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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  The best SUV and the best ROI in SUVs - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Shantnu Chaudhry - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  This is the best value for money when it comes to families with kids who do not want to spend thru the roof for a very dependable, fun-to-drive, very reliable, reputed, solid SUV. With its all wheel drive, ABS, leather, and many other features, this is the best choice for feople who really do not care so much about the name.

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  Honda hits a Home Run - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By B A - March 2 - 12:38 pm

  I carefully compared test driving the Toyota Highlander and the new Pilot. Each has its own merits, but the Honda won hands down. It is quieter, smoother and peppier than the Toyota. Price was much better too. Toyota was offering an end of the year Highlander for more than a better equipped 2016 Pilot. I was all set to buy a Highlander during the summer, but saw the new Pilot was just hitting the market. Super glad I waited. Handles great for an SUV. Has plenty of power and good mileage for a large vehicle. I like the nine speed transmission, smooth and silky. Ride is very quiet when absorbing uneven pavement and ruts and motoring down the highway. Love the layout and technology. Lots of storage and bins. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Very pleased with the car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By warf0x0r - March 2 - 9:06 am

  I traded in my 97 V6 Accord for this car because of the body style and fuel economy. I commute about 50 miles a day in some gridlock and still get about 33 miles a tank which is about a 33% improvement over the Accord. Interior has a sharp design and the exterior paint is nice as are the 16 inch rims. The dual level display is stylish and functional.

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  Honda pilot review by Alan Taylor. - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By alan taylor - March 2 - 6:30 am

  I checked just about every vehicle in this class. I ended up with the Pilot because it has room, good gas mileage, is well appointed inside and looks great. Faults are that the seat adjustment is primitive and the A/C needs constant adjustment for comfort. Also the second row of seats does not lie flat. It has a 4 ft width inside which is great for a sheet of plywood. I sometimes need to do this. I would prefer that the tailgate lie flat which it does not. Neither does any other car. Ride is smooth unlike some SUVs which are choppy. I added leather.

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  Best Family Vehicle - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dqtmg2 - March 2 - 5:13 am

  We have 5 kids and our Pilot was getting too small for the big kids, so we looked at the Odyssey. After the first test drive all of the kids were upset we left without buying one (our 4 year old cried), but we wanted a different color and a little better price. We really love everything inside the van, the backup mirror, dvd, storage space, and comfort of the seats in the rear are the best features. If you decide to get accessories for the Odyssey, look online first, as the exact same ones we were going to get at the dealer are much cheaper online (floor mats, trim).

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  2003 Honda S2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By kenpearl - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous car, fun to drive, excellent performance and quality. Great gas mileage, low maintenance costs. Short trips, long drives or anything in between. Relatively large trunk, bigger than 350Z, easily holds weekend luggage for two and a case of wine from Napa, just take the wine out of the case. A real blast on twisty canyon roads.

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  My Honda - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Kristen01 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  it was my first car. It hasnt died in any way. Now im forced to sell it because i didnt think it would last this long and I want a bigger car to pull horses. Its awesome. Everyone loves it. Its fast, cute, and really reliable.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Redfish5 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Odyssey since the design change to the larger style. The first minivan I owned was a Grand Caravan that I bought new. After 3 yrs of many problems and headaches at the dealership I decided to trade it for aÂ’99 Odyssey. I had it for a few yrs and traded up to a new 03 model. Honda service has been far superior to other dealerships I have dealt with. This vehicle drives much better than the Grand Caravan I owned. If you are buying a minivan, give the Odyssey serious consideration. If it is a little more expensive than another model you are considering, it will be cheaper in the long run with fewer service calls and a whole lot less headaches at the dealership.

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  do all vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By ron - March 2 - 1:13 am

  The Element does it all extremely well. The exterior is rather quirky, but the look grows on you.Interior layout is exceptional; seat recline for camping or fold up on the side walls to haul large items. An overall great vehicle!

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  awsome car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Arthur Schoedel - March 1 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say is this car is fast, handles awsomwe (was once voted best handling car under $30,00) and is reliable as can be asked. Ive done nothing but oil changes and some new tires.