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 vehicle - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Aimee - August 20 - 12:15 pm

  My Honda Civic VP is a very reliable vehicle. It gets great gas mileage, up to 40 mph by my estimates. I drive 70 miles roundtrip daily for work and we use this car for every trip around town and out of state. Weve never had a problem.

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  900 miles with my Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tom Shellenberger - August 19 - 9:00 pm

  The Pilot is what it is. No pretension, a good solid care. Not a fun driving experience, but that is not what most are buying it for. It is reliable and safe to operate. Exterior is fine, interior materials and finish are fine in this trim level. Not flashy but not a lot bling to get broken or damaged either. The phone and info display systems seem a bit less intuitive than I would have liked, but I am 56 and not computers and phones are work for me, not the center of my personal life. Younger people may like it fine. I looked at the a lot of three-row SUV and bought the Honda. Had to look around for a decent deal because stocks are low, at least in Delaware. The only vehicle I liked as much was a Ford Explore but with similar equipment that would have cost much more.

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  It never gets old - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Russ - August 18 - 6:42 am

  Except for the differential problem which Honda took care of, its been a solid vehicle that you feel youll keep till 200,000 on the odo. Lucked out, original tires lasted till 33,000 at which time Sears indicated brake pads at 50% give or take all around. Have changed oil at Honda every 5,000. Other than that, gas, wash, wax. Fuel economy respectable. Plenty of room for me in the back seat with front seat all the way back, Im 63". Currently at 34,300 miles, no rattles, everything works. Yes it does have the road noise everyone complains about.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Sethd1 - August 17 - 12:02 am

  I bought my Honda about 4 months ago and have already put 7,000 miles on it. So far the only thing that has gone wrong is a heat shield fell off but thats a simple issue and is apparantly quite common with these cars. Other than that: Pros: Great driving feel, interior is well laid out, exterior design is simple but refined, has a good balance for city driving and highway driving. Cons: Long throws for the shifter, could use a 6th gear, exterior dents easly. Overall: I love my car, its fun to drive and doesnt use much gas.

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  Really a Catruck! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Devdon - August 16 - 3:30 pm

  Looking for a fun useable vehicle, then this is for you. Interior design is excellent, roomy, comfortable, but lacking a little in the quiet dept. Sound system is more than satisfactory. All gages and controls are easy to read and use. Have someone drive it without viewing the exterior they will never know its a truck. Perfect for the city farmer or cowboy. Holly (yea I named it) does have a low whistling sound from the bed when going over 45 mph.

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  Great SUV with Bad MPG - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - August 15 - 8:33 pm

  This truck was a great value. There was a $2000 rebate when I bought and no other truck could compete with for features at the price. Ive had the truck for a few months (2200 miles). The truck drives great and the interior is beautiful (big and comfortable). The exterior is boxy, but not bad. The only negative is the MPG. I read the reviews and knew it wasnt going to be great (I was expecting 15-17 mpg). I dont drive in the city and I only get 14 MPG.

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  Sensing Package is NOT worth the money - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Beth S. - August 15 - 10:38 am

  I WISH I had test driven this model with the sensing package for a longer period of time before buying. I own that, its my fault. BUT, word to the wise. If you use your cruise control a lot, like I do, DO NOT get the sensing package. Unless there is some way to turn off the crash mitigation control for Cruise Control, which I have not found yet, then I would never never never buy this package. With Cruise Control, the driver can specify three separate distances in front of you for the space between you and they next car, but you cannot turn the "distance" meter Off completely, and THIS sucks! Say youre cruising along at 80 in the left hand lane of a wide open freeway, and the car in the right lane in front of you decides to pull into your lane 4-5 car lengths ahead of you. Even with the shortest of "distance" meter available to you in the sensing package, that car which pulled into your lane waaaayyy the heck up there will cause YOUR car to slam on its breaks. A car pulled in front of me this morning and immediately began accelerating, however, the second my car sensed it moving into my lane, it began to brake, and HARD brake! The car behind me almost rear-ended me because my car braked all by itself and without warning. Do not confuse this with the regular "crash mitigation" option, which DOES have a button to turn it off. I am speaking specifically on the Cruise Control crash mitigation control, which so far, I have not been able to figure out how to turn it off. And it sucks!

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  Good Truck - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Dave-er-oni - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Just got the thing this morning. Drove 150 miles with it today. I have the white with leather trim and a DVD; the dealer also added mud flaps and cargo mat and crossbars on the overhead rack. Was marked up at the dealer 800 over MSRP but worth it. Its a great vehicle. The seats arent as comfortable as the american cars we considered (Bravada) and the dash has too much plastic and no wood which is odd for a $35,000 SUV. But that being said its very sold; very good looking; very . . . Honda (which is to say good)

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  2004 Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Phil Brown - August 13 - 2:06 pm

  We havent achieved the mileage advertised, however, it is satisfactory. 43mpg on a trip is the best weve gotten, and thats good considering your foot is in it on the interstate system. Im a big man, so I could use some more room. Once in position, Im all right. Comfortable ride considering the size. You must drive knowing your capability when merging at high speeds. This isnt a race car. The transmission is very smooth. The radio is from hunger. Its the poorest thing about the car. Using the cruise control gives best economy on the highway. Would get another one without concern, but would barter on the price more seriously. May save $1K, but dont expect to save more.

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  Still going - 1994 Honda Civic
  By hondaguy - August 11 - 1:34 am

  I have owned many Honda motorcycles in my life, but this was my first Honda car. Im sold. I bought this car as to be a reliable, sporty commuter car when I returned to school. It had 22,000 miles on it and it was three years old--dealer maintained. 170,000 miles and ten years later--I refuse to sell it. It just will not die. I make well into six figures a year, and this car is still my daily driver. I drive it 80 mph to work every day, and it gets 33-36 mpg. It has never given me a major repair bill. Other than regular maintenance on brakes, belts, exhaust, plugs and wires etc.. The only real repairs I have had to make are CV joints on both front axles (twice),and a new radiator.