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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  New Honda Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By bluebell2 - December 29 - 11:46 pm

  We have a Fit Sport MT. We are very pleased with the Fits ride, comfort, fuel consumption, and overall performance. The car performs well in stop and go city traffic, on country roads, and on the highway. Good ventilation with windows open for driving around town is refreshing. Concerns raised in early automotive reviews havent been substantiated by our experience. The car handles hills, passing, and highway merges easily. Buying the Fit was unexpectedly stressful because of difficulty with supply, delivery dates, and color selection. This situation would be improved by ramped up delivery of the Fit to US dealers, and more reliable communication regarding inventory and availability

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  Just the facts 01 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By racetrek17 - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  Ok, bought it on 7 Dec, PH-Day, EX-L RES Silver Pilot. Drives nice, 60 miles, round trip every day. As of 9 Dec 05, 159 miles, 19.27 MPG. More updates to follow. Almost went with the 06 Sienna Limited and Sub B9 7 pas Limited. Needed a good Trooper Limited replacement. Pilot won, looks like SUV, drive like car, FWD so still good in the snow.

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  Just saying. for the value. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Fred Nolasco - December 29 - 7:40 pm

  Im leasing for my mother she absolutely loves it. And i find it fun to drive handles like a smooth sports car. Tight like honda knows how to build cars. You wont regret it. Greiko Honda In RI. I cant wait to upgrade.

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  HONDA CIVIC HAS ALL NEW LOOK AND STYLE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael Daniel Ferguson - December 29 - 2:50 pm

  I have had my 2016 Civic since late April of 2016 and leased it brand new! Has been my best Honda so far. Love the styling and design of the Civic. The Honda sensing package is well worth the added cost. It practaclly drives it self. Handles beautifully and the entertainment system sounds so great! I highly recommend taking a test drive you will be amazed that its a Civic.

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  HONDA CIVIC HAS ALL NEW LOOK AND STYLE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Michael Daniel Ferguson - December 29 - 2:50 pm

  I have had my 2016 Civic since late April of 2016 and leased it brand new! Has been my best Honda so far. Love the styling and design of the Civic. The Honda sensing package is well worth the added cost. It practaclly drives it self. Handles beautifully and the entertainment system sounds so great! I highly recommend taking a test drive you will be amazed that its a Civic.

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  Kicks Competitors - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed K. - December 29 - 2:00 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Much better than my relatives domestic minivans. No quality issues after 11 months. Averages 22.5 mpg on interstate trips with 6 people and luggage at 75-80 mph.

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  in love with it !!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By jbohnel - December 29 - 10:00 am

  i bought the ex model in orange, and added the 8-cd changer and running boards. i love the quiet and extremely comfortable ride,the spaciousness, the visabiliy, the maneuverability, the sound system, the ease of interior cleaning and maintainence.... and the great reaction from the general public! only complaints so far - no passenger left arm rest and the fm and am radio reception is poor.

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  rattle & clunk - 2000 Honda Civic
  By frogalini - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Been shopping for a replacement, since I bought it. 3 months after purchase, driver side window starts making noise. Replaced. 2 months later, samething. Repaired. 4 months later the passenger window joined in the fun, you get the picture. I now drive with the windows all the way up or all the way down so I dont feel my blood boil. Clunks whenever the windows are only part way open. Unreliable acceleration, seems to have a mind of its own. Sometimes it will take off like a bullet most often it struggles to shift into gear and take off. Our 96 nissan sentra (major accident and 180,000 miles) has more pick up then civic ever had.

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  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By m edwards - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just the right size for me; not too big and bulky. I like the way it handles around curves and corners. The vehicle is very comfortable on both long and short trips. The interior space is adequate (especially the middle seating area). And the "hooks" that are provided in the rear cargo area really keep the contents of my grocery bags from escaping.

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  Solid Minivan, but not yet perfect. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill1029 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this van for a few months now, after trading in a 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan for it. With the exception of a few minor complaints this van is extraordinary. It drives like a car, handles very well, and has plenty of power. The transmition shifts very smooth, nearly un-noticeable, and does an Excelent job finding the right gear for city or highway driving. Pleanty of room for my family of 5. Highly recommended.