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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  pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mapster - December 24 - 10:00 am

  best vehicle i ever owned

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  Great car cheap reliable car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Joe McFearsome - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The car has served my family well. No problems we have had it for a year and were at 25,000 miles and no problems. The performance is nothing special, but ride an comfort is great. Gas mileage is a dream even with the gas prices were they are.

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  hot hatch - 2004 Honda Civic
  By campos2g - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car, no longer a top nae in the sport compact markt, needs mre power to compete with similarly priced dodge srt-4, and svt focus

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  My favorite car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jann - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go! The navigation system is excellent. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is the best driving car I have owned.

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  Hey, its a great car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 500lbman - December 23 - 9:09 pm

  Honda makes good cars, and this is no exception. Is it German in its build quality? No. But for the money, it is comfortable, has lots of room inside, and drives very sporty for a big car. V-6 has good power. Leather seats are very comfortable, and the overall design remains appealing. The trunk has adequate space. Couple of minor rattles, but still very solid. Great when carrying 3 others. Some people have gotten in and said "Nice car". I bought with 31k miles, put 10k on it in 6 mos. Needs brakes now, but nothing else. I have owned 3 other Hondas, very pleased with this one. Will continue to drive Honda.

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  the best van i have ever had - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By csantini - December 23 - 2:20 pm

  this is the best van i have ever owned. i had a mazda and this honda is ten times better it is quieter, smoother, more powerful, better made, and fun to drive I have five kids and they love it and fit very comfortably

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  Honda El Camino - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe - December 23 - 12:08 pm

  I have had this Car/truck for about a year and a half, drove it of off the lot new. Nicely executed interior, excellent stereo and nav. Real size seats for a change in a Japanese vehicle. All wheel drive is great when the going gets slippery. The trunk rocks. Terrible gas mileage. I get 14 in the city maybe 16 on the highway. Dealer says this is normal. When I tow 2 atvs on a 12ft trailer, I have had as low as 8mpg on the highway. This thing hates to tow. If you are planning on regularly towing anything do not get this truck. For the occasional run to the home store youre probably good.

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  Love it - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Coop - December 23 - 11:10 am

  The Pilot doesnt disappoint. We test drove the Veracruz and Traverse and found the Pilot the best of everything for the money. We dont agree with Edmunds assessment. The options and luxury for the price is not comparable with the Chevy and the Hyandai. Weve already taken a road trip with three kids and two grandparents and the Pilot performed better than we could have hoped. The ride is great and it handles very well.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Karla - December 23 - 1:56 am

  I took one look at the workmanship in a 2006 Toyota Highlander and it didnt compare to the excellent workmanship in the Pilot.

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  Great Car So Far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By shlomo875 - December 23 - 1:16 am

  I have driven my Insight about 250 miles in Los Angeles (combined city/highway, hills, etc) and so far have averaged about 37 mpg. Not too bad at all. Its a pretty smooth ride, though I wasnt prepared for how much the Econ feature would take away from my A/C when I was stopped at a light and it was about 98 degrees outside (thats the price paid for running on battery power alone, which is what happens when you stop with the Econ on). Getting on the highway is a strain, but of course that is little surprise for this size engine. The instrument console is the least satisfying aspect of the vehicle, but the positive aspects make it well worth it.