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:

• 

  Loved our 2011 Pilot bought a second one - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By jplyman - October 5 - 2:13 pm

  We have a 2011 Pilot EX-L and it has been great so great in fact that I purchased a second one. If your looking for a car ride or a station wagon SUV than this will not be your car. However, it excels at what it does and that is being a SUV that can carry anything and everyone. We comfortably fit all three of our kids in the middle row (2 car seats (3&4 and 11 yo). It is not the quietest SUV but that is what the radio is for -). The reliability and safety is awesome. Also, the value is hard to beat - I looked at all the competitors but the American SUVs just cost to much to get the same features that we wanted (leather & sunroof). Didnt like the lower seat height of the CX-9

• 

  Not your everyday mini-van - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By stephanie37 - October 3 - 7:54 pm

  I bought this van a year and half ago. It was the best purchase I have ever made. I haul around 3 large dogs, 3 children from 5-13 and there is still room for the husband and our luggage.. I put 25k miles on the van in less than 2 years. I only ever had in the shop for routine oil changes and tire rotation. I bought this van for its convenience, comfort and above all safety. The van is loaded with safety features. Sadly, just this week I was t-boned from the drivers rear by a driver speeding off an exit ramp. The van performed exactly the way I had hoped it would should an accident occur. The van is totaled and I am walking with only minor injuries. If you want safe, get Honda!

• 

  Best Value for Luxury features. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By clivettej - October 3 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car! It is truly a "personal assistant." Great on gas mileage with the econ feature. Love the side camera where you can view the side of your car when changing lanes. Blue tooth. Nice leather seats, moonroof, and an extremely comfortable ride. [non-permissible content removed].

• 

  First new car ever - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By pilot27106 - October 2 - 6:28 am

  I bought my first new car ever. That being a 2013 Honda Pilot exl. I did much of the same research on here and still decided on the Honda. I will say it is not as stylish as the others. However, there are a few great things to be said about the SUV. Gas mileage averaging 22.5 in the city. I drive mainly in the city. Nice heavy duty plastics used. Not cheap materials like the rest. No squeaks and rattles. The seats are very comfortible in the front and rear with plenty of leg room. Finally, it has more than enough power. I promise! I have yet to find a situation that I have needed a 300hp or twin turbo motor. This is a utility vehicle. I have owned 50 plus cars,tr

• 

  Perfect blend of versatility - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By rdougr - October 1 - 11:23 pm

  I had a Ford F-150 FX-4 for the past 10 years. It was reliable and a great truck, but the gas mileage sucked and i wasnt using it as a large truck should be used very often. When I did it always filled the bill, though sucking up a gallon og gas every 10 miles got old. It was also cumbersome to drive & park in traffic. The Ridgeline is a well-built, more compact truck that more suits the way I drive these days. It will pull a trailer and get me through the snow, just not as heavy a trailer or as deep a snow as the Ford. The Ford was a super cab with a small back seat. The Honda is crew cab with a roomy back seat. It gets 21 mpg at 70 mph and 20 mpg at 75 mph.

• 

  Honda got this model right! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By tony181 - September 30 - 10:39 am

  After 3 Camrys we went with an Accord this time around. Honda did a great job tweaking various things to significantly improve what had been a very good car for many years. Handling and ride superb for this price class. Fine blend of power and gas mileage. Went with EX-L because of several features we really wanted. Recently returned from a 1600 mile trip. Very comfortable car on this long trip.

• 

  Premium Vehicle for Non Premium Price - 2014 Honda Accord
  By 4thhonda - September 29 - 6:32 am

  This is my 2nd Honda Accord and 4th Honda overall since 1990 and this is surely the best one yet. I started looking around a year ago to replace my 02 Accord and really wanted something different. I took a hard look at the Nissan Altima but there were numerous consumer reviews complaining about transmission issues and overall workmanship. At the end of my research I decided I would buy another Accord and I am very happy I did. The included features, design, MPG, quality, performance, and consumer and professional reviews made it a no brainer that the Accord was a class leader. The car handles very well on the road, the CVT is silky smooth, and the interior is very comfortable.

• 

  Far Exceeded Expectations - 2013 Honda Insight
  By inrva - September 24 - 9:50 am

  I almost didnt buy it based on some of the professional reviews I read, but I decided to go by those written by real consumers, and I am glad I did. The car is flawless, fun to drive, and very will built. I has enough power to get up on the freeway and keeps up with traffic while getting over 45 mpg, and I drive it very hard. I have found the ride to be good, not harsh, and is similar to other small cars of similar weight. I am 63" and have plenty of room and comfort. It is not a Prius, and does not try to be. It is the original hybrid, predating the Prius. The unit is one of the few fully built in Japan, and the quality demonstrates that very well.

• 

  Much Better Than Expected - 2013 Honda Accord
  By craig106 - September 18 - 3:05 pm

  After a couple months, 5,000 miles and a road trip heres my take on the Accord. Fuel economy is outstanding, equal or better than the EPA estimates. 36+ on the highway typically cruising 5+ over the posted speed limit. 33 mpg combined since purchase but admittedly much of it was hwy miles. The car is designed around fuel efficiency. The Ambient meter is a brilliant but simple reminder giving instant feedback of your driving habits. The cabin is much quieter and improved over previous models. The CVT transmission takes a little getting used to but not a big deal. In fact the more I drive it the more I appreciate its smoothness. The stereo reads the media quickly and sounds good.

• 

  Nice, but Horrible Stereo ! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By pjd10 - September 16 - 7:53 pm

  Overall Im happy with this car. Looks nice, fun to drive, good gas mileage and comfortable. My only beef with this car is the poor quality stereo system. During the test drive my focus was on so many things that I that I really didnt check the sound system out like I should have. I took it for granted that Honda put in a good stereo like on my last Honda. They didnt! Honda, if you read these reviews, please come up with a fix for this.