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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  Honda pilot overall great suv - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ROBERT ADAMS - April 18 - 5:13 pm

  Overall wonderful vehicle. Best car ever driven on ice and snow. Please note i work for a jeep dodge dealership and own multiple 4x4 vehicles other than the honda. Would like some additional features like rolling door locks andauto unlock feature when key is removed from ignition. Was rearended by a furniture truck 2 weeks ago. The truck bumper hit the main reinforcement on the rear bumper. $241 Damage to the pilot and smashed in the front steel bumper of the truck 2-3 inches. This vehicle is built like a tank. I plan to replace this pilot with another. Ps- this is my second pilot in 3 years.

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  Great Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By WVGeo - April 18 - 2:24 pm

  This has been the best Honda I have owned, and I have had several since buying my first in 1987. I get the urge to get a new Honda, but hesitate to sell or trade this car because it is so good.

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  Odyssey ; not just a great mini van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - April 18 - 12:50 pm

  My wife and I were not keen on the idea of driving a "minivan". After seeing the all new for 05 Odyssey, we were not concerned. This vehicle is truly an all utility sport vehicle (AUSV). We love the fact that it is just so comfortable for our family of 5 for daily driving. It is also outstanding in the area of storage and interior flexibility. In the past we had to tie luggage racks on the roof of our previous for a 2 week vacation. Not with this Odyssey. The vehicle is just so well engineered. The ride is absolutely fantastic. The 255hp engine gives this AUSV all the pep it needs for smooth sailing. Safety features abound along with a feeling of safety for the family.

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  Its a Great Car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By RBAILEY57 - April 18 - 6:53 am

  I love everything about my Civic, the styling, the fuel economy, the handling, the performance, and it is very quiet and comfortable for its size. Best of all is its quality, though. From the fit and finish to the feel of its switches, this car oozes quality. Having driven Japanese cars for 20 years, I think Im hard to impress, too. This is my first Honda, but it wont be my last.

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  Id buy it again - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By mws - April 18 - 2:06 am

  It is a solid vehicle and fun to drive. Can get up and go when it needs to.

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  Great mini-car! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By LSLHF4L - April 17 - 10:53 pm

  Purchased the Fit 1 month ago today. Have since traveled 1500 fun loving miles. It has taken awhile to get used to some quirks (rear suspension, higher center of gravity), but am glad went with decision to buy. Its hard to believe the Fit is Hondas new "entry level" - there are many items standard which were upgrades, or not available, on prior car (2000 Civic LX). Looking forward to many years of ownership.

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  The fifth Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By JC Diaz - April 17 - 10:00 am

  ok, so my title is cheesy. Im a new Element owner and I shopped around for three months before coming to a unanimus decision. My other two choices were the saturn vue and the mitsubishi outlander. None fit my lifestyle or pokcet book except the element. Im 27, have wife and kids; still pretty phisically active so the extra room and folding seats are a plus. I congratulate Honda because it made a vehicle that has evolved from the ordinary SUV.

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  Honda Pilot 4WD - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By shansgen - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle allows my family of four to comfortably drive on vacation and to and from ballgames, etc.. I love it!!!

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  Cant go wrong - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kmore15 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I wish I could afford a BMW x5, but then again this is an excellent vehicle in its own right. Nice to have the third row having four kids. The DVD system is a nice touch. Priced much less than the Acura but lacks a sun roof. Hope they change that.

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  I just LOVE it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By JennyK - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt wanting a minivan until my husband made me sit in one. It is so wonderful. If I travel alone with the kids I dont have to get out of the car to help them. When it is raining or snowing you can help them get coats on before getting out of the car...the list goes on. You dont have to crawl over anything to get to the back either. When you go to a park or game the back seat flips in a way the you can sit and look out. Will be great for tailgating...