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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  Comfort and Style! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Bella - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The Odyessy is a roomy and comfortable ride. Our whole family can be comfortable and have plenty of room for luggage on a trip unlike the SUVs.

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  Great around-town Car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By jacobwallace - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since it was brand new, and I still love it! Ive never had a major problem with it - totally reliable, although Honda had to replace the alternator, moonroof motor, and one headlight at various times early in life (ALL done under warranty, and on routine visits, not after any serious failures). Honda service is wonderful, if pricey - if having your car start every morning is worth your money, Honda is the way to go.

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  Piloting the Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Gene Qualls - April 29 - 12:40 pm

  The Honda Pilot is awesome. The third row seat is the best in the class for comfort and room. We have the Touring version so it only comes with the push button shifter. It works okay but the regular gear shift would have been easier to use. The only other minor complaint is that the engine stops every time that you stop and it is very annoying. You have to remember to turn it off every time you start the vehicle. If you could set that one time and not have to remember to do it every time that would be great. It enhances the mileage but it feels like it has a miss. Oh well, I just have to remember to reset it every time.

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  Civics For Life - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Gilbert - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my go to work vehicle and I plan on holding on to this bad boy for as long as I can. I enjoy the low maintenance and my wife calls it a "babe magnet", but I tell her that its not the car that attracts the babes. ha.

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  I love my car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By noelle - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I got my first car a honda civic cx in 1998, and i love it.. no hastle no problems, my service advisor is great, all the maintenance is done at ball honda, and for a small car, its decent. my next car will be honda again...

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  2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Sequerra - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Very impressed with the vehicle. Having owned three Explorers and one Trooper, was looking to the Ford Escape. Checked out the CRV when the Ford dealer could not come through on a 4WD unit in Texas. I am so happy he did not. The CRV has standard ABS (option on Ford). Drives much better than the truck like feel of the Escape, and much better mileage than the Jeep Liberty. My kids think the rear seat has more room than the 2000 Explorer I retired.

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  Best SUV out there! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cabrandy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great alternative to the mini- van and Suburban! Just got back from a family fly fishing trip to Montana and the Pilot performed flawlessly. We got 22-23 MPG, just like were supposed to. It drives like a car, great turning radius, quiet, and stable. The V6 accelerates well, even at freeway speeds. We got aftermarket leather - better quality and it cost us less. We also got aftermarket DVD player and flipdown monitor and saved about $1,000 for a bigger screen and better unit.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bengelking - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it for 2 weeks now with 700 miles under my belt and its fantastic.

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  All that glitters is not gold!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By seanyoun - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Be aware if you plan on purchasing this car. You will be forced to buy options at a very highly inflated rate (running boards 1k, fog lights $800, bumper garnish $900). I went into 3 dealerships and none of them would move an inch off the msrp. In fact, msrp was untouchable plus they make you purchase 2 or three options and by the time youre done haggling, you will most likely pay $35-36k if youre lucky. Other than that, the car itself is a nice ride overall. The only gripe is that the car is so plain looking.

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  Super SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jackson - April 29 - 10:00 am

  It took a while but Honda really got it right with the Pilot. Forget about Explorer and Trail Blazer, this Honda SUV has got the right stuff and the quality missing in Ford or Chevy.