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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  A best buy in my book - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By rcourtney - June 4 - 5:43 pm

  Have had 2 tahoes and though great they need upgrading to justify their price. Honda has a fine product in their Pilot with no charge for many neat features. Particulaly enjoy the quietness! This car is made in USA!; so fit and finish is available in this Country if management insists!

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  This is a short one - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tim27 - June 4 - 3:23 pm

  Basically I got the car in June brand new and I love it. Incredibly fun to drive. Great pick up. Everything about the car is amazing EXCEPT one thing I have noticed...there is a wicked blind spot to your back left. Other than that, I have nothing but great things to say about this car.

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  Great Van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By haris - June 4 - 2:36 pm

  This is a great minivan. I dont know why all these people are complaining about gas mileage. I usually get 20 MPG.

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  I never thought I would drive a Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jill - June 4 - 10:40 am

  A few months ago, my husband and I were test driving cars. He loves Honda. (I had a Ford Focus ZX3 that I just loved, but he felt it was too small for him. He is 62".) We test drove the 2005 Civic EX, and I didnt like anything about it. Then, we saw an ad for the new 2006 Civics, and we decided to give it a try. Wow! Am I glad we did. We bought one that day. I truly enjoy driving it in traffic or on the highway. The gas mileage has been excellent. The engine is so quiet. The performance of this car is outstanding. I get looks all the time from other Honda drivers, checking out the new, sleek style of the Civic. I absolutely LOVE this car!

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  Very Happy So Far - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Tigercat - June 4 - 3:56 am

  Im a tall guy (66") who was looking for lots of leg and head room along with good fuel economy, and without spending lots of money. The Fit really fits! The legroom is fine, and the headroom is amazing (over 2"). Ive filled the tank twice now, and got over 37 MPG each time--excellent for a car thats not even broken in yet. Acceleration isnt bad for such a small engine, and I can climb most grades at 55 MPH without downshifting out of 5th. All the useful options (cruise, power, side airbags) come standard on the Sport Fit. I like to drive my cars into the ground (10+yrs typ) so I dont miss the expensive-to-fix Lexus-type stuff at all. My impression is the Fit will go the distance.

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  3rd Accord and mostly loving it. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By George - June 4 - 2:14 am

  I was excited to get an EX sensing coupe for the price of an LX coupe. The wheels are much nicer on the EX. Coming from an 07 Accord coupe v6 and the improved fuel economy is amazing. I do miss the power of the v6, but the power is acceptable and allows for easy merging. Im also getting better combined mileage in traffic than I ever did with straight highway driving and no traffic with the old v6. The plethora of listening options are great and Android Auto works very well on my Galaxy S7. I do however, wish that I could use Pandora while Android Auto was active, and that the sound system was a little better. I was expecting a bit more from the upgraded system with subwoofer. Sound quality isnt the greatest, and neither is the bass, even with the sub. The ride strikes a very nice balance between compliance and sportiness. It feels planted, but not harsh.

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  3rd Accord and mostly loving it. - 2016 Honda Accord
  By George - June 4 - 2:14 am

  I was excited to get an EX sensing coupe for the price of an LX coupe. The wheels are much nicer on the EX. Coming from an 07 Accord coupe v6 and the improved fuel economy is amazing. I do miss the power of the v6, but the power is acceptable and allows for easy merging. Im also getting better combined mileage in traffic than I ever did with straight highway driving and no traffic with the old v6. The plethora of listening options are great and Android Auto works very well on my Galaxy S7. I do however, wish that I could use Pandora while Android Auto was active, and that the sound system was a little better. I was expecting a bit more from the upgraded system with subwoofer. Sound quality isnt the greatest, and neither is the bass, even with the sub. The ride strikes a very nice balance between compliance and sportiness. It feels planted, but not harsh.

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  like the honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Square - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I have 13,000 miles on my honda pilot and it has been a solid purchase. I have read other reviews and agree with some of the minor problems. The lid on the center console was a problem in not staying latched. A few small rattles that come and go. I do not like the tires. The Bridgestones are not up to the standards of others, I have tried to trade them in for better tires but the hit I would take is not worth it. Overall, I am happy with my honda. I will be taking a trip with it to Colorado from Wisconsin soon and have no doubt it will perform well.

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  Great bang for the buck! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By houndog37 - June 3 - 8:20 pm

  Test drove the Altima and the Accord the same day. There was no contest. The Accord won hands down in the first 2 minutes of the drive. Im 60" and had plenty of room in all seating areas. Liked the arrangement of instrumentation on the dash. Exterior looks much more expensive than what you pay for. Engine has a gracious amount of power for a 4 cyl. Its not a 6 cyl so dont compare it to one. Interior noise is very minimal. The overall handling is very impressive. You definitely cant go wrong with this car. As always, another great piece of work from Honda. I couldnt be happier if Id spent twice the amount of money.

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  Mr Dow - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Philip Dow - June 3 - 12:30 pm

  I have a chronic back problem and the inflatable lumbar support is really nice. This truck is FUN to drive. I listen to classical music and Tenors and I sometimes stay in the garage when I pull in from work because the stereo with built in subwoofer is very close to being in a concert hall.I have the aluminum roof rack and aluminum side steps and a silver pin stripe on this black truck and people to turn and look. These additions really dress up the truck. Im so happy to get out of a 2 door coupe and really love all the space i now have