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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  Perfect!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tgrainer - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest SUV on the market. Perfect in every way. I paid $1900.00 under msrp. Dealers will deal on them.

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  Best Car ever owned - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Amy Krause - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I researched all the Suvs available and found that the Honda Pilot meet and exceeded all that we were looking for. We bought it new in Oct of 2002 before anyone had even heard about it and continue to love to drive it just like the day we bought it. It travels very well, its comfortable seating makes long road trips easy to handle not to mention the ease in use of all the controls for the entertainment system Etc. We tell everyone what a great SUV it is and have never had such a great time in a new car/truck like we are having with the pilot. Thanks for making a great SUV Honda.

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  CIvic Couple LX 5 Spd Manual 03 - 2003 Honda Civic
  By David Ingram - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought an LX 5-speed manual 2 months ago and am very pleased with the quality, gas mileage, comfort and reliability. It looks good and rides well. Excellent ergonomics. Fun to drive. Its not a drag-racer, but I didnt want one of those. Ill pass the leadfooted people at the gas stations....

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  Honda does it again! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By John B. - February 3 - 5:43 pm

  I had a 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-door that I traded in on a new 2009 Honda Civic coupe EX. Was I ever blown away by how many changes had taken place in the past decade! The premium audio system in the civic sounds like a home theater set up. The exterior stylings are crisp and flashy and give the car an aggressive look which I like. Driving around town and on the highways is a blast. At first I was worried about the little cars ability to get up and go especially with the highway speeds in my area. However its shown to be more than capable of getting up to speed and the agile handling makes weaving around traffic a breeze. Overall this is the most fun little car Ive ever driven! 10/10!

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  WOW - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Gramma of 2 - February 3 - 10:40 am

  No minivan for me. I am a gramma raising 2 young boys. I needed a minivan but my heart wanted a sportscar. Sigh. The minivan won. The Honda is fantastic. The comfort supreme. The features amazing. With the moonroof open I still can pretend that it is a sportscar! It is fun to drive, the kids love the DVD player and I love the music options. All the cup holders I could drem about... storage everywhere, quiet, smooth, leather, what is not to like???? The nav will come in handy on trips. LOVE IT!!!!

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  Exceptional Gas Mileage - 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By edmundsdon - February 3 - 10:14 am

  Ive owned my Accord Hybrid for well over a year. I have 17k miles on it. Ive keep track of my mileage and record it every fillup. Honda is right on the mark with the mileage claims for this vehicle. Yes, it is true that cold weather takes a toll on the mileage in the short term; as does cruising above 70 mph continuously. Pre-heating or cooling the interior, ditto.Its all in how you drive it. My "real world" mileage is exactly what was advertised if you combine the extraordinary summer mileage (55+) with the still impressive (42+-) cold weather mileage and average it. It works for me, and I take no heroic measures to accomplish this. Honda did their homework on this car, and its true.

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  I love the Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ehv - February 3 - 2:30 am

  I absolutely love this car. I bought it a couple of weeks ago after test driving the Yaris (boring). I love the gas mileage and its a blast to zip down the interstate. Its also easy to get in and out of parking spaces, which is definitely a perk now a days. I wanted the cruise control, which is why I opted for the Sport.

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  A New Benchmark... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By INACA - February 2 - 9:13 pm

  Outstanding performance, never considered a mini-van until now, it has the style and power to be more than a family car. I will consider this over many SUV. The safety features are extra- ordinary; 6 airbags, ABS, Stability Assistance, Pedestrian protection, Unibody.... they just didnt stop in satey at all. Interior, without question the Navi- System in the market (yes!, better than Lexus, BMW and other top contenders. Great materials and space improvement (how is that no wheelbase change but interior increased by 2 long and 1 wide inches). Reliabilty, well.... we all know how Hondas are. Odyssey... the best mini-van is back.

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  CT will evolve into a real winner - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By crowmass - February 2 - 7:46 pm

  We just leased our CT-Navi after driving a Pilot(s) for the past six years. Our kids are no longer car- pool age, and we wanted to downsize. More importantly, we wanted to stay with Honda products. The CT-Navi is a tremendous car and value. The ride is terrific. Beware on highway as 70 mph feels like your only doing 55 mph! Highway mileage is very good @ 27 per gal. Regarding all the reviews I read about the car being beaten with an "ugly stick", I just dont get it. Admittedly, it is a different design but it works! I parked next to an Audi A-6 yesterday, and the Audi owner was very impressed! Finally, and most importantly for me, I am very tall (67"). The car is very comfortable to drive.

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  Storage, storage, storage!! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dog show enthusiast - February 2 - 11:43 am

  We bought our Honda after looking at the top three rated this year - Toyota, Honda, Kia. The Toyota didnt have as much bang for the buck as the Honda, not as many creature comforts. The Kia has terrible depreciation, so would have to have a big-time Gap Insurance, and is cheap looking. The Odyssey has been great. Weve taken it to 3 dogs shows, tons of room for crates, grooming supplies, luggage with room to spare. Comfortable ride and GREAT mileage! It gets much better mileage than my little Malibu,and theres hardly any road noise! Weve owned the big Dodge custom vans, a Ford Aerostar etc., so were not newcomers to the van market.