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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  Not what I was hoping. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mugwomp - August 7 - 7:56 pm

  Thought Id switch to an economy car - this car won based on price/gas economy alone. It hasnt been worth it - Id rather spend extra money on gas to have a car with some torque. The resale value looks great - will be moving up to something sportier in the 200+ hp/torque range. Not a bad car but it is the first/last Honda I will ever own. Realized its too vanilla for me. Didnt like seeing commuters driving them everywhere. Kind of a bummer.

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  My Honda CRV is the best car Ive had in long time - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Cathie Matel - August 6 - 2:21 pm

  Buy it from a refutable deal backed by Edmunds.com .... Used dealers will use and abuse you at every turn and every chance they get!

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  No longer an SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mike - August 6 - 10:16 am

  The redesigned Pilot is more of a minivan than an SUV. Just sitting behind the wheel makes you feel like your in a minivan with the lack of a center console and flimsy fold down arm rests. The quality of the materials is very good, however it does not drive well. The ride is very smooth, but the steering is very light and does not feel stable. There is a heavy bottom weighted feel that is very weird and unnatural. You really can not feel the road at all. The lane watch feature and the back up camera are welcomed safety features, however the touch screen display is just annoying and is cumbersome to operate. I personally do not like it, nor do I care for the push button start. These are not welcomed features. The one touch seat decline/ movement is a nice feature, but more money and engineering should have gone into the steering and handling to make this a better handling vehicle. Sadly, the salesman told me very few people that have driven the new Pilot have liked the way it handled. I am not sure what Honda was thinking, but they need to go back to the drawing board on this.

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  Great car!!!! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Twoscalfs@aol.com - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Honda Accord Ex new. I have had great luck with the car. 71,000 miles later the only thing that I have changed on the car has been the brakes and tires. The orginal brakes went 65,000 miles before I had to change them. The interior is excellent and I love the 1997 exterior design. Great Car!!!!!!! If you have a chance, buy this car.........

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  99 Civic DX HB - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MaceThomas - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good car. The stock performance is not breathtaking, but there is a huge aftermarket to do that for you. Handles the corners very well, and feels faster than it is. The HB is the best look for the Civic in my opinion.

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  It is a box. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Isabox - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Buy this car. The only problems that I have found after 5,000 miles is the blind spots. The A & B pillars are large, because of the reinforced cage, and sometimes become unfriendly blindspots. You really have to use your mirrors. Also the body panels. I love the look, but they scratch, not easily, but they do. I had someone back into me in a parking lot, not very hard, and it scratched the rear quarter panel. The guy wanted to pay out of pocket for the damage. I went to the dealer for the quarter panel. Price, $96.00. Not too bad. Overall I am happy with this fun, roomy vehicle.

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  Isnt She Lovely - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By GO EEZY - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I was trying to buy something else and When I finally had enough of being treated like an idiot,I went to the dealership next door. The Pilot was Consumer Reports #1 pick for mid-size SUV. Jeremy showed me how everything was reconfigured inside to make room for some new things,like a real holder for your cell phone & charger,a business card holder & a place for an actual pen! Cup holders & hidden storage galore! The car drove like I was literally riding on a cloud,(maybe thats why they called it the Pilot?) and thats coming from the pot-hole capital of the world!(New Jersey)We love our Pilot,and the wonderful people at DCH Kay Honda in Eatontown!

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  Great little SUV! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KLK - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive never owned anything but Honda Accords, and because I have a big commute (50 miles/day) I knew I wanted something dependable, with good gas mileage and more-than- adequate cargo room. I looked at the RAV4 (like driving a shoebox) and the Jeep Liberty (fabulous car but 12- 15mpg? Cmon, Jeep--can you please join the rest of us in the conservation- conscious 21st century??)--ugh!

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  powerfull fun to dr van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By marc culbert - August 6 - 10:00 am

  rides very well, and handles good.

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  Fun,safe,reliable & ecologically sound! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Shrimpdaddy - August 6 - 10:00 am

  We are thrilled with our new toy: responsive; road hugging; corners well at speed; and brakes with confidence. Seats are supportive & comfortable. Love the look of the metallic silver exterior and charcoal interior. Feels safe to drive, easy to park, accelerates quickly and turns on a dime. In short...BIG FUN for a not so big price.