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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  Dont do it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By L. Edgar - August 5 - 7:18 pm

  I cant seem to get anywhere with customer care so I am going to share my story in hopes of saving others from my misfortune with the newly designed Honda pilot. I bought a 2016 Honda pilot last February. Last week, my air conditioning began to blow warm air. I took it to a Honda dealership for a diagnostic assessment assuming that whatever was wrong would surely be covered under warranty with a car that is barely a year old. I get a call stating that they arent really sure and it may have been that a rock hit my condenser and that is not covered. The dealership stated that they see this all the time and it is in "a vulnerable place at the front of the car." I have hit absolutely nothing and have never even heard of such a possibility happening on any other car I have owned. The fix is $1200 on a basically BRAND NEW CAR. Please others be aware of this design flaw in the new Pilot and purchase something else. This is the first and last Honda I will ever own as I have been let down and feel as if I have been swindled by the company. The employee said that the condenser does have a screen which meant the pebble must have been tiny. So, apparently the tiniest of pebbles can take out an entire air conditioner in a Honda.

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  Perfect for what we do - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By notsnuf - August 5 - 12:36 pm

  We purchased the vehicle for use as a work truck for Land surveying. The trunk and 4 doors are perfect for securing all of our equipment. We do not use it for severe off roading, but we do use it on muddy construction sites and in moderate off road situations. It has done everything we have asked it to do and have had no problems what so ever. We are very happy with the Ridgeline.

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  Regrets so far - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Kajagoogoo - August 5 - 10:16 am

  I bought a 1999 Odyssey and had problems but loved it anyways. This isnt starting off good at all! Been back to dealer for wind noise, malfunctioning door, rattles from rear door, and engine running rough. I held off buying a 2005, thinking 2006 would have kinks worked out. I was sadly wrong and now wish I bought the Sienna instead!

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  Best Car Ive Owned Thus Far! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By hondaSE - August 5 - 8:37 am

  This car is just awesome! I currently have 75K miles on my 2000 accord SE and it still runs just as good as the day I bought her brand new. No problems and still a pleasure to drive every day. Nice body style that should with stand ageing very nicely.

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  Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By AW - August 5 - 3:30 am

  Well my fit is about 2 weeks old now and I have to say it is a great car! I have been getting anywhere from 32-35 mpg which is a big improvement over anything else I have owned. The fit is very fun to drive, has a well designed interior with "tons" of room for people or cargo. This is my first new car and my first Honda, I will be buying another Honda in the future.

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  Owned for 1 Month - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Kathy Fairchild - August 5 - 1:59 am

  I have owned the Pilot for only one month, so the reliability and value are based on my expectations. As has been said in many reviews, the music system -- specifically not being able to use music on an USB -- is very disappointing. In terms of the review items above, everything is OK but I wouldnt consider anything "great". I bought this car because the seat adjustments and visibility of controls, along with the size of the SUV fit my body so I feel safe and comfortable driving it. I like the high-end comforts such as fully adjustable and leather seats, and seat warmers. Theres several features I paid for that wont see much or any use (including the rear-seat entertainment), but since they were packaged with comforts that I wanted I didnt feel there was a choice. All that said, compared to the other vehicles in this general price range, I am happy with my choice.

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  Amazing Vehicle to Own! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Lance Richards - August 4 - 6:55 pm

  My Prelude is just un-describable!! I purchased this car with 119,000 miles on it and it performs like it has 19,000. Its amazingly clean and will last me years to come! So go out and buy one A.S.A.P you wont regret it!!

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.

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  Great auto - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By LK - August 4 - 1:51 pm

  I bought mine new then bought 2 more used for college students. All 3 are still going strong with no more than routine maintenance. My 16 y.o. son get handed down one of them and Ive warned him if he wrecks it theyll be h*ll to pay. Best car purchases Ive ever made.