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 Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By rwsc - September 2 - 1:03 am

  Fantastic mileage (34mpg city, 47mpg hwy so far), vastly improved shoulder room in frt seat for 6-footer (vs previous model),much better power (140 hp now)- not a rocket, but well matched to veh weight, quiet interior noise levels, 16" wheels + suspension give very planted feeling on the road at all speeds, high build quality and nice brushed aluminum trim levels inside, tight space in back seat, remote keyless buttons contained in key (no fob), modern dash & sloped windshield make it feel very spacious,however you are sitting very low to the road & will look up to other compacts. Shifter (5 spd man) is precise, but Mazda 3 is smoother. Side & side curtain airbags, ABS w/EBD-awesome package.

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  2017 Civic EX-T 6M - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Craig Higgins - September 1 - 10:44 pm

  Pleasantly surprised with the mpg! Replaced a Jetta TDI (dieselgate). Drivability is very good. Love the manual transmission - short throw and sporty.

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  Best Minivan of 2018!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Samuel - September 1 - 4:09 pm

  I first purchased a Toyota Sienna Minivan back in 2006, and that was great and all, but when I was introduced to the 2018 Honda Odyssey, I instantly bought it! It has been amazing ever since I bought it, much better than the Sienna! The Elite trim level gives everything that Honda offers, which is great!

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  2006 Honda Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Elaine - August 31 - 7:06 pm

  This car is a great get in and go car. I had a Jeep previously and it didnt satisfy my need to handle the curves with ease.

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  2012 civic Si - from Hell. - 2012 Honda Civic
  By James - August 31 - 12:21 pm

  Let me start by saying this; all my life Ive driven RWD performance cars (multiple 350z 05, and 07, s2000, eclipse v6 , 08 corvette) - this was my first FWD sporty car and IT DID NOT dissapoint comparing to all of those cars, which tells you a lot. The biggest issue you will see people mention is the bad interior quality, yes if you are coming from a BMW or a Lexus it will feel bad, but coming from the cars I listed above it felt like a definite upgrade. Key Pros: MPG, Torque (yes its not a v8, but a 4cyl pumping out 170 ft lbs in a lightweight sedan (2900lbs) is superb, transmission, handling. For the price & honda reliability/resale value it CAN NOT be beat, sure there are faster cars for the same price - but you wont get the reliability or the resale (gti I am looking at you) - Should you buy it ? YES. I cant wait for the 2017 civic si.

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  great build, good interior details - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sug - August 30 - 11:26 pm

  great car... I wish i had waited to buy it... seeing all the recent incentives out on SUVs. only have about 7000 miles on it now... so far .. we would definitely buy it again

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  Owned 2003 model - liked 2004 changes - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Luxorchamp - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2003 model in August and enjoyed it. We joined a S2000 club and had rides thru the hill country nearby. We learned of the changes in the 2004 model and we decided to trade up to one. We got the new one mid February and are very glad to have done the upgrade to the 2004. The ride is smoother and with the larger engine it has a lot more power in the lower gears. I could not believe there could be an improvement over the great 2003 that we had, but I sure love driving it.

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Happypilot - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I just love this SUV! Drive is smoooth and quiet, lots of power, lots of room. View is great, there is a lot of windshield. Gas mileage isnt wonderful, but I knew it wouldnt be when I bought an SUV, so cant complain. Drove in a freezing rain/snow mix recently, very well behaved, good traction and braking.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ouvic - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded my CRV for a new Pilot and wow what a difference. I gave up better gas mileage for much more greater comfort. I have no problems with my Pilot

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  THE BEST SUV ! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Leelabell - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many autos my last was an expidetion HORRIBLE! Before that a riviera one of the most comfortable cars but this is THE BEST! BUY ONE!