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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  Excellent...!!!!!!! Value for the Money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Hello - October 3 - 1:20 am

  Excellent vehicle, Value for your money. Cheaper than other competitors with navigation. Got the Pilot with Navigation. Excellent vehicle. Good control and having comfortable seating for 5 adults and in Third row kids can sit. Navigation is the coolest feature. Very helpful when driving during detour roads.

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  Great Bang for the buck - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Fra Bo - October 2 - 12:35 pm

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  My Honda V6 Ex Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Bugs - October 2 - 2:16 am

  I have 30k miles on this Accord and bought it new. The power is very impressive and on long trips have got 32mpg. I have owned Toyotas, Fords, Chevrolets, Pontiacs and Nissans, none these vehicles in the same class as this car. Had one minor problem on the interior and the dealer fixed it. Overall i would recommend this car. But not for a younger person that is beginning to drive, too much power, get them into trouble.

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  This thing is AWESOME! - 2003 Honda Element
  By au-tiger - October 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have a one year old, so we needed something roomy with good gas mileage. I chose the Element over a Tacoma DoubleCab. I had my Element a week when my wife had me putting it to good use. I had to pick up 3 bales of hay for Halloween decor. All 3 fit in the Element with only stowing one seat out of the way. Also, I cleaned out the garage and only had to make one trip to Good Will because there is so much room in this thing! The only down side is that all my friends always want me to drive because they want to ride in my Element. I dont mind though, I just want to keep driving into the sunset every time I get behind the wheel.

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  An Old Guys SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By Seagull - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to haul things. Me, my dog, my wife and clients. Its fun, butt-ugly and originally designed for the younger folks. None of them Ive met have many good things to say, until they are in it. Then they say a lot.....all of it good. This vehicle is not only fun, its unbelievably practical (something the "Y-ers" probably dont like). And of course, its a Honda.

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  The Ideal SUV - Finally! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By derdman - October 2 - 2:00 am

  After searching for the ideal SUV - one that provided the combination of value, comfort, handling, and a smart interior layout - we have found the perfect vehicle. The Pilot was clearly the best value for the features, and the drive is clearly superior to any other mid- size SUV. This is the last SUV we test drove, and we didnt leave the dealership until we bought it. The Pilot provides a secure, tight feel when driving - it felt like we were riding in a luxury car, yet we have the space we need and the 4-wheel drive capabilities as an added benefit. Weve been long-time Honda owners, so we took great comfort in buying our first SUV under the Honda brand.

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  Love my civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Stacie - October 1 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my Civic in December after my last car died. I have to say I have been impressed from day one. I was looking for a good fuel efficient car with decent look and en even better price. Honda has impressed me all the may. The gas mileage is great particularly in the stop and go rush hour traffic. The interior is roomy and comfortable with plenty of leg room. I have not heard the loud road noise that some reviewers complain about. This is my first Honda but I know it wont be my last.

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  Very Reliable Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Miyah - October 1 - 4:20 pm

  Bought this car because I wanted a reliable ride and that is exactly what I got. It does have rattles as other reviews point out and thats annoying, but that is about it. It rides nicely and I get 38 highway and about 29 to 30 in the city. Not too bad. The ride is extremely smooth. My next car will most likely be another Honda.

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  1998 LX 5 speeds 400650 miles still Running Strong - 1998 Honda Accord
  By RollTidE - October 1 - 10:51 am

  3 years 50,000 miles ,daily driving ,bought for 1500, spent around $1100 three years (catalytic converter ,CV joints,Clutch,breaks, etc ) .A/c still cold ,heat perfect,still runs between excellent and good. Only problem cant figure out motor oil and gear oil leaks .will drive it till half million miles (500,000). Wish Honda Motor Co help me out about this oil leaks , i will keep it forever.

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  Awesome - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ally - September 30 - 10:06 pm

  After much research we decided to move from a CR-V to a Pilot. It is awsome. Rides like a car! We have had other SUVs and non have the ride of the Pilot.