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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  Good car w/ minor flaw - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By apgrl - March 16 - 10:00 am

  After dealing w/ a Ford for 3 yr, having the Pilot is a welcome relief. It is GREAT to drive- comfortable, smooth, good turning radius. The size is a bit cumbersome to park, but I expected that. Good fuel economy for a SUV. My only gripe: you hear a noise under the car from the fuel moving in the gas tank. Does not affect the cars performance or handling, but is a little irritating. Im told by Honda that this noise is a result from the fuel tank design.

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  Disapointed in the Honda Pilot Quality - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By LanceFox - March 16 - 10:00 am

  In the last 12 months I have had my Honda Pilot in to replace the rear drive unit (entire axle), rear spoiler (missing gasket and radio (broken cd button). We have always been a Honda familty but this latest round of Honda Quality has been very dissapointing. It is no wonder that Honda has slipped in thier overall consumer quality ratings (at first I did not belive this). In addition, the Navigation system has very few roads when compared to the Hertz Neverlost System (available in rental cars)and other OEM products. We are at the point where we believe that the premium we paid for the Honda name was not worth it when compared to other vehicles.

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  I love Honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ruff - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car that is reliable. Its great on gas and looks nice. Build quality could be a little better. But overall i love the car.

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  how to make a great suv - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By sean quinn - March 16 - 10:00 am

  should have a 4 speed trans (auto), needs all leather seats and power seats, middle head rest is blocks rear view mirrow

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  BEST SUV I HAVE OWNED - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By BIGMOMMA125 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS SUV SO MUCH I WAS ALSO LOOKING AT A RAV4. I ALREADY HAD ONE AND IT WAS NICE YES, BUT NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE CRV. I RECOMMEND THE CRV OVER THE RAV4 ANY DAY.

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  Accord quality - 2004 Honda Accord
  By warrington - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Great looking car that performs at the top of its class for a 4 cylinder. Vtec engines win loyal customers for their performance and maintenance records. Cant beat the price for what you get.

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  Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jim - March 16 - 9:10 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive, have had it in a snow storm, handled very well, mileage around 19.5 to 19.8 mpg, still new. Love the trunk feature....

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  Best ever - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By cello1969 - March 16 - 1:33 am

  Smooth, powerful, excellent design. Strong feeling SUV that feels like I paid so much more for it.

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  honda insight 2001 - 2005 Honda Insight
  By sharon wilson - March 16 - 1:12 am

  Great mileage car, filled up for $11.00 and it would last a whole month. Not too much pick up-you will never get a speeding ticket. I had the 2001 which was to get 50 mpg in town and 70 on the highway, this was quite accurate - once on a highway trip I got 93 miles per gallon. I didnt like people coming up to me wanting to talk about the car all the time. It is built real solid and accident resistant. You could push in the fender with your thumb and it would pop back out. I was sitting in traffic on the highway at a dead standstill, and someone ran into me about 65-70 miles per hour, the car was so well built it took them about a week to discover the car was totaled. I would buy another one.

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  Would buy one again. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Phillip - March 15 - 4:52 pm

  A great all around car. The comfort, fuel economy, and reliability have met my expectations. Getting back into one of these is a no-brainer!!!