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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  Honda Civic (Exceptional vehical) - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Mike McKinley - February 5 - 12:10 am

  Ive bought a Honda Civic Ex. 2dr coupe, manual trans. A little over two years ago. Even though the car was not in my posession for very long I am very pleased with its preformance as well as its reliablitly. The Civic is a common car which means upgrades/replacements and aftermarket tuning parts can be found any where and fairly cheap. It has an elegant design Both inside and out. However the performance of the viehical is fair. It sometimes can feel very slugish up large hills or with a full car load of people. Steering and handling however is exceptionaly better than other vehicals in made in 98. Overall Its a sporty fuel effecient car that is very fun to drive. Perfect for a first car!

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  Next to my Lexus, the best vehicle Ive owned - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken - February 4 - 8:52 pm

  My new Ridgeline RTL-E is everything I hoped for and expected it to be. Very comfortable, smooth quiet ride (almost as good as my Lexus RX-350). Great safety features such as Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Parking Sensors, etc. Excellent sound system (the RTL-E features the upgraded sound system and 8" touch-screen infotainment system). Navigation system is easy to use. I especially like the voice activated commands for the Navigation and other systems. Storage under the rear seats is really nice as well as the in-bed trunk. The dual action tailgate (opens down as a traditional tailgate and swings open like a door) is very handy. As other owners have noted I wish the tailgate locked, especially since I plan to get the Honda tonneau cover. Overall this is one excellent vehicle!

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  Great convertible! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Stacey - February 4 - 4:14 pm

  This car is not for everyone. Yes, you do have to do a little work in order to work the gears, but there is nothing cuter on the road, nor anything comparable in terms of engineering and horsepower. This car totally rocks! Fast, fun, and is very comfortable. Slot car indeed, and the looks of a very detailed automobile. Honda - they know what they are doing!

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  One hot compact - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Graham06 - February 4 - 4:46 am

  This is an incredible little car. Honda has really produced a quality piece of equipment. The safety features are incredible for the price. Dont let other dealerships fool you. My wife and I have a Corolla and a Civic both 04 or newer and the Civic is by far the better deal. They even sell floor mats with the vehicle. Go test drive one if only for the incredible driving experience.

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  Practically Perfect in Every Way - 2007 Honda Civic
  By WJWarren - February 4 - 3:30 am

  The car is magnificent. Ive averaged 37 mpg over the first 5000 miles of mixed city/highway driving. Very quick and efficient for a 4 cylinder with this much comfort and room. I love the ULEV2 rating too. I get constant compliments on the style. I only wish the tail of the sedan looked like the coupe.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Phoenix Honda Lover - February 4 - 1:10 am

  Have approximately 500 miles so far. No problems. Handles great, good mileage, and wonderful ride. Stereo sounds is excellent. XM is a real plus. Dont particularly like the daytime running lights. Would like to turn them off. However understand they are a safety item. Center instrument panel hard to read in bright daylight Was looking at new Nissan Coupe also, but purchased Honda because of larger interior.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By mike - February 4 - 12:16 am

  Had a 2004 Pilot loved it and bought the 2wd 2008. Great car and love the Hondas reliability.Gas mileage on the 2wd seems much better than my 2004. Live in Ohio and 2wd doesnt seem much different than my 2004 awd. Love the XM feature on the radio, no more looking for stations on trips.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sweet Ride - February 3 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car for my wife and she loves it. I drove it and I love it. Dash makes you feel like you are in a mid to large car. Gets great gas mileage as long as you dont floor it after every stop (35 mpg city). Have 4000 miles on it and still doesnt need oil change. It has an Oil Life % meter and it tells you when the oil needs changed (mine still has 40% life left). Get lots of looks while driving around and had at least 5 people ask about it while filling up on gas. Not much to add on the EX model except tinted windows and the KARR security system feature. The money I save on gas in this car (compared to last car) pays half my car payment.

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  EVERYTHING THE ACURA MDX SHOULD HAVE BEEN - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Tim Blake - February 3 - 6:29 pm

  The Honda Pilot Elite is amazing and absolutely nothing like the old pilot. At first I was disappointed when I saw the new 16 pilot on a lot this summer, but it was an ex. Anything that remotely looks like a Chevy makes me ill. I acquired a silver pilot elite with a black, which is actually dark charcole interior, and absolutely love it! The tech and fit and finish were well worth the 50K out the door price. Acura owners.......Everything the Acura MDX should have been and much more room to boot. Okay the nasty reports of the 9 speed transmission are highly accurate at low speeds In town and on slow rolling hills it is hideous......but wait there is a simple fix at the push of a button......no ones talking about it......the ECO button engauged cures the issue 100%!!! And transmission purs like a kitten even on rolling hills. Did Honda do this so we drive in Eco mode????? This car in not like a gutless ford engine where you saw these Eco buttons start....this is a 280 horse engine and definitely responds to the pedal in any mode! So who care what mode you are in!? I DO NOT run Eco mode on the highway! In my opinion you will find normal mode is better, cruise works better and gas mileage is phenomenal anyway on a 9 speed tranny. Gas mileage is amazing and it blows away all other cars in its class. I kid you not! I had a 2011 FWD pilot touring and averaged 14 to 15 mpg in my small town with a little bit of highway. My 2016 AWD pilot Elite is 20.3 MPG. WOW! Highway only was almost 30! Honda did make some changes that frustrated me a bit on the dash........but GOD the depressing reviews.....get a life people......you get use to the changes in a couple of weeks and have a car that feels and drives like a sports car, stears itself, and has a dozen safety features that WILL certainly prevent so many accidents we expirence today. THANK YOU HONDA ENGINEERS! Again all the folks comparing this to the old pilot WHICH I LOVED SO MUCH........drive a 2016 Elite for a week and you will see the Pilot is in a whole new class of luxury and performance! There is NO way I would go back!

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  Rocky start, but good now - 2006 Honda Accord
  By CrazyG - February 3 - 4:00 pm

  The folks in marysville ohio forgot to torque the front suspension properly when building the car. It took the dealer a couple tries to fix this. Car drives great, acceleration is quick, first tank of gas yielded 34.5 mpg (engine is still breaking in). I am very pleased with fuel economy. Manual trans is the way to go. My wife has a 4cyl auto accord and the manual accelerates stronger. Handles and brakes well. Love the value of the se model. Well balanced car in terms of acceleration/mpg. Highly recommend replacing rear speakers with boston acoustics from crutchfield.