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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  CR-V Rocks! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By axe01 - December 9 - 12:46 am

  Space, size, and gas mileage! Wow! I get a whopping 28MPG in mixed city/ hwy driving! This SUV is smart, sexy, and smooth. Love the XM radio. My first Honda and I am sure not my last!

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  Going Strong - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Satisfied - December 8 - 7:01 pm

  Best car Ive owned... period. Bought new, now has 96,000 miles and all Ive done is change tires, put in a new battery, change oil and filter regularly, and install a new set of brakes. Still feels tight and still fun to drive I have to remind myself how many miles Ive put on it. Mileage is good: 32-34 on the highway, 22-24 around town. Very practical: Ive carried 8 2x4s inside!

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  LOVE MY HONDA! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By LLHH - December 8 - 12:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda Pilot and I wouldnt even think of buying any other brand. Ive never had any major work done on my other two and that makes this vehicle a major winner. More than just reliable. It handles wonderful, feel safe on the road and loaded with lots of extra goodies. If youre looking for luxury with a lot of safety and reliability, this is the vehicle for you.

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  Fonda 1995 Honda Odyssey - 1995 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda Mom - December 8 - 7:49 am

  I bought this Odyssey in 1995 with 35k miles. In 2009 it has 240k miles. It has been a great car for my family on long trips, commuting, and car pooling with the extra pop up seats in back. My husband regularly changes the oil. Only normal wear and tear problems, nothing major. I love this car/van. No slider doors for me. I really wish Honda had stuck with the model the way it was. So much room in the back to move stuff. I love it so much Im going to make 300,000! WHY did Honda have to change it? It was perfect to begin with.

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  Totaled my Honda - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Melanie - December 7 - 7:22 pm

  My 16 year old son totaled my Honda this weekend when he fell asleep driving. From the look of the car, it would seem that no one could have walked away from the crash. It was totally pushed in in front and then rolled 2 times. The car saved his life. The safety features worked exactly as they were supposed to and he came away with only bruises from the seat belt and an abrasion on his hand from the air bag deployment. I am totally convinced that the CRV deserves the accolades it gets for safety!

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  Will buy again - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jon - December 7 - 4:27 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who was returning to work. I wanted something that was reliable, got decent gas mileage, was able to get around in the snow, and could tow a boat. The Pilot has stood up to all of these demands and then some. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, gets around great in all weather and has been reliable (except when we leave the dome lights on and the battery goes dead). We have used it to tow a boat that weighs about 4500 (Regal 2100 LSR). We started camping/boating and had to add a Suburban due to load and room limits. Now my son drives the Pilot, and we feel comfortable with the safety aspects of the vehicle as well. I would buy a Pilot again.

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  Most reliable car weve owned - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By JG - December 6 - 1:20 pm

  Weve owned a Honda CRV then upgraded to a 2003 Pilot...Had numerous problems with the 03 after 6 months. Traded it in for an 07 and couldnt be happier. Gas mileage, eco mode, etc. great! Also hauls large trailers no problem. CONS: (1) area between console very hard to clean! (2)outside noise - all of our Hondas had this issue! (3)Engine sensors can be too sensitive. - Weve traveled across country w/this car and we felt absolutely safe knowing it was reliable. The 07 model is much nicer than the newer models. I would buy another one.

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  Honda CR-V SE - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By john - December 6 - 8:13 am

  I thoroughly enjoy this vehicle. I like the power.road handling and feel. the drawbacks are the design of the key fob- which has a button for the back hatch closely resembling the door lock. It also has sparse power controls - the seats are manual not power, and the passenger dash is unusable - poor design. The underseat storage is minimal. This seems to be a fault across the board with Honda products. Tuning the finer points would make a great vehicle into an exceptional one. Overall I am pleased with the performance of this one.

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  Best SUV in its class for the $ - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Corona Lites - December 6 - 7:57 am

  We researched every SUV in this segment and hands down for the $$ the Honda Pilot EX-L w/ DVD is the best product. I do not agree with the Edmunds review or some of the others I have seen. For prospective buyers, I would test drive and come to your own conclusions. We got this vehicle for invoice $32814 (MSRP 36155) and they threw in the front door window tint and pin stripe. I paid $261 to get the trailer harness wiring installed.

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  Satisfied customer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - December 5 - 11:02 pm

  I purchased this Civic for work when my daily drive became 55 miles each way. 25 freeway and 30 mountain switchbacks. The fuel savings have paid for my car. The only problems in 80000 miles have been the sun visors and the OEM Bridgestone tires wearing out. The engine performance as well as the fuel economy improves with the engine RPM. Keep the engine up over 2500 and the car performs well. Run it at 3500 and it really scoots. I put on some Perreli P3000 (now 5000) tires increasing the handling and doubling the tires life. The only drawbacks to this car are it seems to be invisible sometimes in freeway traffic probably due to its low roof line and it has no room for snow chains if they are required.