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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  Love It! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By nnylfa - June 30 - 6:16 pm

  We were torn between a Toyota Highlander and the Pilot and went with the Pilot because of the cavernous interior and more comfortable seat. We definitely made the right decision! Weve only had the car for about a week. Others have complained about the lack of pick up but we dont have any complaints. We love the interior. Although it feels so roomy, it is much easier to park and maneuver then it looks. I do agree with the others who stated that some of the interior components seem a little cheap. Also, Ive never had a rear wiper before and Ive gotten OCD about keeping the darn thing clean. Are they always so prone to dirt? I seem to be spraying and wiping constantly.

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  all positive - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Otterman - June 30 - 3:32 pm

  Ive owned "lil red" for 3 months. This is the first sports/performance car Ive owned so I can offer no comparisons, but can say I have no disappointments. Very impressed with the build quality and I see no flaws in performance. This car is equally at home cruising downtown or screaming through the hills, and it never gets finicky, just purrs along ready for anything. Hitting vtec is nice, esp if you have some room to play. 8k rpm = 70 mph in 3rd, and you still have 3 more gears! Steering is very linear, suspension is firm but not punishing. This car makes no mistakes but will certainly point out yours :) if you like sports cars youll probably love it.

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  Honda Crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ramona Favela - June 30 - 2:51 pm

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  My second Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lakelover - June 30 - 9:23 am

  Picked up our 08 Pilot on the 27th of June. We had an 03 that was hit from the rear (60 MPH) by a full size pickup. I was stopped waiting for traffic to clear and dont remember the accident. Vehicle is totaled. The folks responding to the scene commented, "the Pilot saved me from serious injuries or worse". I walked away after a thorough checkup be the EMT folks. I love our vehicle. SAFE, comfortable and excellent driver.

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  Brilliance - 2006 Honda Insight
  By xzizx - June 30 - 8:39 am

  The increase in vehicle interaction from the Insights digital display takes driving to a new standard. One where it is possible for precision gas saving. Very little guessing. Bad driving is spelled out right in front of you with lower mpg. Keeps one honest. At least more so than a vehicle w/o the same type of display. My 2006s Marconi sticker claims 57 City 56 Hghwy. I beat that easily. Took about a week for me to regularly beat those numbers. Avg City romps bring 66-70 mpg. Highway, which is supposed to be lower is even higher. Might have to do with having rare Cruise Control Option. Set it at 50-55 mph and the mileage is 70+mpg. These figs are w/o A/c running.

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Billy - June 30 - 7:46 am

  I have had this car for almost three weeks now and I still love it. I test drove a Camry and Altima, as well. Although the Altima has the Accord beat on styling, the Accord is the better value and will hold its value throughout the years better than the Altima. The Camry seemed a little too much like an old ladys car! I love almost everything about this car other than the fuel economy. I was expecting better than 25 MPG. That was the main reason we traded off our SUV. I hope that it gets better as the car ages.

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  Canada SIR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tommy b - June 30 - 1:35 am

  Im from Canada and bought Canada version of si hatch. Bought the car in August of 07, its an 03. Nice car with lots of room had 3 people and snowboards inside. Would definitely recommend. Horn cut out about a month ago along with Cruise control. Brakes are great and so is handling. Stock rims could be bigger/nicer, I got aftermarket rubber and rims. Ground fx package is nice. Drives good in all weather, sunroof is good. Recommend winter tires. This is a great car with sporty handling, keep revs high and car is plenty fast. Great on gas and sound system is great for stock. Dont think I will ever buy anything other then a Honda. Car takes real

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  Fit is It - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Lyle74 - June 29 - 11:15 pm

  Put 600 miles on my Fit, just broken in and have no complaints. The handling is superb for an economy car and puts some sports cars to shame. The interior does not feel cheap, seats are perfectly shaped, fit and finish are typical Honda, and the Magic Seats are an excellent feature. Low road noise levels. Gas mileage has been great, but a bigger tank would help extend range between fill ups. A/C could be stronger especially in 90+ degree heat.

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  Fun, fun, fun! - 2005 Honda Element
  By lroberts - June 29 - 7:20 pm

  My last vehicle was a Honda minivan which was an excellent vehicle also. The Element is much more fun to drive and more kid friendly with its waterproof interior. As with all Honda products the quality of the engine and overall handling are wonderful. Would recommend this vehicle to any age driver!

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  A great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Huisonfirst - June 29 - 2:34 pm

  I cant complain about this car at all. I even wanted to pay for my sales persons rotary fines for him. It is such a great car, especially if you know how to maximize the MPG. My average is about 50. I am ordering a sticker that says "60 MPH = 50 MPG". I am also ordering a sticker that says "Relax: U R in the Carpool Lane" for those who try to go 80 in the Carpool lane. To get better MPG, avoid using your brakes, i.e., dont rush up to that red light and brake! We can all save 10% or more by driving reasonably.