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:

• 

  2006 Pilot LX 2WD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By PilotPilot - July 22 - 1:50 am

  Owned 5 Hondas before this and have always been very satisfied. Drove other similar priced SUVs and the Pilot was the best deal. I have 1400 miles and have been having a loud humming at 35 to 55 mph (comes and goes) since 200 miles. Dealer had no fix until now and is saying they have a temporary fix which is to disconnect the noise cancellation. Others saying they have been down this road with no luck. Either get the 4WD or roll the dice on getting the problem.

• 

  Great four and a half star car - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Cruzmann - July 21 - 4:48 pm

  The problem here is that I was looking for a five star car at a four star price. The Civic is a fantastic car for the price but the touring model does not have the same feel of an Acura TSX or Lexus ILS etc. even though they seem to have the same features. The gadgets all work but the feel is just one of "Its a Honda Civic". I would not open my eyes inside of it and think I was in a luxury sedan, but rather a fully loaded popular priced model. If thats what you want, thats what they deliver.

• 

  Good SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ajsmithva - July 21 - 12:50 pm

  Needed a big vehicle to transport son and hockey equipment. Rides well, comfortable, roomy. Not great mileage, but consider it weighs 4300 lb empty. Gearshift positions D, 3, 2, 1; needs a 4 so you can shift down from 5 to 4. Great antilocks; saved my bacon when someone abandoned a stolen car right in front of me on the highway. Good in snow, though we didnt get much the first winter I had it. Would like a stick shift, but that will never happen.

• 

  Everyone should own one - 2004 Honda Element
  By Dusty Don - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, roomy, good economy, adaptable, good comfotable seats, corners well and great in the snow storms. A great New england drive!

• 

  fun package - 2004 Honda Element
  By Paulanddawn - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We love our Element. The versatile interior is the BEST. While the gas mileage has not been quite what expected, it does not disappoint on long trips. Id like a little more power, but thats just me. My tires are wearing a little quicker than average but I drive fairly aggressively. Overall, this thing gets 9 out of 10 from me and my fam.

• 

  LOVING MY NEW HONDA - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Luvin my Pilot - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned my Pilot for 1 week, but I love it so far!! Its only four of us, but the third seat is great for having friends over!

• 

  Great Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mgabo - July 21 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. I bougth the Pilot on May 2004. The overall quality of the car is excellent. The leather seats and the DVD audio system and the third seat row make an excellent, confortable and greate looking car. I am looking foward to driving this SUV for the next couple of years.

• 

  Wish it was made in America - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By AAAAmerican.US - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Wish this was also made and/or assembled in America. Fun, fairly thrifty, greater for the environment that really does count, and best in in class all around.

• 

  great on gas.........will save you money - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ambernh - July 21 - 10:00 am

  great car............will same you money on gas

• 

  silverhonda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By silverhonda04 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my second honda civic,my first was `95 civic dx which was wonderful.these cars are very reliable.Glad to see american honda added more features.my `95 didn`t have a/c, radio,no luxury items at all.they are good cars,i have always liked the appearance of the honda but would have purchase another make if i could not afforded an EX model because these cars cost just as much or more than others cars that are just as good.i received a very good deal on this one.glad i did`nt have to add features this time