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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  Nice mid size truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Shutty - May 14 - 8:43 am

  This is the nicest riding mid sized truck on the market. Im very happy with mine.

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  Honda EX - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Saleem Ahmad - May 12 - 6:52 pm

  This is a good car for the family. However, Honda is using relatively poor material in this EX trim to cut cost and keep the price competitive

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  Hatchbacks Rule - 1998 Honda Civic
  By MushroomHunter - May 12 - 10:00 am

  My Civic provides basic transportation with style. I love the styling both inside and out. The automatic transmission is very smooth in its shifting. The engine provides plenty of power even when the air conditioning is running. There have been a couple minor problems though. There is a rattle when the car is idling because the bolts that hold the heat shield on part of the exhausts system have rusted badly, but this could be easily remedied. Also, the hatchback does not stay up on its own because the pistons have worn out. Overall, I would recommend a Honda Civic hatchback to anyone in the market for a small fuel-efficient car.

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  The Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By mrcwelsh - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Always being asked where I got my Element, everywhere I go I have people asking me if they can check it out.For an SUV it gets great gas mileage, 26/hwy and 21/city.

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  Im disappointed, Honda!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kcsen - May 12 - 10:00 am

  1 week after I bought the Honda Pilot, I had two different rattle noise coming from the dashboard area. One was fixed, the other one is still there. I also experience the starter problem like what other people have experienced and discussed in edmunds.com and honda- pilot.org. To my understanding, Honda still does not plan to take any corrective action on the problem. Im very disappointed with the Pilot quality, though I have owned my 99 Accord for more than 4 years and never had any problem.

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  Good Buy For the $ - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Iroc - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is a good value. You get a "full sized" SUV for not much more money than the small ones and the vehicle is way better.

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  Hybrid Hype - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Lou Schaefer - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The draw to this vehicle is the environmentally friendly engine. Looks great on paper but it has not held up to its hype. Several trips back to the dealership have met with frustration and a lack of knowledge and understanding of the Hybrid by the Honda technicians and salespersons. The Hybrid engine does not shut down if the outside temperature is below 43 degrees so unless you live in the south, dont expect any outstanding gas mileage. Even when its warm out, Im still only seeing 40 mpg. Honda says the engine is working perfectly--if thats so, estimated mpg is not realistic.

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  Not nearly as good as expected - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By HW - May 12 - 12:00 am

  We bought this vehicle with great expectations based on reputation. We are disappointed with it so far. To start, its vastly underpowered with poor acceleration. Entering/exiting is difficult due to awkward position of the drivers seat, which doesnt move back automatically when entering/exiting. Drivers position is poor as your knees rest on the dash when seated in reach of the steering wheel. Audio system is poorly designed. When watching rear DVD system, the system insists on ProLogic II surround mode. The center channel speaker is located in dash, so people in back cant hear movie dialog unless volume is cranked, which is annoying for people in front.

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  the grinder - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 11 - 2:11 am

  Be aware of the grinding noise the car makes when starting. Dealer is not willing to fix the issue, Honda turns a deaf ear to this issue. Nice SUV but the grinding sound and no help from Honda, is a deal killer when I am ready for a new car.

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  the grinder - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - May 11 - 2:11 am

  Be aware of the grinding noise the car makes when starting. Dealer is not willing to fix the issue, Honda turns a deaf ear to this issue. Nice SUV but the grinding sound and no help from Honda, is a deal killer when I am ready for a new car.