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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  Stop Reading and Go Get One - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Catman2050 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  By the time I concluded my test drive, I was sold. The Pilot is nothing special to look at from the outside (it looks like a bigger CRV). However, you shouldnt make *relationship* decisions based on utside features alone...instead, its the inside that matters. The inside of the Pilot is awesome. When I say inside, I mean the engine, the drive, the interior styling, etc. You want a SUV that drives like a car and can flat out move...you owe it to yourself to try a Pilot. I have now taken a few trips in the Pilot and I remain 100% satisfied in my decision to buy the Pilot over other SUVs.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By IWK44 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, thats all there is to say!

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  Im on my third one - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - September 19 - 6:59 pm

  Whether youre coming off of another compact SUV or, like me youre on your third Honda CRV theres nothing bad to say. My first CRV was the second model year that they produced, and I got 230,000 miles on it. My second CRV was a 2002 and I got 240,000 miles on it. I just bought a new 2017, end it feels almost magical. The great thing for most CRV owners is that it mostly stays the same and yet they keep making it better! I think this is the only car Id ever buy.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - September 19 - 3:05 pm

  Bought this truck after considering FJ Cruiser. Gave up some off road capability for much better comfort, convenience & safety. Superb tailgating, car camping & overall family vehicle. Handles anything 99% of owners will throw at it. First Honda Ive ever driven, & Im very impressed with the overal quality & design. Unibody provides solid ride on highway & rough roads. Like driving a bank vault. Excellent braking and decent cornering for a vehicle this weight and size. Averaging about 18mpg with mixed highway/city driving & less than 5K miles. Bed scratches white, but a $75 bed mat took care of that problem. Will take other reviewers advice & get rear mud guards.

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  Honda Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ray Andrews - September 18 - 10:06 am

  I love to drive this car. The ride is very good for a small car and the gas mileage is excellent, 32 in town and 38 miles to the gallon on the road. Also very little noise on the inside.

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  Great all around car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Honda Lover - September 18 - 1:32 am

  This car is an all around great car. I get great gas mileage, and still have a car with enought power to accelerate pass other drivers on the interstate. The leather heated seats, moonroof,6 disc cd player, xm radio, steering wheel audio controls, and six airbags are just some of the perks that are standard in the EX model. I own the coupe model and the majority of my friends are 6ft plus tall. They all fit comfortably in the back seat. Aesthetically the care looks terrific. All in all, a great all-around vehicle.

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  Accord Hybrid - New Owners Impressions - 2005 Honda Accord
  By moretoolife - September 18 - 1:20 am

  My objective was to complete all negotiating before I walked into the dealer. I researched the Accord hybrid online and sent e-mails to all local dealers indicating interest to buy when one arrived. Several e-mailed me as they arrived but werent keen on discounting off of sticker. One dealer was willing to sell the car at $1,000 off sticker, if I closed before the end of December. I test-drove the car at that dealer and after about 2 minutes in the car I was sold. I received my Accord hybrid on New Years eve 2004. I have just turned over 1000 miles and my satisfaction has not waned. It is unbelievably quiet, and will really get up and go when asked. No squeaks or rattles.

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  Honda CRV:better than expected - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Enrique Ospina - September 18 - 12:43 am

  I was very skeptical when we bough this vehicle, it was need more that desire. It has turned out to be a great vehicle, lots of room, easy to drive, comfortable front and back. the only ackward thing is the gear shift:it interferes all the time with the windshield wipers

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  Just buy one! - 2004 Honda Element
  By TUAN - September 17 - 5:07 pm

  i have had mine for just about three years now and have used it for just about everything from camping, snowboarding, moving, and just hauling stuff. Like most folks, I wasnt a fan until I sat inside one. It really is that roomy in there. The seating configurations make it so it can handle just about anything. This car has never given me any problems and is still really fun to drive. Mine was a manual so it drove and handled even more like a car than an suv. The horsepower and torque is exellent for this size car. I still skirt the tires all the time! (this never happened with my 2000 Civic EX)

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  In Love - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jacksonville - September 17 - 3:00 pm

  We traded our piece of junk 2002 Ford Explorer for this car and we are in love. It is roomy and sturdy. Great for a Mom with two little active boys. It drives great and you feel as if you are driving a car even though you are up high. Cupholders everywhere!Third row seat roomier than the Explorer. Weve had this car for 1 1/2 years and we are still in love! Bought it new.