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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  Noisy ErgoNot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By talldriver2 - July 2 - 6:08 pm

  I bought a Honda Pilot because of Hondas reputation and my need for an SUV. I traded in a fully-loaded, Ford Explorer Ltd Edition, that was a fun and reliable piece of luxury machinery. I came to realize that the Pilot is incredibly noisy on the highway. Every little creak and creep of the tires, body and plastic is amplified tenfold. Additionally, the egonomics are ErgoNOTmics. The steering wheel blocks the gauges. The steering controls are constantly being activated by my fingers, accidentally, while turning (very annoying and dangerous). The radio controls are backwards and difficult to reach with the seat completely back. The trip odometers are impossible to reset while driving, etc.

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  Brakes? - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Alan - July 2 - 6:16 am

  This my second Honda Accord and so far I love the car but hate the brakes. After one day and 75 miles the steering wheel developed a very bad shudder when braking! I called the service manager and he said to drive the car at least 1000 miles before I bring it in? I am now at 950 miles with an appointment for next week. The steering wheel shudder is still present on moderate and above braking. I hope they can fix this!

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  Reliable Family SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bobby - July 1 - 11:30 pm

  Mileage is not great. The ride is comfortable. Feels roomy inside. The sound system is very good. Tested the MDX, this car is the better choice for value.

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  Attention corporate!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mr. big - June 30 - 12:00 pm

  Very nice van but need a litte bit of improvement here and there then it will be the perfect van for any family.

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  Very Nice - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Drew - June 30 - 9:16 am

  This is a fantastic car overall, quite comfortable and very well executed. Just gave back leased 2005 civic and bought this one with all the items EX- L model. Surprised at how innovative this car is compared to the 05 and thats meant in the best way possible, if shopping for a new car in this price range or even a slightly higher price range, give the civic a drive, youll enjoy it. One piece of advice is to make sure you do your research on not just the car but the dealership!

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  Great for the size - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By disneymaniac - June 29 - 11:57 pm

  Great on gas and easy to control. Never have to worry about finding a parking space large enough. Has a very good pick up for getting on freeways. Great resale value.

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  Honda wins me back - 2007 Honda Civic
  By luckydog - June 29 - 1:53 pm

  After a wonderful ride with a Mazda Protege -- which I thought beat the pants off the old Civic -- I came back to Honda after looking at the latest iteration. The combination of gas mileage and reliability and the design of the new Civic are hard to beat. Despite my great experience with the Protege, I picked this in a close call over a Mazda 3. You couldnt go wrong with either one -- they are clearly the class of this field for styling, fit and finish, economy and value.

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  Best value in mid-size SUV segment - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Bob - June 29 - 9:15 am

  I have owned my Pilot for a few weeks now and have not been disappointed. Gas mileage is acceptable for SUV - getting no worse than previous minivan while providing a very comfortable ride. Compared to 08 Nissan Pathfinder and 07 Saturn Outlook, the Pilot can be purchased for thousands less when comparably equipped while giving the owner a very handsome trade-in value down the road. Vehicle has excellent fit and finish both inside and out.

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  Very happy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By drew - June 27 - 4:43 pm

  This car looks great inside and out especially the lighted dash. It is very reliable and gets good gas mileage. My first tanks of gas have given me 36,32,29,35 and 36 mpg with the last two being mostly highway during the summer. The most important thing about this car is the peace of mind it gives me knowing HondaÂ’s reputation for quality. But, this car is not fun to drive or comfortable (although IÂ’m 62" and fit fine) and is definitely underpowered. The car is also really loud. I still recommend this car though.

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  Great car except for the mileage - 2007 Honda Element
  By E55tech - June 27 - 2:39 pm

  We recently purchased our Element and have found it to be extremely useful. The interior is more spacious than you could imagine for such a small vehicle. It is very well designed. The only drawback so far is that we are getting about 18 MPG mixed City/HWY MPG. To claim 21/26 is a bold statement. Great little milk truck though.