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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  What will I do when it dies? - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By TEEK - February 7 - 12:53 pm

  I have never even been in a vehicle with better storage area that services the driver, as many cup holders for the rear, and overall family friendly design. If I were wealthy I would have bought two, so when this one wears out I would have another. There is no other vehicle you could GIVE me that I would like more. This truck fits family and professional life. It is quality inside and out. Go for it if you are considering the Pilot.

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  No more Fords for us! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By snowbill - February 7 - 6:10 am

  After 12 yrs of leasing Ford vehicles- Taurus, Windstar, Expedition... we went looking for another vehicle (other than at our beloved ford dealership) WOW! Great fit and finish-->we have become so used to saying-its a nice vehicle, but its a ford...rather, now we cannot believe how much more refined the Pilot EX/RES is! Great value for the money(my other car is a MBenz 500 SEL so we have the means)I would urge you to check out the Pilot - my wife loves it!

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  My White Honda - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Rick Haines - February 7 - 2:00 am

  It is a great little car with a big car ride. Great on gas. Inside has lots of room. and plenty of trunk space.

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  Really love this car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By 2006Honda Civic - February 6 - 10:00 pm

  Had a huge van before. This car is so easy to drive, park & most of all see out of! Love seeing my speed in big letters! Also, cant miss the gas guage. The gas lasts really long too! It is beautiful, inside & out. Totally happy with it all!

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  WHY!!! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By CC - February 6 - 12:23 pm

  WHY??? Why, Honda, did you not give us a locking tailgate?

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  Keeps going and going and going - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Joy - February 6 - 11:12 am

  Weve owned our Odyssey for 13 years and 237,000 miles. Only had to have minor repairs done, such as replacing the heater switch. No major problems with the engine. The automatic door locks quit working, but it still locks manually, so didnt get that fixed. Still has plenty of pep for getting onto the interstate, going up steep hills. Most comfortable vehicle weve ever owned, and there seems to be a place for everything. Back row seats fold down into floor, middle row folds forward for lots of cargo space. As easy to park and make U-turns as a mid- sized car. Good rear view for backing up. Easy to get in and out of, including back seats, with regular car doors, not sliding. Seats 7 people.

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  Quality - 2008 Honda Accord
  By D.Reta - February 6 - 3:10 am

  This is my third Honda and the best so far. They just keep getting better and better. A little pricer that before, but I guess everything is. Quality is top of the line.

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  Almost Great - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Allan T - February 6 - 3:06 am

  The special edition Honda Accord(5 speed, 4 cyl) is a great value. The 5 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and gracefully. It seems that Honda could improve on the mileage if it would increase the final drive ratio on the 5th gear (runs about 2800 rpm at 65 mph). The air conditioning unit is great, but it has a noticeable drag on the acceleration and the gas mileage (-2 mpg when active). Overall we get about 29 mpg with our driving mix. The best highway mileage has been 35 mpg and the worst city mileage about 25 mpg. The SE version comes with the carbon fiber interior and cloth standard (we upgraded to the dealer installed leather and it is great).

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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By GaryL - February 5 - 7:08 pm

  I test drove the Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and decided on the Honda. I really liked the Toyota but hated that exterior spare tire. This is my first Honda but so far so good. Ive got about 600 miles on it and have averaged 26 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. The seats feel a little firm and the ride could be a bit smoother. Noise level is fairly low. The interior is bigger than it looks from the outside. Im 61" and have plenty of leg room in the front and back. Storage area is generous. This vehicle is perfect for my style of driving which is mostly metro with a couple of long trips a year.

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  crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By tge - February 5 - 4:40 pm

  solid handling, excellent speed/grip around sharp turns, advanced technology, fun to drive, excellent braking, excellent fit and finish