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:

• 

  Excellent Civic! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Rutter03 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  i love it. its sporty, its cheap, and it gets you around and keeps green in yur pocket when it comes to gas. i race it sometimes, i wouldnt reccomend it to the person who wants a fast car, but its great, and its fun!.

• 

  Great car! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jake - November 1 - 9:08 pm

  I love my Accord. The V-6 has plenty of power and good fuel economy. I average around 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Not bad for a car having 244 hp. I did have the power window rattle that is common in these cars, but the dealership fixed it under warranty. The interior is stylish as well, impressing almost everyone who rides with me. The Accord is an all around great car for the daily commute or cross-country trip.

• 

  Love my Element! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Fran S. - November 1 - 10:48 am

  I have been searching for a car that would be fun to drive, functional, and kid friendly-the Element is it! My eight year-old loves the back seat, and there is plenty of room for our two dogs, too. I can go grocery shopping and everything will fit in the back. The car also handles well on the road, and makes turns easily.

• 

  100k and No problems! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By crazyhazydazy - November 1 - 6:58 am

  Ive had my CRV for over 4 years now, over 100k miles, no problems except for changing the oil, the tires, the brakes and the rear differential fluid, and I drive aggressively. The CRV is fun to drive, looks attractive even though not new, and I dont feel as if Im being "overconsumptive" even though Im driving a SUV.

• 

  Pile in the Pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Littsplace - October 31 - 10:06 pm

  We love our Pilot! We have an 11 year old son who plays every sport known to man and a 3 year old daughter who still requires a car seat and a weekly McDonalds trip. Our family can easily pile in our Pilot for a trip to the city or just to the baseball field in our home town. We can even take our two labs if we want! I traded my Honda Odyssey for it and I no longer feel like the un-hip mom in the van. Its fun to drive the Pilot! It looks hip/cool and my kids love it too!

• 

  What can I say, its made by Honda - 2009 Honda Civic
  By graphixbyjeff - October 31 - 2:47 pm

  I bought my Civic Si and 2 weeks later took it on a 3,000 mile journey. My gas mileage was low 30s and the seats were comfortable. I am very satisfied with my purchase and use it as my everyday ride.

• 

  2016 Pilot has exceeded our expectations - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Pete Rubinas - October 31 - 11:04 am

  I took my time purchasing the new Pilot because of the questionable reviews early on, particularly around the transmission, entertainment system technology, and fit/finish. We have been very pleased with the vehicle overall. I took the car for a lengthy test drive to ensure that I was comfortable with the transmission. While it has a slight lag from a full stop while in Economy mode, I dont feel that is excessive, perhaps because Ive owned other fuel efficient vehicles that dont provide immediate acceleration. It does accelerate just fine once it does take off. And I have not experienced any of the gear-searching that early reviewers mentioned. The active safety technology is pretty incredible, particularly for longer highway trips. Auto high-beam headlights, auto wipers, blind spot information system, and adaptive cruise control/lane-keep assist system all make the driving experience almost effortless. Problems with fit and finish from early on appear to have been addressed, as our vehicle has no such issues. The only thing that does feel somewhat unrefined is the Auto Engine Off idle stop functionality, which can be turned off, albeit impermanently. If it is particularly hot or cold, you will likely want to turn off the Econ mode to maximize heating or cooling from the HVAC system. And I still prefer Google Maps on my phone to the Nav system. All in all, we are very happy with our purchase.

• 

  Great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By "Soccer Dad" - October 31 - 9:33 am

  More expensive compared to other minivan but its worth it. Considered Sienna but I preferred a sharper handling and more standard safety features like Side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor, Stability control etc. Kia Sedona but Honda has an excellent resale value, proven reliability and cheaper insurance for us.

• 

  Sweet little ride - 2010 Honda Fit
  By movon123 - October 30 - 4:23 pm

  Traded 2008 Toyota Matrix for 2010 Honda Fit Sport Auto better MPG ride handling and it has a cool look also. For the extra money the Fit is a great buy.

• 

  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bill Bailey - October 30 - 2:33 pm

  The Pilot is a very solid feeling vehicle. It is roomy and the interior fit and finish is impecable. It is suprisingly agile and is fun to drive. It is extremely quiet around town, but there is some road noise at highway speeds. Hondas reliability has always been exceptional and the Pilot should be no different. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.