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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  And he swore we wouldnt by a minivan... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Luvmydaughter - July 22 - 10:50 am

  This is my second Honda Odyssey. My first was a 2003 Odyssey EX. I have had a history of selling my cars after 2-3 years. My last Odyssey I had over 6.5 years-130,000 miles with nothing wrong with it. Only scheduled service. My husband also swore HE would never buy a Honda OR a minivan. When I was pg with my first child he was completely SOLD with the Odyssey- enough to get him to buy a Pilot a year later. SO when we got the new one it was a no brainer. I didnt even have to shop the market. The leather interior is beautiful. The basics are the same as the 2003 but they made it more luxurious and FUN! Wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  This car rocks!!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Matthew Dellamalva - July 22 - 12:16 am

  This car is the greatest convertible on the market, value wise and performance as well. The six speed gearbox is a gem and the engine blows off most V8s. Excelent value too

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  Wow! Thank You Honda - 2009 Honda Fit
  By RRL - July 21 - 11:48 pm

  Honda had the guts to build an almost radical design, and make it fun to drive. Bravo! It is almost as exciting to drive as my old 87 CRX SI. Quite an accomplishment. Gear ratios make good use of engine power. Hauling space is impressive. AC is plenty cool. Seats are more comfortable after broken in for a couple of months. Weve had our Fit for six months, our actual mileage is 30-32 city and 36-38 highway (not what the dash shows) ours didnt get more mpg after break in, but it always exceeds EPA ratings. Overall this is a very impressive car for the price with typical great attention to detail by Honda.

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  Great family car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By H Patel - July 21 - 9:21 pm

  Great family car with excellent mileage. Gave about 27 mpg when driven to Niagara from Columbus. Love the leather and interior design. Automatic back door and sliding doors are must have feature for minivans. Paid 28,750 OTD price with 2.9% APR! Cant beat the price with the standard features that comes with this minivan while comparing with other vans...!

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  Runs Like A Top - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jim W - July 21 - 3:32 pm

  My wife and I were seeking something to drive together (comfortably) on longer trips. After looking around a little we found the Accord. This car has been amazing. A nice, smooth and quiet ride in a reliable vehicle is what we were looking for and is what we got. We used to dread packing things into the old car in order to take a day trip. Now we look forward to it.

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  Excellent car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Carol Lea - July 21 - 3:17 pm

  The car is perfect all around. Decent MPG, comfortable, loves the highway, large storage capacity.

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  Great car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By HondaFitdfw - July 21 - 1:40 pm

  A great little car. In 11,000 miles I have never gotten less than 33.5 mpg in all-city driving. Highway avg. between 39-41 mpg. A very flexible design and is great fun to drive.

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  Best Vehicle We Have Ever Owned - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Richard - July 21 - 11:17 am

  This vehicle surpasses all of our expectations when you consider average mileage of 23.10 MPG, no maintenance issues and a comfortable ride. We are sold on Honda if this vehicle is representative of their other models. We do normal suburban driving and occasional trips not exceeding 1000 miles round trip.

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  Great mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ken pittman - July 21 - 12:26 am

  Had my accord for 4 months now, I was hoping when I bought the manual tranny, I would get better mileage. I drive mainly on country roads, so not town or highway, my vehicle is averaging between 31 and 33 mpg in these conditions. The car handles great and is fun to drive, great job Honda, a satisfied customer.

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  2016 Pilot Touring - Great SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - July 20 - 9:59 pm

  Driver Profile: 2000 miles driven in my 2016 Honda Pilot Touring. Also own older model Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Audi (generally high expectations for my vehicles). Extensive on-line research X5, Q60, MDX and Explorer plus, test drove XC90, Highlander, Q7, Lexus GX, Durango, CX9 & Pathfinder. Looking for safety, reliability, relatively good gas mileage, 3rd row seating, value, luxury and style. Final choices: Pilot, XC90 & Highlander. My wife and I both love our new Pilot. Styling, safety features, reliability, usefulness - long trips have been a pleasure with our two young children. Like many, I took note of amazing Pro reviews and some less than perfect Joe reviews. It seems natural to me that less satisfied customers are more likely to make their feelings known. I looked for issues with the 9 speed - for some it is probably just different than what they are use to. I like it. For those who complained about the adaptive cruise control setting and how it leaves too much space in between cars, no problem when set to the closest distance (cant expect Honda to encourage close encounters) . Finger prints on screen? I have bigger things to worry about, it doesnt bother me at all & I will eventually add a protective film as others have suggested. Some complained about the lack of control knobs and speed of LCD display, however, knobs are on steering wheel and speed is generally fine if not spectacular as in the XC90. Ergonomics, including screen size, location & ease of use - outstanding. Second row DVD screen does not interfere with drivers rear view. Push button transmission a problem? Really? At worst, it is an unnecessary feature. Road noise? Non-existent. Folding mirrors (Elite only) would help in NYC, although they protrude less than others. We had one problem: a micro tear in the back seat leather that came from the factory. At first, this was disconcerting, however, Honda took care of it quickly and I can no longer detect its former location. What do I like? Everything. Engine, all wheel drive handling system, turning radius, visibility, manners, comfort, features, gas mileage (in econ mode you are looking at 28-30 mpg on the highway), using regular unleaded & the expected reliability and price retention. I simply love the safety features, especially how the lane assist vibrates and then brings you back to center of lane. Incredible crash ratings. So much space inside, especially in the third row. It drives like a much smaller SUV and, unless you are considering larger vehicles such as the Expedition, Suburban, Escalade - the third row seat space can not be beat. For me, with one exception, the Pilot clearly stood out amongst all vehicles I mentioned. If you are willing to spend $12-15k more for similar features, the XC90 is definitely worth a look. I was scared off by the 4 cylinder super-charged, turbo charged engine - a lot has to go right for this engine to age gracefully. Straight up, Id even take the 16 Pilot over the 15 MDX (dont like the exterior look and expect the 16 MDX will step it up when released). Final note: It took awhile, however, I realized my visual preference was dependent upon the 20 rims (drives fine), chrome handles, trims and roof rails. They really add something for me. Standard on Touring/Elite, optional on EX, EXL models.