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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  Solid Car - 1991 Honda Accord
  By rsugg - October 13 - 4:29 pm

  Bought the car from a private owner almost a year ago. Replaced radiator, axle seal, oil seal and A/C spending a lot more than what I wanted to on a nearly 15 year old car. But I could have spent the purchase price plus the price of repairs on a newer car and still not have as good a used vehicle as this one. Very solid car in and out for its age.

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  Great Car So Far - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Eric In Texas - October 13 - 2:04 am

  Ok, my second time to try this. Great SUV all around. Wanted leather seats and they gave me a great deal well below invoice. Instead of paying $1500 for DVD for the kids, bought a great, portable one instead. Very comfortable, good acceleration and view all around the vehicle. Good storage and like all the latches/power ports/cup holders. Gas mileage not good, but comparable to other SUVs in its class. Dont like where the gear shift is up near steering wheel, temporary spare tire (buying my own full size 235/16" rim and spare), or that back glass doesnt open seperately. Outside styling a tad bland and tinted front side windows at my own expense. Still, great SUV for the money and worth it

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  5spd CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Dr CRV - October 13 - 2:00 am

  If in the market for an SUV, regardless of price, consider this model. The 5 Speed is definetely worth the wait if you must order it. Loads of fun and very smooth and maybe the 3rd or 4th fastest SUV, regardless of price. Actual MPG is a bit off, never having gotten close to advertized figures but once .. still the best in class, though. Wind noise more prevelant than anticipated, particularly at highway speeds. Get the driving lights . Tires could be Michelins and a size wider. They are supposed to be at 26psi, not what the dealer delivers it at 32psi, which bodes for a harsher ride. Still, the best vehicle of its kind.

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  The "find" of the year! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By #4sGirl - October 12 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this car with 32k miles on it from a man whose late wife quite literally only drove it to church, the grocery store and Wal-Mart. Its in fabulous condition for being 9 years old. The only trouble Ive had from it are some occasional noises Im not used to - Ive never had a 4c before. Im loving the low-mileage (I sold my 99 Pathfinder w/ 93k mi to get this car) and the high gas mileage... I plan to drive it for many years to come.

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  Love my Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Jake - October 12 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had my Civic for 8 years now, and I love it - I even bought my wife an Accord after such a great experience with Honda so far. It feels very stable on the highway, but is manueverable and fun when you downshift and take it around curvy country roads. Great long trip car - Ive had it get 40 mpg before on a flat highway, no A/C on, going through a whole tank of gas at a time. Otherwise, it averages about 32-34 mpg in normal commuting. Great car, great company - my next car will have 4 doors though - I didnt really care at the time (college) but now I need em (baby).

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  Wonderful Truck that drives like a Car or SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stacey - October 12 - 11:21 am

  This truck has very clever design. The interior is posh, appointed like a higher end SUV - the exterior is very attractive but the storage/cargo features are what sells the vehicle. There is a lockable "trunk" hidden in the truck bed. There is a drain hole so you could fill it with ice and beverages for tailgating, etc. The bed is 4 wide so it can accommodate a 4x8 sheet of ply or drywall. I havent attempted that yet but the bed is flat (no wheel wells) so I believe it. There are also several tie-downs located inside the bed. The back seat can be pulled upward and latched creating a large cargo area there. Stuff can be stowed under the back seat while it is down also. I love the storage area between the two front seats. It is very large and can fit a small to medium purse. The truck drives like an SUV or even a car. Very quiet and easy to drive. Very nice vehicle. Reliability and other aspects of longer term vehicle ownership are yet to be determined so I rated them a 4.

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  Acceptable but not great - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Steven Neal - October 12 - 5:42 am

  My wife and I went out to try what was available. We went with the Elite trim to get most of the features we wanted. We have a path we drive with all vehicles so it is and Apple to Apple review. The ride was harsher than I expected and the acceleration was disappointing. The road noise was higher than I expected on the interstate. The small detail that caused us to eliminate the Pilot was at the Elite trim level the second row seat option is captains chairs only. We wanted a bench.

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  Honda compared to my 05 Grand Caravan - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MikeDB52 - October 11 - 7:00 pm

  Impressive overall, but does not shift as smoothly as the Caravan, although mileage has held at about 20 mpg (about the same as the Dodge). The controls are confusing, especially for a person accustomed to driving American-designed cars (are you listening Japan?). Power doors should have a disconnect feature to allow you to open them easy to open without power assist like the Dodge. Plush interior is on a par with my father-in- laws Avalon. Auto climate control for the rear zone, variable heat setting for the seats, roof rack bars, should be standard equipment at this trim level like on the Dodge. Love the van, but do not feel it is worth a $4,000 to $6,000 premium over the Dodge!

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  Hate PAX Tires - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By JWB - October 11 - 3:16 pm

  The van itself is really good. However, the PAX tires are HORRIBLE!! Paid extra to get the touring edition, after 29,000 miles, tires were worn out. Had to wait over a week to get new tires in, cost over $200 per tire to replace. Brushed one up against a curb and the part of the brand new tire peeled off. Honda would not replace it. I feel like I was ripped off by the PAX tire and by Hondas lack of willingness to take responsibility for the problem. The tires wear out quickly and are difficult to get replaced in a timely manner. This is the only tire available for the touring edition.

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  Absolute Quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Reasonable Consumer - October 11 - 1:05 pm

  I have owned this car since new and it currently has 130,000 miles in just under 4 years. About 75% of my driving has been freeway 25% in town. Replaced the catalytic converter as only "major repair" - cost me around $500. Maintenance: Oil changed every ~4k miles, fuel filter each year, air filter every 20k miles, spark plugs &timing belt once each, flushed transmission fluid (automatic) and coolant once each, just bought new front brakes, have good tires and rotate every ~5-10k. Car gets 36-39 mpg at 75-85 mph freeway driving depending on winter or summer 32-36 in town. Its time for me to step up, but Ill likely stay w/in Honda family and buy used Acura TL, while keeping the Civic.