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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  Another Great One From Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By CJ Mund - January 9 - 6:12 am

  I had a 2011 CR-V and thought about trading it in for Crosstour. Im glad that I waited, because I purchased the HR-V this year, and it is a classic Honda vehicle. The thing I love about the HR-V, other than its roominess, is the fact that it actually feels beefy. I was not expecting to sit up so high, but there really is pretty good clearance on this thing. We also own a Fit, and there is considerable height difference in the two. I recently drove it in downtown Seattle, and the thing can turn on a dime. The handling and the drive are wonderful. The Fit has such bad road noise, so I was hoping the HR-V wouldnt follow suite, and it doesnt. Its very quite at 70 and even 75 mph. I have been getting about 33 mph on my commute to and from work. Overall, I love this car. I dont see too many of them on the road yet, so a lot of people will stop and ask me what kind of car it is. Love it.

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  great car - 2000 Honda S2000
  By bob123432343 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  get car very fun to drive

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  Tough to beat - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mdwitty - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 5 years with no problems. Compared to a camry, it runs a little loud, but it looks a lot better!!

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  Great Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim - January 9 - 12:13 am

  I had a American van it was in the shop every 3 months for one thing or another. I am on my 2nd Honda Van neither one has ever been in the shop for any repairs Just oil changes tire rotation thats it Thank Honda keep up the good work and ill keep buying them.

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  Hondas MDX - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By AP SAC CA - January 8 - 11:13 pm

  Just picked up my Pilot yesterday, love everything about. My Parents have 05 MDX and the only big difference is the bluetooth capability, memorizing seat adjustments and with the Pilot your saving about $7-8k dollars.

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  Just Bought the Elite - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Elitist - January 8 - 4:23 pm

  I found the Pilot brochure confusing. The included options list implies that the Elite has everything the other models have plus more stuff. Not quite true. It does not tell you what is left out, so its not completely clear what you are getting. Lane Watch is included in lesser models and I expected it should also be on the Elite. It isnt. Some reviews dislike Lane Watch because it takes your eyes away from the road. The Owners Guide is inadequate. Photos are too small. Honda should include a full size Owners Manual. Sure, you can go to their website and download the 679 pages and print it yourself but for a $50,000 Elite, youd think they would give you one. The Guide shows an option that the Elite should have but doesnt. That is Folding Mirrors. This option would help to protect your mirrors from damage by folding them inwards. Even though the Guide covers it, I did not see it listed as a feature on any of the models. I have yet to use the shifting paddles. I have not found any information yet on how to use them. Ill keep looking. Though not stylish, the Elite is very comfortable and has a lot of cargo space.

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  Another Conservative car from Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RichF - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Replaced my 1993 Accord with this. Couldnt pass up the $199 lease. Compared this to a Mazda 6 and Mazda has Honda beat in value for features provided. Similar priced Mazda 6 comes with 4 wh. disc brakes, dual exhaust (4 cyl.) radio button on steering wheel, auto. vol. control on radio. None of which honda offers on the LX model. Honda needs to start thinking outside the box. I know their conservative styling and functionality has worked till now but I can only assume that other manufactures are eating into their sales with more bang for the buck. I went with the Honda because of the lease price and the reliability. If low lease was not offered, maybe Mazda.

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  2010 Odyssey-Ownership log - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By car lover - January 8 - 6:09 am

  Dealers are good. We bought the car in an emergency. We saw an EX-L RES but we wanted nav, so the dealer swapped it out in an hour for an EX-L RES NAV. Our car is Ocean Mist Metallic. No major parts have been replaced. We also have a 2008 Odyssey Touring (Mocha Metallic) and a 2012 Camry SE (Attitude Black). The car was bought new on December 23, 2010.

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  I Love This Car! 2007 4dr EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By I Love This Car! - January 8 - 3:23 am

  I traded in my 2000 Civic Ex 2dr manual for this one. I love the look, drive, gas mileage and how dependable it is. In the last 7 years that I owned my last one, all I did was routine maintainance and it ran great, no problems. I know this will do the same if not better, why go anywhere else. Plus the resale value. I sold my last one for $7k and it had over 100k miles on it. If youre looking for a fun dependable car that gets great gas mileage and wont break down then buy this one!

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  My Honda S-2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By no neck - January 8 - 2:00 am

  My Honda 2003 S-2000 is exciting and fun to drive. Everytime I get into it it feels like Im driving a brand new vehicle. I get excited every time I go out on the road with it. Everyone looks at it no matter where Im at.