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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  Good Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By GoodCar - April 24 - 11:53 pm

  While this sedan is probably one of the best around, make sure you test drive. The VCM at 65-75 MPH is constantly changing between the 3-4 modes and can cause jerking response. It is noticeable, causes nausea. Make sure you are ok with this. Be aware that the car must be warmed up for the VCM to work. Using cruise control and holding your right foot extremely still helps. Otherwise just drive 95+ to keep it in 6 mode. Everything else is just same good old Honda...engine...controls, fit/finish...reliability

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  Exactly what I expected - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - April 24 - 4:56 pm

  I bought a used CPO CR-V, its pretty much what I expected. Its a practical, roomy small SUV that is easy to drive and relatively efficient. It rides comfortably, a little choppy but nothing too bad. Its quiet. I expect it to be reliable and safe. A couple of points: 1) It doesnt come with a programmable homelink (garage door) button! Youll either have to use an opener or get something aftermarket. Maybe its an option now but mine doesnt have it. 2) Engine is a little underpowered, steering is numb. Dont expect to have fun or love this car. But, all things considered, I would definitely recommend.

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  The 2016 Honda Pilot; lots to love and hate! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Henry Malarkey - April 24 - 2:24 pm

  The new Honda pilot has lots of really great features! I love the amount of cargo space. The biggest in the mid-range SUV. It has a little more power and is much more aerodynamic. Making it reasonable that they can get better gas milage than the older version. Dont believe it! I purchased the new Honda pilot after having a 2013 Pilot. The increased gas milage in spite of the slightly bigger engine and more horsepower was what attracted me. They advertised 26mpg on the highway. I do 98% of my miles on the highway, so I was interested. The computer on the dashboard calculates the mpg for you. When you first start out the mpg seems like it is going to be close to 25mpg or so, but after a couple of hundred miles or so the dash reading is really 22mpg. Well perhaps Im a more aggressive driver or I drive 71mph and their calculation was for 65mph. So, when I fill up the tank and divide the miles traveled by the gallons I put in it, I find out that Im only getting 20mpg. Their computer isnt correct. I suspect this is deliberate deception by corporate Honda. The computer should be able to calculate the mpg exactly no matter how I drive.

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  Element AWD 5 speed MANUAL - 2003 Honda Element
  By jclark33 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Driving is beleiving. This is my first Honda and I am very impressed with the build quality of the interior. Everything is well thought out and I havent heard a single rattle, jiggle, or squeek. The enginge is a little buzzy, but performs its task pretty well. The car is surprisingly nimble and very easy to manuver. The placement of the shifter, although seemingly strange, is brilliant, and seems natural after the first shift. In short, the thing drives like butter.

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  Honda Vet moves to SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rave - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I did my share of research for a well priced SUV that could provide a good value & resale value as well. It ended up right under our nose. The Honda Pilot. The Pilot has everything that I believe an average SUV buyer could want. The colors & interior options are great as well. I love everything about it. We owned a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP & it got 25mpg easy. I havent gotten to that point yet with our Pilot. But its new so Im optomistic.

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  Good SUV but improvements needed. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By the rod! - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Reliable SUV as expected from Honda. Good design. Acceptable interior. Fell short on the 3rd row seat design (not for humans!). Lack of standard "features" such as keyless remote entry. Im willing to sacrifice the aluminum wheels (look) for convenience features.

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  My only problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By brunerp - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the performance of the Pilot; I also like the navigation system. The only problem, so far, is the paint job, especially on the front bumper. It actually rubbed off when I brushed (not crashed into) a snow bank. Other points on the front of the car show that the paint appears to be coming off (not because of dings). Off course I had to paint to have the bumper repainted at the dealership. Other than that, I love it.

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  Going Piloting - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cweave02 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  A dream to drive!

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  hondas RAV4 beating sport-cute - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By crunch_82 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  when my mom first bought this vehicle we were, and still are, impressed about the quality build, makes you feel like driving a pilot or accord, and the taut suspension. it is a nimble car based suv that will give rav4 buyers in awe as you stomp on the accelerator. this is one of the better car based suv with high content and good quality backed up by one of the best car companies out there.

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  03 Accord EX 2.4cyl Auto-5spd - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mrfoxy54 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  After at least a year of research on mid-size sedans (Camry, Acura TL), and a few trucks (F-150 quad, Dakota quad),i ended up going with the best. This car is solid and drives wonderfully. the 4cyl is surprisingly quick, and the transmission is smooth.