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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  Best in Class - 2008 Honda Accord
  By gtd - May 14 - 2:53 pm

  Features, quality, reliability, and performance, at a price no other car maker can touch. That is why so many people keep buying Hondas, and the 2008 Accord continues that tradition. This is a very good car.

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  Civic - What you expect no surprises - 2009 Honda Civic
  By laxrx - May 14 - 6:03 am

  So far so good. This car is everything that I expected. Great gas mileage 33miles/gallon mix city/highway. Not especially sporty or exciting to drive but to get to work and around town works well. This car doesnt accelerate from a stop very well but then this is part of the gas saving component. I believe a model equipped manual transmission would improve this and be more fun to drive. But for me not practical since I drive in stop and go rush hour traffic daily. This car does have a significant amount of road noise but no more so than other cars in its size class. One other item that is an annoyance, the fabric (black) on my LX-S attracts lint and hair like a magnet. Is hard to keep clean.

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  check engine light - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Alexander Moibenko - May 14 - 4:29 am

  I have 2014 Honda Pilot. I like it very much, but here is the reason why I gave the low rating to it. The check engine light comes on and off. The code indicates that it needs a replacement of catalytic converter. At one Honda service I was charged for checking the code and at another one they replaced catalytic converter for no charge, but the check engine light is still coming on and off. I had several Honda cars. My last Honda accord has about 150000 miles and it also started having the same problem, but for 2 years old engine this is just ridiculous.

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  Honda Odyssey 2016 minivan - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By eitan darel - May 14 - 1:36 am

  Great minivan, great seats, that later save on doctors bills. Nice passenger side camera on the mirror, that shows the right side, when turn right. The things that I do not like is the new Blue tooth, that is partly disabled when driving, low acceleration, and paint that peel easily on all Honda models

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  NEW TO HONDA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By first time honda driver - May 14 - 12:47 am

  got a lease on the blue civic lx sedan nice car now much to look at in the interior why dont they ever match the overhead with the same color not black and white. moving on, for a base model a 5 radio is too small!! but the sound is pretty good,seats why not power seats? could have been better with leather my butt hurts driving 130 mile trip,road noise on the high way get ear plugs or turn up the raidio headlights should have been LEDS not halogen. cruise control very slow accelerating i mean you have to floor it and then set your desire speed but once you slow down and wanna go up on speed make sure you have some popcorns along the way. NO REMOTE START! COME ON!! no cupholders on the back seat or folding tray whos idea was for cups or bottles to go on doors? a rear power outlet would have been nice. suspension is cool!! small stering wheel very sporty and good grip and last the engine vibrates a little thats odd for a new car VERY GOOD GAS SAVER $25 fills the tank. SO overall i like the car but so may things missing it doesnt seem to be worth $20 grand

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sam123 - May 14 - 12:03 am

  I replaced a near-luxury mid-size wagon with my first minivan, and Odyssey Touring ended up on top. The styling, driving dynamics, comfort and features all topped competition (Sienna, Quest, Town&Country). It is the most car-like driver of the lot, and top-line Touring has almost all the gizmos I could hope for. Fuel economy has been surprisingly good as well, besting my V6 wagon. As a first-time minivan owner, Im still being surprised by the amount of space and convenience; I should have made the switch sooner. The Touring has nice big wheels and just the right amount of brightwork, too; not your moms minivan.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ray V - May 13 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle one week ago and think that this is a great vehicle. The ride and quality is superb. No Flaws found thus far. The power is more then adequate knowing that it a 4 cyl. I traded my Accord V6 for this and overall Im pleased. My first tank all around I averaged 26 MPG which is what I attained in the Accord. I would recommend this vehicle to any perspective buyer.

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  06 Pilot LX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By capilot06 - May 13 - 6:10 pm

  This is a review of a ten day old Pilot LX with 500+ miles driven. (Previous car was a 00 Accord LX-V6). Overall smooth power delivery and transmission shifts. The ride is generally pleasant with some road noise. On rougher roads, there were some low pitch rattle from behind the driver seat (or may be behind the second row.) Driving position is good with supportive seat. Controls are accessible and intuitive. On the first 2 tanks of gas, I am averaging about 21mpg with 80% highway (sometime congested) driving. Versatility is excellent with easy steps to different seating configurations. Overall, this SUV has most features I want and presents a good value.