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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  Not Great, just Good - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By morgan007 - February 19 - 7:19 pm

  Dont get me wrong, the Pilot is an excellent vehicle. This is my 6th Honda product and could be the best to date. At the top of the list of attributes is value. You get more for your money and you know its a reliable vehicle. When I place the key in the ignition it will start. Sounds simple, but that doesnt happen with all vehicles. I owned a Ford before and it left me stranded on more than one occasion. We added an aftermarket hitch and hauled a trailer with no problem. The plastics are a little hard and the leather isnt the softest, but still a very good grade on the interior. A big minus is gas mileage and style. Im considering the GMC Arcadia, but I love Honda value.

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  new pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By n s - February 19 - 5:37 pm

  Great purchase!! 9 speed transmission shifts rough and high premium for elite trims.

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  Heavy Duty with Style - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shooter2 - February 18 - 3:04 pm

  This truck is a heavy feeling truck with a six cylinder that is well matched. The pick up is snappy and strong. The in-bed trunk is a great idea with uses that are not immediately appreciated. The fit and finish are tight and solid. The cab is roomy and this rig handles like a car never forgetting it is a rugged truck. Gas mileage is at 16 mpg most of the time. Havent done any long hwy driving so I dont know how well it does for mileage there. This is a useful rig for anyone who not an on the job construction worker. The bed is 5 feet but wide enough for a full sheet of plywood. The technology under the hood is outstanding. Electric everything. Honda quality cant be beat!

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  Good but a bit much for the money - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Dm - February 17 - 7:46 pm

  Great car, I love the gas mileage for a V6 and the car is more than comfortable. The standard stereo system is nice and clear at loud volumes. However for the money, I wish I would have shopped around better, its nice but a typical family sedan. Could have gotten something a bit sportier and catchier to the eye.

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  How much do you like vanilla? - 1994 Honda Accord
  By proxl - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 94 DX 4dr. new, now have 74K mi. Reliability good -- would be excellent if it werent for Y2K. That year, the door handle broke off on an icy day; the starter quit; and oil seal leak nearly killed it forever. Honda recalled for that problem in 2001, but it took American Honda about 8 months to reimburse me for my repair. Reasonably comfortable, good mileage. Too reliable, though. Its so deadly dull that Id love to trade it in for something that doesnt scream "Daddy car!", but I cant justify a new car payment when this will probably last another 100K.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By cjkatc - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this Accord and love it!! I love the safety, reliability, and gas mileage. I commute to cover sporting events and needed a good car. The Accord though not flashy gets the job done better than any other midsize I tested. I could not beat the price of 16,000 and 4.75% financing, too good to pass up.

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  1stDrive - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By s Dai - February 17 - 7:37 am

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  good truck so far - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Troy - February 16 - 11:28 am

  10K so far and going good. Bigest issue so far has been windshield washer lines getting blocked as they are so far from the windshield.

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  NO MORE HONDAS - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Charles Timmons - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Where do I start? I bought the car with 34K miles on it. THANK GOD I bought a 100K mile warranty! I bought the car b/c Im in outside sales and drive a lot and need a reliable car. Ive had numerous recalls, new transmission at 95K miles, new power steering pump, altanator, cateletic converter, and the list goes on. Im car shopping now b/c I CANNOT spend anymore money or camp out at the dealership. DO NOT buy one without a 100K mile warranty to help with repairs.

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  Love our new Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By schroedk - February 15 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our new Honda Pilot this past weekend and could not be happier with it. We went planning to test drive both the Pilot and a Toyota Highlander since we have a growing family, but given the interior specs between the two, there was no contest. And once we drove the Pilot, we knew we would just be wasting our time by looking at the Highlander. Great interior room, classy but functional interior and exterior, easy handling in traffic and while parking.