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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  Very Critical - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By klaudelawrence - January 27 - 4:48 pm

  I have had my Pilot for just over a year and have enjoyed it minus a few exceptions. A clip of some type either came off or was not put on (somewhere connected to the transmission) in the first place leaving me unable to move in the middle of traffic. NOT GOOD. I called the dealer from the road and they towed me in, fixed the the ride in about 3 or 4 days. This left me with one vehicle. I wasnt given a good enough explanation of what happened but no problem with that to date. The subwoofer is either popping or rattling the areas next to it. My dealer so far has not been able to fix the problem to my satisfaction.Finally there is a slight pull to the left I will see if the dealer can adjust.

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  Good all-around vehicle - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Mac - January 27 - 2:31 pm

  Weve had our Honda Pilot for one month and love it! The stereo sounds great from the front seat, but needs the base turned up to sound as good in the back seat. Its very comfortable during long rides, and fun to drive.

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  You get out of it what you put in - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Andy - January 27 - 5:03 am

  I was hating the engine in my CR-V until I put in better Gas. Manual says 87 or above. I ran 87 for the first 1000 miles. The engine noise was horrible. Sounded really loud and rough. I put in a tank of plus and it was transformed. Much smoother and more power. MPG was improved. Im currently experimenting with Super which is another step change. Car feels much more alive and again much more quiet. MPG seems better too. Really happy now Ive figured out the engine noise.

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  Believe It! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Anita Johnson - January 27 - 2:31 am

  Great van, it ride and drive great.

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  Love It!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melissa - January 26 - 11:03 pm

  I LOVE THIS CAR! I had a VW Jetta, it got totaled so I took my insurance money and bought this car. Worth every penny! I think the front of this car is a little weird looking but looking at it from the side and back I think it is a real good looking car. The navigation system is on point and really easy to use, coming from someone who is very electronic illiterate. For a 21 year old girl the sound system is amazing, this whole car is wonderful

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  Great little car...great price! - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Cinjme - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Honda civic 4dr Ex is an very pratical little car that looks and drives like a sports car....great on gas city or highway, very comfortable and roomy, has lots of power and control. Ex comes with extras...moonroof, ABS, CD stereo,sleeker body style.....I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for these qualities in a car!

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  What hasnt been said about this car? - 1998 Honda Civic
  By spideymike1 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used as a second car. Have owned Hondas in the past and after test driving this little Civic, I realized that I should still be owning Hondas! It could very well be the only car I would say would last 150K+ miles and still look good! Gas milage is great, the 5spd is peppy. Even the factory stereo with the add-on CD player is nice. What more could you get for under 10k used?

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  Great eco car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By crv139 - January 26 - 2:20 am

  This is a great economy car, that gets great mpg, fun to drive and looks cool and has list of neat features.. You have to remember that this vehicle is not a sports vehicle and the reason you most likely brought it is to save money at the pumps.

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  Love the V6 engine + 6 speed manual - 2006 Honda Accord
  By greenice - January 25 - 10:16 pm

  This car strikes the perfect compromise (for me, at least) between sportiness and comfort. Handling is very good for this class, and the ride is smooth enough for long hours on the freeway (but, thankfully, not buicklike smooth :-). The combination of the quiet and powerfull V6 and the slick 6 speed stick shift make this car a joy to drive. The interior is very roomy front and back, and the build quality seems to be first rate.

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  The Fit is GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Colleen - January 25 - 1:55 pm

  I have been driving my Fit for nearly a year and I am extremely impressed and satisfied with my purchase. It is a wonderful car and Honda has done a fantastic job assembling a fun, economic, small yet spacious, and overall great car in its Fit.