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 Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Al - December 18 - 11:10 pm

  This is a great truck. I have owned several different trucks this is by far the best built I have ever had. Great ride. Good Fuel economy. The truck in the bed is an excellent feature.

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  honda vs. chevy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By groundeffx - December 18 - 6:06 pm

  i traded in a chevy colorado for this truck. the honda is wider and can fit 3 kids in the back seat better. the chevy got 19 mpg with a 3.5L 5cyl 220 hp vs. the honda 18 mpg 3.5 L v6 244 hp.

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  Like it, but... - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Ann - December 17 - 9:04 pm

  I have always been a big Honda fan. This is number 3 for our family. However, I have to say that the quality does seem to have gone. I have numerous rattles and noises, and this very annoying window chuffing sound when I drive in windy conditions. I like many of the features, particularly the safety features, and it sure beats my 05 Dodge Grand Caravan. However, I am a bit disappointed in the little things such as the rattles...I doubt the dealer will do much about it...no money to be made in doing so.

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  2008 CRV EX AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By David - December 17 - 10:36 am

  I test drove a 2008 Xterra, a 2008 WRX, and a 2008 Wrangler. None of them compared to the comfort I felt inside of the CRV. Though not as powerful as the others, the interior design and over quality feel of the car made up for it. I have owned the CRV now for two weeks. Gas mileage is decent, but I thought it would be better. I am averaging 22.5 MPG with mixed city and highway miles. A lack of power if not an issue at all. 166HP is more than enough for highway passing. I am very impressed with the interior space and the quality of materials used. I havent driven it in the snow yet, but I did drive it in mild rain and it handled well.

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  First Honda car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Fred - December 15 - 1:49 pm

  We traded a 2012 Subaru Outback on this Honda Pilot EX AWD. The Pilot has the tow capacity we need for our small camper when in the mountains. Towing with the Pilot is very nice. Much less stress on me. Towing MPG is about the same as the Outback. The backup camera is great for hitching up the camper. The right turn camera is nice for lane changes. My camper has a full time rear view camera so the right turn camera is merely nice not great. Weve been seeing the highway MPG increasing as the engine gets some miles on it. Weve seen 28-29 mpg in ECO mode. Its a much bigger car than the Outback so it took a while to get used to. The handling isnt as crisp as the Outback but its fine. So far traction in snow has been good. The first test was demanding - climbing a 4 mile mountainous road in the snow that was not plowed. Coming back down was fine although I was nervous. Cons: No CD player! Its such a standard feature we never even checked until we wanted to play a book on CD. The entertainment system sounds fine but very disappointed with the user interface. The touch screen is clumsy and potentially dangerous for the driver to operate. There are some remote controls on the steering wheel which which help but their functions are limited.

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  1st long trip - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sid - December 14 - 10:16 pm

  Ours is an EX-L AWD. Just completed a 3800 mile trip with 2 people and luggage. Actual mpg was 22.3. Monitor showed 24.1. Had about 200 miles of ice and it handled it good. Found seats very comfortable. Covered 1000 miles one day. I find the road noise on textured pavement and the wind noise is too high. Annoys on a long trip. Was not happy with fuel economy. Above numbers are freeway at 75mph. In hilly terrain and windy conditions the car just needs more power. Spends a lot of time in 4th and 3rd gear. Lockout button on selector should be for 4th gear as well as 3rd.Found it to be very stable in side crosswinds. I think it rides very well for a compact SUV.

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  Good car for first child - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By emat24 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought our CRV in expectation of our first child, trading in my wifes sporty little car which just wasnt practical enough. We didnt want to get a mini-van -- just too soccer-mom for us at this stage -- and the CRV is a great alternative.

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  Just bought it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jim Suss - December 13 - 7:10 pm

  The car seems built for an average height person. Being 6 6", I find it difficult to "fit" in a car. The center console seems low, the headrest too far down and the left door armrest is way too low. Considering I drove an Audi TT Quattro Roadster convertible for four years prior to buying this Accord, one would think I have tons of space and roominess now, but that is not the case. There was more leg room, seat room and arm room in the TT than the Accord. The Accord doesnt seem to handle well either, but that will take some getting used to, as its not a sports car. A great feature with the Accord is its reliability.

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  Value and Style - 2007 Honda Element
  By Trent - December 13 - 1:13 pm

  Just got my Element last week after going in to drive the CR-V. While the CRV is nicer and more refined than previous years, there is just no room for my toys and gear. The Element started to be more attractive from a pure cost of ownership standpoint, as I was looking at leasing a more expensive vehicle originally, but I could purchase the Element for the roughly the same monthly payment. I drove both the SC and standard model, and love the handling of the SC and the unique interior trim points. Ill miss 4WD, but love the wider tires and improved headlight/front end look. I drove it in snow/ice 2 days after purchasing, and although I was a bit tense without 4WD there, it was good.

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  Tough enough for Alaska - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Alaskan - December 13 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned every truck brand sold in America and the Ridgeline, hands down is the best driving truck I have had. The roads here are rough and slick in winter and this truck handles excellent on icy, snowy roads. The back end stays stable and it stops on a dime, without even changing to all winter tires. I agree this isnt a brute to take out on bad dirt roads, but for occasional truck needs and an everyday commuter, this is an excellent choice in all winter conditions Alaska has thrown at it.