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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  Jury is still out! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By marlin - April 3 - 1:43 am

  I have about 5000 miles on my R-line and so far I am disappointed with the fuel economy and I have a few rattels developing inside the cab (passenger- side air bag dash unit). Overall I am satisfied with the handling and minimal road noise. I have used it to haul feed and for limited off-road situations. I would like to run it another 10,000 miles before I would recommend it to a friend.

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  Reliable, comfortable - might buy another one - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By M Hurst - April 2 - 4:53 pm

  Ive owned many Hondas, this is my first CR-V. It had been a leased vehicle, so when I purchased it, in 2011, it had 16,000 miles on it. As of today (3/11/17) it has 106,000 miles on the odometer and it runs as smoothly. Ive had it serviced regularly at a Honda dealer, so any parts which have been replaced (very few) are Honda parts. Ive recently been looking new SUVs in the same size, and Ive discovered the CR-V still has the largest cargo area (taller than most). - Honda finally listened and with the 2017 model, they improved the backseat/cargo area by allowing the backseats to fold completely flat. They have also put some vents in the rear of console which should deliver enough air to keep back seat passengers comfortable. It is also loaded with many of the safety features youll find in other new vehicles. I love my fully adjustable drivers seat, but I think it is only available on the EX-L version. CONS These include: some road noise, back seats which dont fold completely flat, and it should get better gas mileage for a 4-cylinder engine. They are claiming the new 2017 model has a 1.5 liter engine which s turbo charged and it gets better mileage. Both of my airbags were replaced due to the recall. Ill be looking at another brand of SUV when I replace mine, but with a price tag of around $30k for a new 2017, Ill probably purchase something else.

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  the one and only - Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By PilotDriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  After many disagreements, my husband finally talked me into getting an SUV. We did our research got a Pilot. Now I think I would think twice before getting back into a sedan. The ride is smooth, there is plenty of room and overall it is very comfortable for long trips (weve traveled about 16000 miles in it in about 7 months).

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  First and Last Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Geordie - March 30 - 8:26 am

  Im a long time manual transmission driver and after an extensive search thought Id found the perfect car. This car had the style and comfort unmatched in its price and class. However, after two weeks of driving this vehicle the transmission started to get very notchy in second gear especially when cold. Once winter hit the problem became noticeably worse to the point that it actually jumped out of second gear on several occasions. By mid-winter I didnt want to drive this car anymore. I took it to the dealer but they could not duplicate the issue when the engine/trans was warm and they checked and flushed the trans fluid. I traded this car after 4 months and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Car - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Spike7 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The car is great until my bro flawed it on I-55 and blow up the engine cuz we forgot to add engine oil. NP. We were thinkin about changing motors already. We decided to stick with the budget and put a ZC engine into the Si. Now instead of 108hp I have 130hp! It handles well.

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  Nice Alternative - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MrQuisp - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 1999 ML320 for a brand new Pilot with navigation. Shopped around and final settled with my local dealer at MSRP and a "pro package" at dealer cost. Also added the wood trim package and a DVD/tv tuner for the car. Was really surprised that I was able to get MSRP considering this dealer was asking $4000 over and the local dealers are notorious for not making good deals. Fun car, though disappointed with the gas mileage.

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  Three-Month Difference - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LARDI 2 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I had the PILOT now for 4 months and Iam really satisfied with its performance except for two things. 1) Fuel economy is not true. This truck consumes gas like crazy!! 2)Iam having slight slow startup problems. Other than those two minor complaints, Iam generally happy with my PILOT. I also should have waited for another 3 more months before buying my PILOT. Why? The answer is $5,000.00 difference in the ourchase price.

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  Great CAr - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alliecat - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. Sold us on Hondas after getting this car. The ride is very smooth!

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  Great car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Jean and Claire - March 28 - 6:52 pm

  Very confortable car easy to drive,fun to drive on sport mode nice soundtrack system bref we love it.

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  I like my honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By angel jones - March 28 - 4:43 am

  the first 10.000 miles werent the greatest the front brakes had be be replaced the front end realigned then the paint bubbled off the front bumper and had to be fixed as well but other than that it has been very reliable and honda worked very well with me when they fixed my flaws in the car I drive 100 miles a day and the honda makes it more enjoyable with its new interior and the space it has inside for a smaller car I really appreciate where the speedometer is because I feel I dont have to take my eyes off the road as much