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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  Great vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By RWF - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased 2011 Pilot Touring for my wife. She loves the vehicle. Drives great, quiet inside, great technology with the NAV and voice recognition system. Contrary to some of the reviews, the seats are very comfortable and we do not notice any engine shifting when in ECO mode. The RES is fantastic particularly given the fact that the kids can operate it from the back. In fact, they can change the stations on the radio from the rear seats which saves us from having to surf their preferred channels (and when it gets too much, we lock out their controls). We have owned a Range Rover and GMC Yukon in the past and quite frankly, we are enjoying the Pilot more.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jjb4954 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, the Pilot is everything I expected and more. It is a solid vehicle, like most Hondas are, and it performs as advertised. It is comfortable and solid. I took it on two long trips and it performed flawlessly. My wife and I love the navigation system. It is well worth the extra cost. Gas mileage could be better. I love this car.

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  Love It - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jewels68 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 36,000 miles on it 9 y/0. It now has 160,000. My car has all the upgrades, sunroof, leather, controls on steering wheel etc. Had to replace transmission 3 y/o for $2500 and just replaced the oil pan. Other than that no problems what so ever. Its fun to drive and love the way it looks. I have had no problems with my paint but it is white. Will keep it to pass on to my son.

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  I will only ever buy Hondas - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Festis - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I bought it with 100,000 miles on it and have not had one problem at all. It starts up every time, always purrs like a kitten, accelerates quickly, and is incredibly mechanically sound. Handles great in the snow, and responds quickly to steering. Its accessories are kinda on the sketchy side, but all the doors lock and all the Windows work. All in all, a great little reliable car thats perfect for what I need. Not to mention its awesome gas mileage 14 years later. I will forever own hondas because of this car. The Japanese know whats up.

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  Most reliable car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By forbidmourning - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 2 and a half years, it is now at just over 240,000 miles. I have taken it on a 22 hour drive back and forth from MI to TX a couple of times, and it still runs like it is brand new. I have never had any kind of issues with it at all. This is the most reliable car Ive ever owned and I love it! Gas mileage is fantastic too. Would highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  Not sure i should have bought it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jess - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Well I traded in a Toyota 4runner 1994 for this since I bought it I had to have the a o2sensor and a catalytic converter and a 3rd gear throttle sensor and has a small oil leak road noise why why I have not even had it a year the interior scratches easy I had my Toyota with 108,000 and did not do anything for 3 years on it never a Honda again

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  Almost a new CRX! - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Anne - November 14 - 2:00 am

  It was way past time to give up my beloved 20- year-old CRX-Si due to lack of modern safety features. Id kept my eye on the the development of the CR-Z and ended up buying a lovely white one, base model, 6-speed. My feelings for the CR-Z are skewed a bit by my love of the old-style steering, shifting, and handling of the CRX. In sport mode, the CR-Z comes close. The seats are not as comfortable for me as the old CRX, and the shifter feels kind of clunky. The blind spot was almost a deal breaker, but Im learning to trust the mirror. I am not totally sold that this needed to be a hybrid - the gas engine shutting down is still unnerving!

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  Smart Value SUV for Family - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By MKEPHL - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Owned for 3 years 33K mi now, buying out lease because it held its value so well. Now worth thousands more than buyout. Not put a dime in besides scheduled maint. Replaced a Ford Escape that was nowhere near as reliable. Once engine is broken in we began to avg 17 mpg around town vs 15 mpg when new. Avg 20 mpg hwy on 1,000 mi trips loaded to visit family. Remember it is a Honda, but it is still an SUV. Has excellent power for an vehicle this size. Plenty of room with the seats folded down, which is easy to do. Leather interior is holding up fine, and is easy to clean up with kids and dogs. I-pod adapter can be run through rear entertainment system. Think it is better looking than new model.

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  Honda Odyssey is Outstanding - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By RC - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well, and is a fun experience for the entire family. With all of the added features Honda places in the van, there is no doubt that this is a vehicle that will appeal to the consumer that is hesitant to purchase a minivan. This vehicle has a unique design and styling that is intend to be progressive and streamline.

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  Very happy! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By New Honda - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my civic for 7 months now. I love it! The engine has a lot of pickup and speed. I deal with heavy stop/go traffic on my daily commute and I am impressed with how responsive the brakes are. Gas mileage-excellent! I drive about 150 mi a week and fill up about every other week or so. As others have said, in the drivers seat, the hood slopes so you cannot see it..Even still, Ive never had an issue parallel parking after the first few weeks of driving it. Only issue Ive had is cold starts. The engine hesitates and will take a couple of tries...However, I learned starting the engine in position 2 seems to do the trick so no further issues. Im very happy with my purchase!