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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  Holy monkey!! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Spectre357 - April 19 - 5:25 pm

  For something with the aerodynamics of an apartment building, this thing is a nice ride. Its exceptionally quiet, even over marginal pavement or at higher speeds. Seats are extremely comfortable even after several hours of driving. Interior is very roomy - even the 3rd row. I had a 6-foot co-worker back there, and with the 2nd row shifted forward slightly, he said it was comfortable enough for a cross-town jaunt. Engine has a enough grunt to cruise very nicely at 90MPH. Ride is smooth with minimal body roll on turns. The build and design are typical Honda - everythings well laid out (overall), and controls and surfaces have a good tactile feel - some minor styling quibbles (IMHO.)

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  Delivery vehicle - 2005 Honda Element
  By John Hurley - April 19 - 4:26 pm

  A solid, reliable, economical option for a delivery vehicle. Just enough style to prevent embarrasment. Great cargo capacity combined with low cost of purchase and operation.

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  2nd Pilot - Worth the Wait! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Valerie - April 19 - 12:19 pm

  This is the 2nd Honda Pilot that I have owned. Previously, I had the 2005 Honda Pilot under a lease program. I ordered my 2009 Honda Pilot in Feb 2008. It arrived in June 2008. It was worth the wait. I purchased this one, it was better than leasing it. I have been a Honda fan since 1994. This truck has everything I wanted in a truck and more. Look no further!

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  I like it! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dasilva3615 - April 19 - 10:40 am

  I like it. I really like it! I have to say that this is my 5th Accord and I am hooked on them. My 98 got totaled so I went for this. The Avalons design is prettier inside out but the engine is same size so I said y not? The ride is good, the sound system is more than adequate and it handles excellently. Once again, I like it. Theres nothing else to say.

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  Blue Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By AFCOP - April 19 - 1:00 am

  I love it Fun to drive and is sporty

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  Great vehicle (minus the 9-speed tranny) - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Joel Avila - April 18 - 11:36 am

  I would give this vehicle 5 stars if the 9-speed transmission were smooth. Its not, and thats too bad. Didnt catch that on the test drive, but I sure notice it now, generally when doing lower-speed (around-town) driving. Excellent kid hauler/road-trip vehicle. Im tall, and love the ceiling height and overall comfort & design of the cabin. Rear seating is very well designed, and easy to access - or drop flat for hauling gear. Mileage is good for its class, and I think the styling is much improved. I just cant understand why they didnt give more consideration to the tranny, and I think the NAVI unit, and perhaps the button-shifting could be a bit more smooth/responsive as well. Looking forward to taking it up to the snow this winter (Sierras). Have been in Volvo + Saab wagons my entire adult life, and its a nice change to be in such a big honkin vehicle. Hope this is helpful. Maybe check out the 6-speed, or see if you can live with the 9 on a more urban stoplight-filled test drive. Seems like some folks are not as bothered by it, but I think Honda should come up with an immediate fix. The drive, especially during deceleration at lower speeds = just plain odd.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Bob - April 18 - 9:19 am

  First Honda I have ever owned and it wont be the last! This car is virtually maintenance free - mjust add gas and change the oil every 3000 miles. When I bought the car I changed the timing belt and water pump but that is all the service in the 18 months I have had it.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By HondaFamily - April 18 - 1:13 am

  This is our second Honda Accord sedan and fourth Honda. After test driving the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, and Honda Accord, we liked the Accord best. Smooth ride, fit and finish, smooth shifting transmission, and feature packed for a $25,000 car! We have had poor experiences with the big 3 American automakers in the past and didnt want to have a financial burden repeat again. We found the Honda to be the best value in the bunch. We opted for no navigation system (we know how to use a map), and were fortunate enough to get employee pricing on our Accord. This is a great car and we hope to have it for many years to come.

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  They tried to sell it 4K over MSRP. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By D. M. - April 17 - 11:40 pm

  And another dealer tried to sell it 2,500 over MSRP. Trust me, that didnt fly. Additional Markup, they said, because the car is so pupular.

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  Transmission problems! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By terihuff - April 17 - 10:16 pm

  I did not have any transmission problems until I had my Odyssey for about a year. I have had it into the dealer three times and they tell me that there is not a problem. Apparently, they hook it up to a computer and it tells them there is not a problem, so no problem exists in their mind. My vehicle chronically searches for a gear at low speeds. It also has a shake to it when trying to maintain a lower speed. The dealer looks at me like Im crazy, but I have 2 other friends with Odysseys and the same complaints. I wish Honda would stand behind their product before their reputation is ruined for good. This is SO disappointing. We traded in our Toyota van for Honda and wish we hadnt.