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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  Spectacular Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By HondaLover - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i love it! Its been very reliable, and ive only had minor problems.

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  Spectacular Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By hondalover - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and i love it! Its been very reliable, and ive only had minor problems.

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  Best Mini SUV of the year - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Linda365 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent safety features. Quality you would expect from Mercedes. Very roomy interior and versatile cargo area. Great horsepower, drives like a dream!

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  Honda van was worth the wait - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Binkman - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van - a typical Honda. Well thought out, well designed, will be reliable , lots of standard features no dealer gouging on all those packages. This is a powerful, comfortable, functional and yes, fun to drive vehicle . There is tons of space and with the movable 2nd row and folding 3rd row additional space is easy to get to. Thought we would never buy a van (after driving other manufacturers offerings and the stigma) - I cant believe we waiting this long (turns out we just werent trying the right one). The 4 month wait was worth it, will buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Honda van was worth the wait - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van - a typical Honda. Well thought out, well designed, will be reliable , lots of standard features no dealer gouging on all those packages. This is a powerful, comfortable, functional and yes, fun to drive vehicle . There is tons of space and with the movable 2nd row and folding 3rd row additional space is easy to get to. Thought we would never buy a van (after driving other manufacturers offerings and the stigma) - I cant believe we waiting this long (turns out we just werent trying the right one). The 4 month wait was worth it, will buy another in a heartbeat.

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  great little car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By mlbwaves - July 19 - 10:00 am

  So far, my Civic has been very good to me. It only has about 2,000 miles on it and still rides like it is brand new. I hope to have continued success with my car and hope others go out and get one too. It has populated my town.

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  2006 honda Pilot 4wd leather interior - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rai - July 19 - 9:36 am

  This was a replacement car for 1998 Honda Odyssey. We bought this car because of the reliabilty of a Honda. The Pilot we purchased had great off the road features and does well on snow roads as well as rain. My family of 6 enjoy very much riding in this vehicle as this vehicle sits 7 adults comfortably. We had looked at toyota Highlander seating and the drive was not as good the highlander offer limited space the drive was bumppy. The honda offer more space with a comfortable ride. For a six cylander this does get great gas milage. The safety features are great on this car. I think it is best buy for ones money. I know from experience in owning a honda previosly customer service is great.

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  Everything Ive ever wanted - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Krssy215 - July 19 - 8:53 am

  My first car was a 1994 Civic DX, drove it for 5 years and over 150K miles until I was in an accident with it. I replaced it with a 1997 del Sol Si and have driven that 302K miles. Im sold on Honda quality! I was looking to replace my del Sol and decided on another civic, found an EX, but really wanted the leather interior of the newer EX-L and well, the Honda dealer replaced the interior for me. This is now the perfect car! Only have driven it for 3 weeks and in that time, have put on 2000 miles...and everyone of them has been a pleasure!

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  Great family SUV thats worth every dollar - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Hank - July 19 - 6:59 am

  Like many reviewer, I have also researched heavily on-line and test drove many SUVS such as MDX, Infinity, Highlander, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Volvo, and after considering the value, performance, 3rd row seating, appearance, convenience, cost of own, and more I decided on the 2016 Pilot Elite. PRO: - Great new look. I hated they way previous pilot looked. - Roomy 3rd row seating. New Pilot actually can accommodate adults on the 3rd row and enough to carry some cargo. - New 8" touch screen with Gamin Navi works well. - Blue Interior lights and ventilation seats - Built-in remote engine start (I use it all the time) - Updated Technology with functional display in the instrument panel - Comfort (remember, this SUV is built for suburban family life style) CONS: - No power folding mirror. Why ? My 2007 sienna has it which cost $10K less than this SUV - Transmission. As other reviewers mentioned, it does shift up sometime on a downhill where the transmission thinks the car is accelerating even if I have my foot on the break slightly. However, it does not happen all the time but happens only at particular speed like 30mph. I live in NJ and there are plenty of hills and it does not happen enough to bother me. - Audio power button. The touch screen is located at the top of the dashboard and audio button is also located in the touch screen. When the car is moving, it is difficult to press the audio button with accuracy since my arm must be in the air. This causes me to either hitting the audio power button twice or miss it entirely. - Touch screen is finger print magnet. - Theres no exterior light illuminates when unlock the door as you approaching the car middle of the night. Door handle or lights under the side view mirror would have looked good and helpful !

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  Honda Got It Right - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jax101 - July 19 - 5:56 am

  This vehicle puts the "sport" in SUV perfectly. Very fun to drive. Plenty of room, numerous safety features, a great design, and very practical. Add that with Hondas build quality, and the fact that Hondas hold their value so well, and you really cant go wrong. Cheaper than a 4-Runner, and better than the rest.