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:

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2007 Honda Civic
  By galaxy-gray-si - January 15 - 4:23 pm

  My old 1992 NX2000 was costing too much to repair so I needed a replacement. I wanted a vehicle that had a limited-slip differential and side-airbags for no more than $22,000 base price. The Mazdaspeed3 was just above my price range, and the Subaru WRX was too ugly and overpriced. Honda was selling to people like me when they decided to release a 4-door Civic Si to the market. The car has so much power you will need set of winter tires for safe winter driving. The ride can be a little stiff, but what did I expect from a sports sedan. Honda build quality, Honda reliability, Honda motor, Honda resale value, and price of admission made this the clear choice.

• 

  Great Suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By djf98 - January 14 - 10:00 am

  rugged looks, nice ride and made well inside and out. paid list, and added the following: side steps, fog lights,auto diming mirror, rear mud guards, wheel locks,trim grain and rear cargo cover. very satisfied (compass comes with the auto diming mirror)

• 

  Loved it from Day One - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - January 13 - 7:22 pm

  This is the most enjoyable truck Ive owned. To the point my own father is thinking of getting one for himself. Consider hes a loyal GMC fan. Anyhow Im in the military and its a dream to drive, it reminds you of driving a car. But you have to convince yourself your in a 4x4. Take one on a test drive and you be the judge.

• 

  its the little details - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By country mouse - January 12 - 10:53 pm

  I love my Pilot but there are a few improvements that could be made. The extra tripometer is a waste because it zeros out at 1000. There is not a compass on the model w/the entertainment center. I need this feature! The radio controls on the steering wheel are very nice and habit forming, but, the choices should be for a chanel and for scan or next station. You dont need it to change from feature to feature and when you get in the urban areas 6 choices of stations arent enough. Id rather be able to go to the next station and hit it multiple times to find one that sounds right. Over all, drive and comfort is wonderful. The thermostat controlled heat is fantastic. I love my Honda!

• 

  Nice coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Colorado - January 12 - 8:56 am

  Have the car for about 6 months now. Not many complaints at all. The biggest one is that the I still can not find a seating position that is 100% comfortable. I am 6ft tall and whatever seat position I adjust to, it feels not really comfy. Getting good gas milage (32-35mpg). No problems so far.

• 

  does not downshift well when you want to pass - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By lee casler - January 11 - 7:30 pm

  Shifting problems but seems better after a software fix.

• 

  Pseudo-Ode to My Honda - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Honda Honey - January 11 - 4:11 pm

  Civic you were not the best looking, fastest or not even that exciting, but you were dependable and you gave me a lot of miles off one tank of gas. You had to be pushed up even the small hills and the road and wind noise a nuisance, but you made every trip just fine. Your sound system was just there and comfort could have been better, but I still loved you and miss you to this day. But alas I will try something new and more exciting in the near future even though I will never forget you... the one who I could count on to cheerfully start each morning no matter what abuse I dished out.

• 

  2005 Honda Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - January 10 - 4:18 pm

  I bought this Honda new because I had an 89 that ran like a champ! The car gets great gas mileage and I only use it for commuting to work. I have 60K miles on it and the manual transmission is screaming! Dealer says new trans. It sounds like a bearing inside the trans. Honda will not do anything about it. They gave me the run around and told me it is my fault. I have a 1966 Ford Bronco with the original manual transmission, never rebuilt! I wont buy another Honda.

• 

  2001 Honda Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Iwannaarsx - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my civic, i would like anyone else want more horsepower. There are a bunch of things i could say good about the car so im gonna say some bad stuff. The sheet metal is too thin in some places, changing gears from first to second above 4500rpm will grind, the car gets dings really easy. These are just small things i would tell anyone who wants a good car and great fuel econmy to get this car. 70000 miles and still going strong no problems.

• 

  Civic good be better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By David Ponce - January 9 - 3:36 pm

  I found the styling good, the performance is great, but Im disappointed on the fuel economy. The comfort level is great. The road noise is not quiet. Needs work on that.