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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  Real n...ice but - 2006 Honda Civic
  By McHonda - December 31 - 2:23 pm

  Having had over 20 Hondas personally, and a 15 career in the auto business w/Honda/Acura dealers only, I was wicked excited about the new Si. I had a 2004 Accord EX coupe, 4 banger w/5speed..decent! Well, here was a Honda that was a factory hot rod and IT IS! Just one little problem... not all the time, but when Im stressed the ride is too harsh on the bumpy New England roads!!

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  new pilot 2010 - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By deb - December 31 - 10:05 am

  I have put 1500 mi on my pilot in 2 weeks. The dashboard is well light and easy to read. The fog lights are GREAT. Gas mileage is about 20.5 so far, but its a Honda so I will get better. I dont notice any pulling to the right as mentioned by others. Handles very well in 6 in snow.

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  Great buy for long term ownership - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By anh - December 30 - 8:33 am

  Built like a tank. Very sturdy. Bought in 2008 , no repairs required yet just routine maintenance. Paint and interior look brand new 8 years later. Great SUV

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  Typical Honda! - 2006 Honda Element
  By 16YEAROLD - December 30 - 2:05 am

  I got this car for my birthday in October, and I am loving it! I have wanted one since they came out, and I am happy for going with my intuition. I love Hondas in general. My aunt has a 1990 Honda Accord with over 300,000 miles on it, and it is still going strong, and drives like new. I did have to get used to the blind spots, but what car do you not have to get used to them in. I mean all cars have blind spots in different places... I have the stick, and I have not regretted it one bit. Some people dont like the suicide doors, but I love them. They just take a little getting used to, but we used to have a Saturn with one, so it is no biggie to me...

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  Excellent value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ismael - December 30 - 12:40 am

  I got this car mid-April to replace my gas guzzling F-150 and havent looked back since. Great amount of interior space, excellent design, the 190 hp engine takes off faster that I could have possibly hoped for (who needs a V6?), and the features that come standard with the EX are everything I could have hoped for. Fun to drive, safe, reliable, and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

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  Civic Touring Coupe with body kit - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Pat - December 29 - 2:41 pm

  Fun car to drive with great acceleration. The dealer added a body kit to this black Civic Touring and it looks like the 2017 SI. It didnt sell in 2016 and the dealer wanted to sell it. When I first saw the car this past weekend (Labor Day 2017) I wanted it. It has everything and then added styling. The car was discounted so I got a pretty good deal. My wife thought we needed a sedan but now that she has driven the car, she is very happy with the coupe. It is a one of a kind Touring since it has the body kit added.

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  Love my E! - 2004 Honda Element
  By louise in texas - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Element. The ONLY thing I would change if I could is the gas mileage, which for my automatic transmission averages around 20 mpg in the city. But I wouldnt trade it for anything, and 20 mpg is better than my previous American sedans ever got!

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  2004 Honda Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By steer - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Drive it...youll buy it! This is the 1957 VW Beatle made for 2004.

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  Pilot review - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By rtrnow - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Have only driven about 2500 miles so far, but love this vehicle! It is well engineered and manufactured. Lots of glass amd low cut hood allows wonderful vision. Very smooth engine and transmission. Very comfortable.

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  Pilot great all-around vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lookdowntheroad - December 29 - 2:00 am

  We get 25 mpg/highway (70-75 mph), 19 mpg average. Plenty of power, plenty of room in front and middle row, although third row is strictly for kids. Handles well on the highway and secondary roads but its not made for driving fast on back roads. Uses 5W/20 oil, which might be hard to find. Changing the oil filter is a breeze, a first in 32 years of driving. We have the DVD player and the kids absolutely love it. We live on a mile-long dirt road and it handles that well, goes great in the CT snow. All the luxury of the Acura MDX with more room and a lower price.