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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  Its a Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - June 5 - 7:12 am

  I love the pilot for the roomy cabin, great ride, driving position and handling. I have owned 10 Hondas and this one has not disappointed.

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  2016 honda cicic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By henry michie - June 5 - 6:59 am

  Very nice job designing the car,handles well,and drives well,great fuel economy.

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  Awesome car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Tman - June 5 - 12:45 am

  I bought this car at 90k and am at 129k now--no problems! I just changed the timing belt. Tran has always been smooth--I heard about probs with this tran early on and flushed out tran fluid (chgd 5 times) to dilute old fluid until fluid looked clean (1/3 of fluid stays in when chging, this is why I flushed it several times--may have been a good investment as still shifts like butter). I started using synthetic oil for 1st time and notice engine and for some reason even the trans runs even smoother--almost identical to a new vehicle! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this car--and is fun to drive, although more comfortable than fun--plenty torque at 85+ mph even with 4cyl.

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  Better than Benz! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mardi C. - June 4 - 6:06 pm

  I traded a 2004 C230 Kompressor and Im glad I did! The Benz was faster and had more electronics (in-dash diagnostic/trip computer with digital readout, and one-touch everything) but my EX-L coupe has all the comfort and a much better ride. The interior fit and construction is terrific, theres lots more driver leg room, and the seats are more comfortable than the Benz. My Honda coupe is every bit as nice as the Benz, inside and out, and cost $10,000.00 less!

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  Excellent car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jay - June 4 - 3:26 am

  I needed a car with good fuel mileage. This one has it. Its a 4 cylinder engine, but that 2.4L easily does 80 mph on the interstate at 2600 rpm. The dashboard is well lit. The radio/climate controls are very easy to adjust while driving. The car rides very smoothly on the highway and when you have to punch it to pass, it can move. Fuel mileage is excellent. Averaging around 27 mpg with most of my driving on the highway. The car is comfortable (Im 62 and I have a good 2.5 inches of headroom) and roomy enough for a family of four. Cargo space is plentiful for a car this size. Adequate stereo. Also a very quiet ride.

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  Runs and feels brand new! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Pete - June 3 - 11:50 pm

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  Worst Car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By 2005Hd - June 3 - 9:52 pm

  Purchased new in Oct of 2005 and cant wait to get rid of it. VERY uncomfortable to drive any amount of time over 1.5 hours. Road noise is VERY pronounced. Interior materials are substandard - very easy to mark plastics & can never remove these marks through cleaning or rubbing. The radio is starting to malfunction. Sun visors will not stay up against the windshield. Thus, I have to point the visor toward my face in order to block the sun & drive at the same time. The auto transmission does not shift smoothly - first gear is geared too low. Hey Honda, how about making the oil capacity either 4 or 5 quarts, NOT 4.4! No more Honda vehicles for me.

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  So far So Good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - June 3 - 8:28 pm

  I purchased in January 2009. I like almost everything but a little disappointed in the gas mileage. The inside nice and roomy, I love the leather seats. I added a woodgrain dash which gave it a very rich look. I also installed after market remote starter, alarm and keypad entry. I am quite satisfied after 7000 miles, but definitely needs better mileage. I live in the city of Boston so 90% of driving is city miles. Probably getting 13-14 mph city. The pickup could be a little better, but its adequate. I have a heavy foot. Overall I am happy.

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  Better SUV in the market - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Hoka-ORL - June 3 - 2:23 pm

  This new Pilot not only looks great but it performs great too! We test drove other SUVs but the Pilot not only captured us with its looks but now that we have own the car for a month, we can say the performance is excellent too. Fuel economy for having the shut-off piston system is a bit disappointing but nevertheless, it is on par with the competition. We purchased the Touring w/nav and we couldnt be happier. Some say the road noise is a problem, but we did not find it to be that bad. I also read that the engine does not provide as much power but I actually think it has adequate power (unless you intend to pull a boat or something like that). Overall very satisfied and highly recommend it.

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  Tundra to FIT= easier than it looks - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Florida Fit - June 3 - 9:22 am

  I went from a Tundra to a Fit. The savings on gas alone is close to the monthly payment. Being able to fold the seats flat I have been able to fit everything that I have needed to. It is a surprisingly fun car to drive and I can fit the kids and enough stuff for a long weekend. Only complaint is a creaking sound from the dash.