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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  Buries the competition - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DES999 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first "SUV". It is a little different than my normal zipping through traffic in a car but overall I am very happy with it. There are alot of reviews that nit pick everything but when you compare this to the most common competitors (Explorer, Envoy, Trailblazer) it beats them hands down. Resale value, reliability, fuel economy, safety, and owner satisfaction are whats important. Not how "flashy the stupid dashboard looks".

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  Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dave Whitefeld - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This car handles well and takes the bombs okay but is not as good as my old Honda Oddesey.

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  HONDAS ARE AWESOME - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CHRISDAVIS - October 29 - 10:00 am

  TRY TO GET ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN THE SAME $ RANGE, CIVIC BEATS EM ALL, ESPEC. WITH THE MINOR MODS THAT COULD BE PUT ON THIS CAR. AEM COLD AIR INTAKE BOOST TONS OF TORQUE AND POWER. 17" ENKEIS WITH BF GOODWRICH G SPORT TIRES. AWESOME CAR JUST NEED SOME NICE ENKEI SPRINGS. AWESOME CAR THANKS HONDA AND DESIGN TEAM!!!!!!

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  Better MPG - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TexasHybrid - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in April 04. Am only getting 36 mpg and have been running AC on Econ. I keep hearing a whizzing sound when I brake. The window on the front passenger side rattles during some turns. The ABS engages on the streets of Dallas (numerous potholes). Stereo weak.

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  Not all hype! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Friend - October 27 - 11:11 pm

  Nice vehicle that is built on a Civic chassis. Yet, it lacks the power and guts that the dealer states it has...which is a total letdown. The back seats are very poor..it is almost more comfortable sitting plastic seats in the bleachers! The back seating is not made for long distance trips,just trips that are less than a mile long to the local store...think twice about these seats if you care about your guests! Where is the power in this vehicle...it struggles to pull what it is designed to pull. The gas mileage is not was it is stated on this site...it is less more like 13 and 17. Be advised twice before you purchase! BTW, there is no AWD in this vehicle..just a myth!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By T-Man - October 27 - 6:03 pm

  This is my fourth Honda, and they have been great. Nice powerful engine, smooth ride, easy ergonomics, good feel to the vehicle. Lots of room for my kids and Labrador (who can watch movies in the back). Nice ride.

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  Best valued compact - 2012 Honda Civic
  By master_yoda - October 27 - 2:46 pm

  This is the second Civic that Ive owned. The first was a 1980 (new) hatchback. These two cars have absolutely nothing in common. On my list was the new Elantra, corolla, Jetta, SX4 sedan and the Mazda 3. I felt that after studing, selecting and judging value, the Civic came out on top. This car drives exceptionally well for a car in its class. I rented an Elantra for 24hrs and was not pleased with the comfort or the ride whatsoever. Not as powerful as the Mazda but again, you cant beat the road manners of the Civic., a real pleasure to drive, in my opinion.

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  Long Term Test - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By GUH - October 26 - 8:49 pm

  The CRV replaced a 2000 Lexus RX 300. I wanted a car that would haul a lot of stuff, be driven around town without guzzling gas, be good on long hauls, behave reliably, yet able to be driven aggressively. The CRV fulfills all the above except the long haul issue. After 38,000 miles and not a bit of trouble, it confirms Hondas reputation in building reliable, very drivable, affordable vehicles. The engine and transmission shine. Although a 4 cylinder, it really behaves like a small 6. Once you start taking drives longer than 1 to 3 hours though, lookout, its not very comfortable. And the noise! Thats always been Hondas Achilles heel. In summary, local yes, long drives no.

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  its wide! Wider than my Tacoma - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris - October 26 - 5:49 pm

  Its really wide compared to Tacoma. I needed a truck to be more compact for historic city driving and parking and I was more focused on the length than thinking of the width when I bought it. Now that I have it, I realize that the extra few inches make a big difference. While it adds to comfort, it makes driving narrow streets and parking more difficult. Also with all that width it would seem like honda could have fit more storage nooks into the rear door panels. Overall its a nice truck and has a great ride and I was suprised at how fast it accelerates compared to tacoma. While I got the highest trim level, Im disappointed in some of the material quality (although I also own 2 BMWs and an Acura - so i may be a little spoiled by them). Another complaint is the arm rest set up - I miss a full size console.

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  A truck that keeps you man-hood in tact - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Baltimore Driver - October 26 - 3:22 pm

  With a family of 5 and a house to take care of, this truck does it all. 3 kids (all under 12) fit in the back with plenty of room to spare. The trunk can fit a bag of soccer balls and lawn chairs, or a full trips worth of bags from the grocery store. The bed is perfect for runs to the dump. You sit up high and feel safe. The wifes Odyssey will always be the go-to family vehicle, but having something I can tow the family and all of our bikes with, is a great thing indeed.