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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  A Real Work Horse - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By mwsprotool - November 5 - 1:15 pm

  I have driven my Odyssey about 22K miles per year for the past almost 6 years and it has been extremely reliable as well offering exceptional versatility. I frequently carry a lot of equipment for my job and other times a full load of furniture and antiques for my wifes antique shows. We frequently go to dinner and/or a show with 2 other couples and the ability to carry 6 adults comfortably is a big advantage. The only negatives are the occasional rough downshifts of the transmission (which my dealer told me early on is normal for this vehicle) and the relatively unforgiving suspension that is an negative here on the rough roads of Ohio. Overall, it has been a real pleasure to own.

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  This my first car and I love it - 1997 Honda Accord
  By red97 - November 5 - 10:30 am

  I love this car, it is so fun - it drives better than a Benz. The 4 cylinder is very fast and responsive. Great gas mileage. The only problems Ive had so far is the front axles had to be replaced and the starter and solenoid, thats about it. The ac stinks but I got sun roof so its all good and the seat belts are horrible they choke you but the seats are extremely comfy. Plus the trunk is very roomy. I once got three kids, two ice chests, 3 tents, 2 adults, a million blankets etc. and food in my car. Oh and tiki torches out the sun roof.

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  HAPPY PILOT OWNER - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By MAXIMUS - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Pilot for about a month now. Just Love It! Traded in my Accord with 178,000 miles on it, and still going strong. Had to get another Honda, cant beat the quality. My wife and I both love to drive it. The best way I can describe the ride is it feels like you are "driving a Lazyboy". Alot of good features for the money. Lots of storgage. Nice sound system. Did alot of reasearch on SUVs and the Pilot ranks as one of the best. We are a Honda family and the Pilot is another fine example of the high quality, fine autombiles that we have come to expect from Honda. Go test drive one, youll have a hard time leaving without it!

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Gta - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I was tempted by other sport utes like Explorer and Jeep Liberty but Im glad I held out. I couldnt be happier in my Pilot. While this is my first Honda product it certainly wont be my last. Nothing Ive driven comes close to the smoothness and feeling of quality. The Toyota Highlander was a close second but if you drive them back to back youll notice the Pilot is significantly larger and when similarly equipped is the better bargain as well. Ive heard a lot of complaining about the fuel economy but I haventt noticed that it is that bad,probably around 20 mpg. Not bad for a mid-size suv. Overall a great ride.

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  I love this car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By smarques - November 5 - 10:00 am

  After shopping for a Prius for better than a month, stopped into the Honda dealer, drove it home that day for about $5K less, and havent regretted it for a minute. Actual MPG doesnt match EPA estimate, but that shouldnt shock anyone. Still getting 35 mpg in high Florida summer primarily making "ant trips" of 2-5 miles. Over the winter, consistently broke 40mpg. Efficiency meter, though not entirely accurate, helped me modify my driving habits to maximize mileage. I cant wait to trade in my pickup for a true hybrid there too!

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  last Honda Ill purchase - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lasthonda - November 5 - 10:00 am

  I have driven many other Accords/Civics that were great, had no issues and ran to over 100K. The 2003 Accord is the pits! I wont buy another. So many rattles on the front dash and annoyances that the dealers NEVER admit to hearing. They all deny hearing anything. Terrible customer service. Absolutely no fun to drive unless the music is blaring to block out the annoying rattles. I wont be buying another Honda again!

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  Awesome car for the money - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ashrao - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the money. I did not get the NAVI (I can read a map). Very powerful car & very comfortable.

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  Wish I have Stayed with LEXUS Brand!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bobbit - November 5 - 10:00 am

  03 Honda Accord V6 4dr with Nav, Instrumental light on dash board, fuel economy, seat fit well on the hip the value of car, we fell in love and purchase it. Navigation is a must who dont like to ask anyone for direction and/or look at map and argue. Dislike: the carpet are coming off from molding, black clips behind passenger and driver seats comes off, dont know what its for, brakes coming downhill makes loud noise, air bag sensor light is on. On Navigation some of the building were 5years and older is not on the system. 2hours+ driving its not comfortable.

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  What a great car! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Svet Kirtchev - November 5 - 9:47 am

  2017 Accord models are at steep discounts currently because of the new 2018 model... We found a touring V-6 at thousands of dollars below sticker price.

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  murrays truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By murray - November 5 - 8:23 am

  The ridgeline is a comfortable and capable truck that is meant for the consumer that hauls small payloads and requires a useful automobile for everyday life. The ridgeline is not just a work truck but a great family vehicle.