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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  Got the look but not the comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kaela - January 6 - 10:00 am

  In my opinion, this vehicle dosent really hold up to the honda reputation. It is a "gas hog" to say the least. It has poor gas mileage, especially when using the air- conditioner. The leather interior has a sleek style but quite a stiff feel to it. The backseats are most uncomfortable on long trips. On a positive note, it handles real well and rides nice. I like the exterior design. Overall, it has the look of a luxury SUV but not the comfort. I give it an OK in its SUV class.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Donielle - January 6 - 9:23 am

  I traded in my Isuzu Trooper for a Honda Pilot EX no leather. I really love the car however the gas milage is terrible. I average 15-17 miles per gallon, not the 17-22 it says on the sticker. I do not have a heavy foot. I also do not understand why Honda did not put AT (all terrain tires) on this vehicle. My Pilot came with Bridgestone H-T tires which do not work off road or in the rain at all and is a bad thing considering I live in the Seattle area. Now dont get me wrong I really like this car. The seating room is awesome and I also like that the Pilot is not too big or too small. Overall this vehicle is a family hauler for city or country life

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  Six Trouble Free Years - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ATB - January 5 - 6:46 am

  We love our Accord, and feel that it is, without a doubt, the very best quality vehicle we have ever owned. We like it much better than a previous Camry, a Mazda 626 and a Ford.

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  Ks CRV - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By k_killings - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive! Eng.loud inside under load or going up hills. Also more road nosie than I would like to have.

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  Bland but Reliable - 1996 Honda Accord
  By drivefor5 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Been driving the wifes Accord LX for almost 2 years now. Only has 65,XXX miles. Always there for you, just do the maintenance. Its boring as hell though after driving a 92 Camaro RS V8. 2.2 4Cyl sounds like a diesel even after valve adjustment. Great highway MPG (Over 30 with the 4 Cyl) Get the V6 if you are looking. Better performance. Why is A/T shifter able to shift from Overdrive to Drive at all times? I think my wife was screwed over by the dealer as the paint on the left rear door is different (no accidents either).

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  Could be a lot better considering price - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By backpain - January 2 - 1:03 pm

  I have put approximately 10,000 miles on the van since I purchased it. It has a smooth ride and more than adequate power. The DVD and nav systems have been great. I have noticed that gas mileage is not as advertised (3-5 mpg less than on sticker). Also as time goes by, the drivers seat has become a problem. As I come to a stop (slow or fast) the seat slightly shifts forward with an audible click. As I hit the gas (slow or fast) it shifts slightly back and clicks again. Dealership serviceperson states that he felt the shift and click but tested another van in the lot and it did the same thing so it must be normal. (What???).

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  World Traveler - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Bill W. - January 1 - 5:26 am

  Not a race car. zero to sixty in two weeks. Great economy is gained by giving up power. Not real comfortable for long trips, an hour or more, electronics hard to work, you have to hit the screen with much pressure to make it work. other than that the HRV is a decent car even though its feel is not the usual Honda quality feel and if this is your first new Honda, you will probably like it. This is my 16th New Honda since 89 so I expect a lot from Honda and this one ranks low for me. Maybe because it was assembled in Mexico.

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  I love my honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By vizcaino - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 6 years now and I love it, When I get rid of it I will buy another honda

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  Good truck if not for leather problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Bill101 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Everything is so great. But I made a big mistake paying extra $1200 for leather option. Leather seats sag badly because of lack of cusion support. Worst thing - Honda wouldnt admit it. Driver seat sagged so badly that leather has bended and developed some cracks. There are also some white threads coming from the perforations in the leather. All this just after having the car for 3 months and 5000 miles. Other seats show same symptoms, but not as bad yet. Cmon Honda, just read www.honda- pilot.org posts under "sagging leather on front seats" thread to see how many people have the same problem!

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  2004 Civic LX Sedan AT - 2004 Honda Civic
  By buffmaster - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is pretty fun to drive. The acceleration is decent, and the ride quality is smooth. Im not getting as good of a gas milage as I wanted, but its good enough(around 26 mpg). The exterior is candy for my eye, I love it. The interior looks clean and there is a lot of space in the front of the car. The rear is pretty tight but Ive had 5 people in the car a few times and no one complained so I guess its cozy back there. The build quality seems mediocre. The hood bends in and out a little bit if you press it.