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 Little SUV - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sarge@Large - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Awesome.....Best Bang For your $$$$$

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  Very Nice - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Todd - June 12 - 9:30 am

  I have researched this car for several months. I purchased it two days ago and love it. It is nothing like any Accord or Honda I have owned before. It drives and feels more like my parents Lexus ES 360, than my other Accords. I was not too impressed with the non-leather Accords that I test drove, but fell in love with the EXL- V6 with Navigation. It has all the toys of my parents Lexus for many thousands less. The Lexus is a tiny bit quieter and a little smoother over the bumps, but the Accord feels sportier and steering feels tighter. They are a toss-up in looks to me on the interior, but IMHO the Accord is better looking on the outside. The voice activation is a hoot! Have FUN!!

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  Without question, the best midsize car. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By daavo - June 12 - 6:00 am

  My experience with this car has been superb.The only other car that I looked at was the 07 Camry. The Accord just seems nicer. The ride and handling tradeoff is excellent. The iVtec four is super smooth and has plenty of power even with the auto. I love the LED tail lights and the new front end. The seats are very comfortable. I have to drive employees around town and everyone comments on how nice it is. I find myself driving it just to drive it.

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  So far, so good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Brent - June 12 - 12:43 am

  We have owned the vehicle for three weeks. If it wasnt totally irresponsible I would buy another one. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Honda did a nice job addressing road noise issues and giving the vehicle a luxury feel without loosing its utility personality.

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  FAMILY OF 6 - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By WILLIAM - June 11 - 7:18 pm

  This is an awesome vehicle for any family. We replaced with a 2014 and love it as well. Will stay with odyssey until all 4 of my children are teens then maybe to something else. The Odyssey is a great height for children and mothers lifting car seats. We purchased Odyssey when we had our first child now we have 4 under 10 and is still the best choice for our family.

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  BEST car Ive ever had. (Ive had a few) - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Joaquin Borromeo - June 11 - 6:22 pm

  This car will literally run forever with just minimal maintenance. Paid $3500 for my 96 Honda accord, now Im graduating college I decided to sell it. Im asking $3000 for it and I am confident that I can sell it for t his price. The car now has 166k miles on it but I am sure it can run all the way up to 300K plus plus miles.

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  A Good Family Midsize SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jesse B - June 11 - 2:03 pm

  This SUV is very comfortable to drive. Leather seats are comfortable and supportive. Mileage is good for an SUV. The controls are logical and easy to operate. I like that the third row option folds flat on the floor. I bought the FWD because I never go offroad and mileage is slighly better than the 4WD. But during recent rainy weather the front wheels slipped frequently during initial acceleration. For safety reasons only I wish I had purchased the AWD.

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  "Its suppose to burn that much oil!" - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Cheeky - June 11 - 6:42 am

  Well, I have had my pilot since 09. I have enjoyed it so far, with a few exceptions. Around 80,000 miles my engine started misfiring. And I got a check engine light that came on. I took it to autozone were they pulled a code. The code confirmed my thoughts, it was a missfire in two of my spark plugs. I decided to save a little money and replace them myself. Figured how much trouble could it be. I pulled the plugs and two of the plugs seem to have been worn excessively. I started to do some research online only to find out that a lawsuit against Honda about this problem. Apparently the piston rings would shift and allow oil to enter the piston chamber, causing pre mature wear on the plugs and excessive oil consumption. Honda knows of the problem and is supposed to fix it. I brought this to the attention of dealership I frequently visit. I was told because I replaced the plugs and code was cleared I just had to wait until it happens again. Since that incident both catalic converters have failed, why you ask well because they have been coated with oil. By the way that will be a $1400 job please. Also, my Honda pilot if it sits running while parked for over a minute , and then I press the accelerator it blows out a large amount of smoke. I have since brought that up to the dealership. The mechanic told me I needed a new engine! Well, I brought up the leaking piston rings, the lawsuit etc. I was then told " That now I need to do an oil consumption test". Apparently burning three quarts of oil between oil changes is "normal" according to Gunn Honda. I havent changed the catalic converters on my pilot yet because I figured it would be a waste of money if they are going to get covered with oil and go out again ;I may want to wait. By not changing them keeps my fuel management system from working properly. For those who need further explanation if you see the green "ECO" light on! You are running on three cylinders and not six, which is "supposed" to be increasing your gas mileage. So if you are thinking of buying a used one understand this might be what you are getting. I will say other than that problem I have really enjoyed the ride and comfort of the pilot. If the new ones didnt look like the Honda Odyssey so much I might have upgraded.

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  Looks great, drives great! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Elizabeth Thompson - June 11 - 2:51 am

  Looks great drives great

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  Fantastic Value - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ann T - June 10 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased this car a few days ago and couldnt be happier. It is not a pig on gas. It is a really fun car to drive. I am 61" and thought it would be a tight squeeze but it is really comfortable. I would hightly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a fun economical vehicle!