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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  Best Honda ever made - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Dylan - February 22 - 9:08 am

  I just bought this car, and it is by far the best Honda I have ever owned

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  Stellar Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By happy with my truck - February 22 - 5:10 am

  I love this truck. The ride is better than any truck out there. Smooth and quiet. Off road handling is most impressive. Handles deep sand with ease. Love the flexible storage through out the vehicle. The interior is very classy in leather. The drivers seat is very comfortable. I feel like Ive arrived in this truck.

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  Pros and Cons - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By OhioHonda - February 22 - 1:43 am

  We just received our 2006 Odyssey EX-L w/ DVD. Biggest gripe? NO COIN HOLDER!!!! There are way too many cup holders, and no place to nicely organize our coins. Also, where we used to have a under the seat (passenger) drawer, they put our subwoofer! In the past, the subs were always installed under the drivers seat. Maybe this was an installers mistake? In the past we had a 2002 and 2004 Odyssey EXLs, and thought they were a bit "vanilla", but very nice. The newest van has a very impressive dash, better leather on the seats, cool (for a van) sunroof, and neat little hidey-holes for all your stuff.

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  Enjoying it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By daiverson - February 22 - 12:20 am

  I first looked at this truck when exploring which vehicle to buy to last the longest and be thI first looked at this truck when exploring which vehicle to buy to last the longest and be the most versatile. Anecdotal evidence from Honda owners and mechanics led me to rely on the brand for longevity. A truck seemed the likely choice but I had been driving a Sedan Deville – so I needed the big car features of a family car that I was used to. The Ridgeline was therefore the perfect choice and at a reasonable price. So far the gas mileage isn’t as good as my old Deville but its getting better..

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  Enjoyable - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By nycdriver202 - February 22 - 12:01 am

  Have had for almost 1 1/2 years. Excellent on long trips, but very loud road noise in interior on hwy, especially concrete roads. Steers well, rear entertainment system great, picture awesome. Very versatile with 3 kids. Middle row seats can move backfurther for leg room. Power doors annoying at times, need to be in park or they wont work. Needs automatic headlights and auto locks. Rear visibility limited when small vehicle behind when parallel parking. Heat/cool controls awkward, too many buttons to push just to turn heat or A/c on. Gas mileage 15 city, get 25-27 on straight highway when in economy mode. Solid feeling vehicle, good fit and finish. Handles well in rain, and snow.

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  Solid Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By bobafett - February 21 - 9:20 pm

  A good car all around for the family. Nothing stands out negatively after a month of driving and 1000 miles. The gas mileage for city driving is close to the sticker (23.5) although that is trying to be easy on the motor during break-in. Performance is very good for a 4 cyl. and handling seems solid. The interior is comfortable and the controls are easy to operate, though the automation of the environmental system is a little complicated. If you just want to "vent" normally you have to check that the A/C is off, etc. My only complaint is the road noise is more than I expected.

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  love it - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By karen - February 21 - 6:20 pm

  I love pretty much everything about this car. It is a great alternative for those of us who dont want to drive a mini-van but still want to have all that room and comfort. Great space inside. I have sat in the third row with my son on an hour and a half drive and it was okay. I do not suggest any longer than that for adults, but plenty of space for the wee ones. I love the gear shift on the steering column, it frees up the center console for other things like my purse. It is a very comfortable car to drive and I drive over an hour to work. I love the fact that the second row of seats recline, it makes it so much more comfortable on a long drive.

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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Pat - February 21 - 5:55 pm

  I wanted a small vehicle with plenty of room for cargo and low gas mileage. This FITS the bill.

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  Smooth car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Z_pilot - February 21 - 6:59 am

  Almost too smooth and too well isolated, not much different when going from 30 miles/hr to 75, barely could hear engine roar. Very quiet and comfy even at EX trim without acoustic glass or windshield. Night and day in terms of noise reduction and comfort level compared to 2007 pilot traded, to the level you could barely sense the road condition. Much increased torque allows it to make a tight and precise U-turn and during parallel parking despite much bigger than its older ones. Well improved knee and leg room for front seats, remote start is a plus for EX. No auto passenger seat still sucks for such a pricy ride. Hard to come by a car with color or trim you want, so most dealers wont have any discount. Even luck me got the actual out of door of EX $8000 more than the 2007 EX-L because of its low production, high demand and inflation etc. Supposed styling and comfort are worth all of it. Sound system is fabulous if you play HQ or original song/tracks off the phone, no CD changer taxes the phone too much. Sound setting does not change the track characteristics too much. FM radio is easily the worst among any cars I ever drove in last 25+ years, specially the music ones. It is either a very lousy antenna or as if someone intentionally did that to steer you away from conventional FM.

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  Cant go wrong with a Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lovin Our Pilot - February 21 - 5:43 am

  We just got our of our 2004 Explorer. The Explorer is not even close to being on the same level!! Our kids love the DVD and my wife and I enjoy the XM radio. I dont know that we will ever own any other make of vehicle. The price is close to any comparable vehicle. Its really fun to drive and ride in.