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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  Better SUV in the market - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Hoka-ORL - June 3 - 2:23 pm

  This new Pilot not only looks great but it performs great too! We test drove other SUVs but the Pilot not only captured us with its looks but now that we have own the car for a month, we can say the performance is excellent too. Fuel economy for having the shut-off piston system is a bit disappointing but nevertheless, it is on par with the competition. We purchased the Touring w/nav and we couldnt be happier. Some say the road noise is a problem, but we did not find it to be that bad. I also read that the engine does not provide as much power but I actually think it has adequate power (unless you intend to pull a boat or something like that). Overall very satisfied and highly recommend it.

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  Tundra to FIT= easier than it looks - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Florida Fit - June 3 - 9:22 am

  I went from a Tundra to a Fit. The savings on gas alone is close to the monthly payment. Being able to fold the seats flat I have been able to fit everything that I have needed to. It is a surprisingly fun car to drive and I can fit the kids and enough stuff for a long weekend. Only complaint is a creaking sound from the dash.

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  love my CT - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Maryellen - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the Crosstour, had a CR-V and was tired of the bumpy ride , but loved Honda so traded. Have had lots of compliments on the car. Was on the freeway and a Honda Accord occupants passing me gave a "thumbs up" about the car. Love the two driver setting as I share the driving on a trip. Also like the side view mirror droping as I back into my garage. That way I dont hit anything. Great car to drive in every way.

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  My Little Big Car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By D.Stephan - June 2 - 7:13 am

  I bought my Honda Fit after my 1997 Chevy Blazers transmission went. I wanted to get something that had a much better fuel economy and better track record as far as maintenance (Honda). I also still wanted to have a vehicle that would allow for cargo in the back. The Honda Fit met all of the criteria. It is so easy to drive, and the fuel economy is great (remember I drive a Blazer, so this is a shock). The only thing that bothers me is the acceleration is delayed and it seems like it races before it kicks into gear. Maybe its because it a 4cyl and Im used to a 6cyl. I also have noticed its worse when you have the AC on. Other than that, I love my Fit. I hope to have it for many years.

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  Best decision of my life! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Isabella Gabrovsky - June 2 - 4:58 am

  Safe and fun to drive with a deceptive amount of storage.

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  Great Van, but... - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By First Odyssey - June 1 - 10:05 am

  We love our new Odyssey. We had good luck with our 2000 Grand Caravan but the Honda looked better this time. We have just a few minor issues though, the digital displays are all over the dash and look like they were borrowed from a ten dollar watch. The clock and climate control settings are hard to see when the sun is out, and theres no constant display of the odometer except as one of three or four display options with the trip computer. And, whats with no compass? The daytime running lights/headlights have confused me as I have an automatic headlight switch on my other vehicle.

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  Excellent Choice - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By JV - June 1 - 7:46 am

  We chose the Pilot over the Buick Enclave and traded in our Buick Ranier (which we had thoroughly enjoyed for almost 5 years). The Pilot has more than exceeded our expectations and, at this point, is the most enjoyable vehicle we have ever owned. Increased gas mileage over the Ranier is also a plus. The Pilot has the best-designed and most usable, roomy interior we have ever seen. Combine that with a striking exterior and fun-to-drive performance, then wrap it up in Honda dependability and you have a package that is hard to beat. Did I mention that the Pilot was $6000 less than the Enclave? We also own a Honda Ridgeline and love both of our Hondas!

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  Safest Hybrid on the Road - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jon Allen - June 1 - 3:56 am

  I have driven Zip Car share vehicles since 2000, and so I knew well my options. The Prius was a perfectly nice car to drive, but I couldnt avoid noticing that it is dangerous to backup without making a sound, and the car is narrow and without great crash performance. The Civic Hybrid, on the other hand, is just like a regular Civic, only the gas engine can stay below 1500 RPM without lugging, a truly impressive feeling when you are averaging over 47 MPG in stop and go traffic. I would not reccommend it for anyone who mostly drives on the highway, but then, that is not what any hybrid does well, unless you can plug it in to a cheaper and/or cleaner energy source.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dmsnms - May 31 - 11:54 pm

  I just traded my lease in for a horrible 09 Civic. Boy do I miss my Accord! Great styling, smooth ride, loved the trunk space and LED tail lights, engine performance was fabulous. Had enough room for two car seats in the back with room for an adult to sit as well.

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  1st Time Honda Owner & Loves It - 2003 Honda Accord
  By raysgirl - May 31 - 7:40 pm

  I have owned several sporty cars of varying makes and models and this is by far the BEST car Ive owned. The V6 engine accelerates quickly and easily. Love the navigation system...wont own a car again without one. No complaints at all! Highly recommend. If you test drive it, youll fall in love!