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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  My 2013 Honda Sport Review - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By Roy Higgins - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I highly recommend getting a bed cover. It will help with the mileage. Only other complaint is that the radio reception seems worse that most cars. I love all the storage. You give up some getting a four door short bed, but the truck (under the bed) is huge. I was able to put a table saw in it with plenty of room. The fold up rear seats are great too.

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  MAN! I wanted to love this... - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Nicole R. - May 9 - 5:38 am

  As an owner of a 2005 Honda Pilot EX, and itching to get a new ride, I test drove the 2014 Honda Pilot EX-L while I was getting a new catalytic converter at the dealership. The exterior was beautiful (Im a fan of the "squarer" bodies and think the new ones blend in with everyone elses vehicle), and the interior was "standard" Honda (definitely not as appealing as a Highlander, but Im not picky). Everything was great, until I pulled onto the highway... OMG, can I just tell you that my 2005 Pilot has MUCH MORE pick up than the 2014! I have a heavy foot, and when I merge I want to get to the speed limit as soon as possible...well, not with this one. You gotta be kidding me! The salesman said it has something to do with ECON but honestly, its an SUV - I dont care about gas mileage (I know... I should...) Plus there is no way to "save on gas" with the way I drive. What a disappointment!

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  Do NOT buy a 2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BLUEEYEZ77 - May 8 - 2:30 pm

  I have been having NOTHING but problems with my 2008 Honda Accord. First, the steering column had to be replaced within the first month of owning it. Ever since then, my car is in, on average, once a month for servicing. The rear brakes wore at 15,000 Kms when all I drove was highway. My clutch squeaks when releasing it, but they told me its in my head. And now, I am burning oil like there is no tomorrow - its a brand new car!! Honda will not support its customers and fix the problems I have been telling them about for the past year! What a let down Honda - you are suppose to be the best and most reliable car on the road. Maybe I just bought a lemon. But this is my first and last Honda.

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  Livin Large on a Moderate Budget - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Don Paul - May 7 - 5:26 am

  In the 4 months Ive my 2005 EX-V6, nothing has gone wrong; no rattles or creaks. Still feels brand new. Serene ride on most surfaces; shockingly fast; very good cornering; most comfortable driver seat Ive ever had; great ergonomics; feels luxurious yet sporty-when-pressed. Engine is a marvel, incredibly smooth and responsive. Usually have driven stick; this is a silky, responsive 5 speed auto with grade logic. Fit & finish near perfect; good brakes & better in snow than my previous Jetta 1.8T; good storage; very attractive 2 tone leather and dash; nice vinyl and only a bit of hard plastic; minimal wind noise; road noise on coarse surfaces fairly low. In general, love this car!

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  Boy, do I get attention! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Brian T - May 6 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing that does what this vehicle does!. The cargo space and utility of the Honda Element is nothing short of excellent. But, to be honest, when on the road, I get a very diverse opinion about the styling. Either people give me a thumbs up...or they laugh. However, I love the car. I traded in my Audi A4 for one, so the ride has been a bit different, but very pleasing and fun. And, as always the thought and logic behind the vehicle is incredible. So, I would not hesitate to reccommend anyone purchasing one. I only wish a sunroof option for the front was available.

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  ELEMENTary, my dear reader - 2003 Honda Element
  By RDobson - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Element is a great SUV with excellent features. Honda did their homework getting it right. The seats are comfortable and visibility is great. I can put my bicycle in the back without having to remove the wheels or change the seat height.

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  one and only - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By marty5950 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. I would love to have one that wasnted full time 4WD

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  Love the Navi System!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Navi Fan - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Pilot. It is packed with alot of nice features for a reasonable price.

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  My Pilot by BAD - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dawsonba - May 6 - 10:00 am

  There isnt a negative thing to say about the Pilot. I think its the Best in its class on the market. No one can beat or even match Hondas Reputation for quality and realiabilty. Would highly recommend the Pilot! Drive it, youll love it!

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  GREAT OVERALL PICK! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Scott Myers - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We initially looked at the CRV more than a year ago. We were all but decided to purchase a Ford Escape but decided to test drive the CRV. It has less fun stuff than the top model Ford Escape BUT it did bring the cost down from what we were looking at. Cant beat the Honda Quality and the engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder. OH, and the gas mileage is better than the Escape which would have added to the price of the vehicle in the long run! GREAT all weather vehicle for a small family and does not have the "minivan soccer mom" stigma going for it.