrade my 2012 CRV XE AWD and looked at the Touring model for the past year. Key features I was looking for included Home Link, Blind Spot Mirror, automatic lift gate. What I did not expect is the Technology loaded touring model provided, including Nav, lane departure and speed control cruise with automatic braking. Better headlights and interior upgrades such as memory seats for driver and rear heating and cooling vent for rear passengers were pleasant surprises. Update- after 6 months of steady driving, I must say this is a wonderful SUV, I enjoy the features that were lacking in the 2012 CRV with the lift gate automatic opening being the best new feature as well as the safety features in this CRV The ride feels firm with 18" tires and the rims on the touring are much more stylish. Visibility is clear and good both day and night. Regarding performance it is a four granted but driving around town turn the econ button off and there is good pickup, when on the highway and cruising put the econ button on and enjoy the ride and save some gas. Looks could not be happier, got the silver with black interior and it looks great with some quality wax on it looks great. I look forward to having this CRV for many years and could not be more happier.

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  For my wife and she loves it! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dave - December 15 - 8:20 pm

  Looked for an SUV for my wife for 6 months, including BMW, M-B, others. My wife didnt give the OK until she drove the Pilot. Lots of bells/whistles, but well laid out & easy to use. Its incredibly well- equipped, with pleasant surprises everywhere. She raves about it, and her friends want the salesmans card!

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  8th Generation Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Orien - December 15 - 5:36 pm

  Overall should be very worth while, the body reminds me of the older Lotus Esprit with the long racked windshield. While having to use premium I still already see the cost savings of using this car. Mileage is always in the upper 20s - lower 30s, and this is the sports model in there line, with gas approaching $4 a gallon the couple of cents for premium out ways the difference. It handles very well, corners great, even now I am still amazed at how spunky this car is, its not the big "Hemi-V8" but let the rpms work for you and you can fly. I see people complain there is no power, my response is you dont know how to handle the car then, and you shouldnt drive one then...

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  73k & still running like new - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Bw - December 15 - 4:15 pm

  I have put 42k miles on car and only replaced tires & brakes recently. Solid, sound, refined car. I have had to do nothing with. Drive it, change oil every 3500 miles, no major disappointments. Could have better leather upholstery, driver side shows above average wear. Decent sound system, sunroof "squeaks" randomly when closed, slightly oversteers (heavy car) but ABS and "smart" transmission controls car well when braking or turning/going downhill. Metallica paint is average, just keep it waxed. Interior is very nice, well appointed controls and feel, quiet ride and it looks great. Will easily put 150k miles on this car.

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  Love my honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By don - December 15 - 11:43 am

  I have bought my last 6 vehicles new. I am in the auto repair industry and from the experience I have with my 2002 Accord that has 145,000 miles on it I had to replace my Caravan with a Honda. The Odyssey in a class all its own. I drove the Sienna and the overall handling of the Honda is better. The interior is more user friendly and the exterior styling is great. I have 3 friends with this van and they all agree.

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  Used Honda Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By jkng - December 15 - 4:56 am

  I purchased this car a few months ago and so far so good. It was one year old and I think I got a great deal on it. Love driving it. Handles great and has power for a 4 cyl. 2.0. Great transmission and although the ride is harsh I guess that is what you sacrifice for the handling and sport. The only negative so far is that, third gear sticks. I dont know if anyone else has that problem.