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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  First truck for Honda...and for me! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By gonzo1124 - December 9 - 9:40 am

  Always wanted a truck, not for heavy hauling, off-road riding, but for everyday stuff like picking up yard supplies, moving household stuff, transporting my motorcycle, camping, maybe towing a small boat, bringing a big TV home, etc. Have tested other small to medium size trucks and was not sure if I could have them as daily drivers. Then this came along. Drove it for a while and I knew that this is what I had been waiting for! Not a SUPER HEAVY-DUTY TRUCK or a 4X4 DIRT DIGGER, or a 10-TON PULLER, but a more civilized truck that I can also use as a car. I have been driving it for over a month now and enjoying every minute. Thanks Honda for building what I was looking for.

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  Great upgrade - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Wilke - December 8 - 10:18 pm

  This is our fourth Honda, we traded our 2011 Odyssey on this new Pilot and wow what a nice upgrade. The SUV drives great, it has some great safety features with plenty of power balanced with efficiency. We drove a few other SUVs prior to making this purchase and pilot is great value for your money. All the reliability of a Honda with some luxury features that just outshine other vehicles in this price range. Perfect for our family moving out of the mini van stage. Still plenty of room if our College/Career aged Sons join us on a trip or if we need to haul any gear. But a very respectable ride for work and pleasure, love the features of remote start, adaptive cruise, and lane keeping. Really nice for day trips for work or weekend getaways.

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  The Best SUV I Found - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Autumnriver - December 8 - 9:22 pm

  I had an 8-year-old Ford Escape and was looking for a new mid-size SUV. I researched them all, and ended up test driving the Kia Sorrento, the Ford Escape, the Honda CRV, and a couple of Hyundais. After the test drives I narrowed the field to the first three, in that order. I then reluctantly eliminated the Sorrento (a very comfortable car) because it was larger than I needed, did not get particularly good mileage. (I found that all of these SUVs are rather similar in body style and basic features; all were good to drive.) I then test drove the Escape and the CRV again. Both were excellent. The Escape had a bit more power while the CRV better gas mileage and a better ride. The determining factor was the overall package: the CRV-EX had all the features I wanted, such as adjustable cruise control and Android Auto, while the Escape lacked the former unless I went to the Titanium, the top (and most expensive) model. I decided on the CRV and have been very happy with my choice. The car has everything I could ask for. The ride is luxuriously comfortable, the steering precise and the engine is peppy enough for the way I drive. Im getting over 30mpg with mostly city driving. The interior is well appointed and the car is a pleasure to drive.

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  I love "MYLES!" - 2016 Honda Civic
  By A Greenberg - December 8 - 4:17 pm

  this one is a keeper! I dont intend to give this one up or let my kids drive it. I can see myself loving it until one of us dies. I named it Myles, as I feel as though I have a personal relationship with "him".

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  Great Car for the money! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By R S. Scott - December 8 - 3:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Honda Accord I previously had 1994 EXL and a 2001 EXL...I had to save money so I went with the 2005 LX 5 Speed, and had to have it ordered, as there are very few 5 speed LX. I would like to see interior color choices increased. I would like to see a silver car, with grey (leather) and grey interior offered. If honda does not offer that, they are going to loose a faithful Honda customer to Toyota, as you can custom select your leather choice! Honda has also stepped back from the 2001 to the 2005 in the interior of the car. I was not pleased with the hand rest on the 2005. Also on the EXL they do not have leather trim in the back! The preformance of the 2005 is GREAT!!!

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  Best Civic sedan I have owned - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Fran - December 8 - 5:36 am

  Reliable, safe and fun to drive.

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  Just a minor issue.... - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris - December 8 - 2:56 am

  This is my 5th Accord in 22 years of driving and I have to say, I am very impressed. Having had to give up my 99 Accord due to very high mileage (170K+), this Accord was a bit of a change. Overall, I do not regret this purchase. The only minor issue is a glich with the headlights/fog lights while the air is on. When the compressor cycles on, the lights "blink" or dim very quickly. It reminds me of when your air unit or fridge comes on at home. It does not diminish the performance of the car, it is just annoying. I contacted the dealer and they said it was something that was not fixable and that they would report it to Honda Corporate. Lets hope they come up with a fix.

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  Car keeps on going - 1992 Honda Civic
  By rvirk - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Just with very minimum maintenence (oil changes), this car has lasted me 12 years and going strong at 160K miles. I have a Mercedes, BMW, and Hyndai. But Honda Civic is the best value Period.

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  2001 Honda Prelude SE - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By DriverEd - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Car handles great on stock wheels/tires and stock suspension. Only complaint is I shouldve gotten the 5-spd. The automatic just does not do this engine justice.

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  Love my Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mg - December 7 - 7:40 pm

  I am breaking in and drive all city miles. I am averaging 42 MPG. I do not have to take my eyes off the road to see the large split digital speedometer. The leg/head room is great. The telescoping steering wheel gives even more room. Roomy for its size. Climate control is a plus. Backing up and parking is challenging because the aerodynamic design makes it impossible to see the front and back of the car. I would like to see backup and front cameras. The high windshield wipers are also obscuring the front bumper view. The drive/ride is great and the car is fun to drive. It hugs the road. Safety is a great plus as well. Many handy compartments. Trunk is nice height for unloading groceries.