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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  Minivan killer - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Evens Remy - May 31 - 10:02 pm

  We were shopping for a truck with good reliability, good power ,a lot of rooms and good safety records. We tested a few trucks but none match the versatility of the pilot. We are very happy with our purchase.

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  Love it!!!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Bob Jacobs - May 31 - 2:55 pm

  I have leased Hondas since 2004 using 3 different dealerships. I was torn between the CRV, Accord Sport, and the Civic EXT. Boy, did I make the right choice. For starters I am 64, and for anyone questioning the roominess, dont. There is plenty. This model is a head turner. I have had more people ask me about this car more than any other Ive purchased. I look forward to the next 3 years side. And a side note, dealing with Keeler Honda and Adam Dorn was the best car buying experience I have ever had.

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  Love it!!!!! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Bob Jacobs - May 31 - 2:55 pm

  I have leased Hondas since 2004 using 3 different dealerships. I was torn between the CRV, Accord Sport, and the Civic EXT. Boy, did I make the right choice. For starters I am 64, and for anyone questioning the roominess, dont. There is plenty. This model is a head turner. I have had more people ask me about this car more than any other Ive purchased. I look forward to the next 3 years side. And a side note, dealing with Keeler Honda and Adam Dorn was the best car buying experience I have ever had.

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  Happy with purchase - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Pedrooch - May 30 - 1:13 am

  I purchased my Fit in March of 2009. Ive had the car for 3 weeks now, and love it. I purchased my Fit as a second car, my primary car is a Honda Accord. I purchased the vehicle, because I travel to clients daily, and I wanted a car that was good on gas, reliable, and comfortable. I looked at the Toyota Yaris, I didnt like the center dash, and the Scion, but I liked the Fit better. The car is very roomy inside, Im 60 and weigh over 300 Lbs., and Im very comfortable, even on trips over 1 hour. After 3 weeks, I have no complaints at all, and Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Lovin my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By EKing - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Honda Element less than 2 months ago and I am in love! I fell in love with the car once I saw it on the lot, but after I drove it I knew I had to have it. This vehicle is living up to the outstanding reputation that Honda already has. An overall wonderful vehicle. The interior is as cool or even better than the exterior. The car drives smooth, not like most SUVs. I would recommend the Element to anyone.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Tucson - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car, is beautifully practical. I have been getting 52-55 mpg! The auto-stop function is a marvelous feature allowing the motor to quietly shut off when put in neutral, but sometimes it confuses itself when I pull into the intersection during a left hand turn...it sometimes shuts off when i engage the clutch with it in 1st gear, requiring me to shift to neutral and back to first. Still a great car.

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  Dumb-Ass SUVs - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Larry Lucus - May 29 - 10:00 am

  had this car for less than a week and already appreciate the MPG. its fun to drive, looks sporty and best of all its a honda.

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  6-speed manual Man - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jakub - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect

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  Fantastic all-around vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By jeff - May 28 - 6:19 am

  I like everything about my 2016 AWD EX Pilot. Ive driven it around town, along the snaking Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway, and on a 1,000 mile interstate trip. Its very comfortable/roomy, maneuverable/park-able, and pretty darn peppy. So far so fantastic.

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  Love my 2016 Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - May 28 - 12:55 am

  Hated the look when I first saw the images released online. Saw the White one on the showroom floor and ordered an EX-L with Nav about 30 minutes later after a test drive. Traded in my 2012 Pilot EX-L with RES. Have had it a week and it is just better in every way. I had a 2011 Pilot that I traded in for a 2012 so we really liked that style of vehicle but this is just awesome. Love the Garmin brand NAV. The touch screen radio takes a bout 2 days to get used to but once you do you realize it is so much better and easier than the last consoles layout. The arm rests are great and the storage console between the front 2 seats is perfect compared to the last model. It looks very similar on the inside but just improved in every way. I hope the 2017 CR-V compares to these updates and the exterior gets tweaked so the lines are comparable to the Pilot. If so I will be trading in my 2012 Accord SE for the CR-V touring. Fingers crossed. I cant believe we hated the first images as much as we did and now this is our Favorite we have ever purchased!!!