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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  Functional Delight - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mick - April 14 - 3:18 pm

  This is my second Honda after owning a 90 Accord LX that Ive long touted as the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It was an easy choice after shopping the Toyota 4Runner that didnt have the interior space or standard 3rd row seating and the Nissan Pathfinder that lacked interior refinement and the confusing array of packages that came standard with my EX-L. Honda has definitely put a lot of thought into this vehicle. It has been a thrill learning all the things this vehicle is capable of and with all the interior space it keeps my two boys separated and comfortable on long excursions.

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  Best in class SUV Hands Down for the $$$ - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Wes - April 14 - 12:05 pm

  I have had this vehicle close to 3 months now and I love it!!! I test drove the Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander, and the Pilot. The Pilot blew away the competition in the areas of ride quality, ease and accessibility, to the 2nd and 3rd row seats, well thought out storage. This Touring model has everything you would need. I love the instrumentation cluster, the integrated IPOD capability, heated seats, NAV. Its actually pretty easy to park this big rig because of the parking sensors and slick rear camera. My daughter enjoys the DVD rear entertainment system with wireless headphones. The 3 zone Climate control is great. Voice command, Hands free link, bluetooth are a dream come true

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  NICE..but - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jerry - April 14 - 2:26 am

  Purchased the CR-V EX-L for my wife. Love the styling - inside and out. Leather is high quality. Like other owners, think a bigger engine (V6?) would be a plus. However, seems peppy enough when starting from a red light or merging onto highway. Dash is nice, except the LCD portion in the middle - too cluttered. Also, note no scheduled printed maintenance manual - have to rely on the LCD screen "Maintenance Minder" with a one or two digit code - I like to know in advance whats coming up (i.e.: oil change, or major $$$ service.) Also thought mileage would be better than around 21 m.p.g. (50/50 highway / city.) I think it is an excellent small car-like SUV. Sharp car - no problems.

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  Best Yet! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By MalibuT100 - April 14 - 12:40 am

  This car rides like its heavier, with a much tighter and more responsive steering system than my old Accord. The comfort level in this vehicle has also improved. The looks of the interior also looks like its a nicer vehicle than before. I dont expect the quality is any better but it sure looks it. I think the quality is A #1.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Richard Bell - April 13 - 5:59 pm

  I bought this truck three weeks ago and I love it! It handles and looks great. I like the it drives and the smooth ride, more like a car than a pickup.

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  Never again! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Honda CR-V - April 13 - 4:34 pm

  I had a 2004 Honda CR-V, loved it, but it rode rough. Bought a 2007 and it was a much better ride, but I have had problems with it. Initially I was having problems with it starting. The worst thing is it keeps wearing the tires out. I was told by Honda it was in the rear differential. I am on my 3rd set of tires at 50, 000 miles. Hondas solution---pay them almost $1,000 for new tires. The main customer service representative was very rude and discourteous. I will never buy another Honda car and will never recommend it to any of my friends again.

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  The best CRV - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Tino Fernandes - April 13 - 3:20 pm

  The third CRV Ive owned and the best so far. More cargo space, better gas mileage, nicer interior, quieter, handles better, great package for the price.

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  Great mileage for comfort and price - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Davis - April 13 - 1:51 pm

  CRV gets about 30% better mileage than similar SUVs, but still packs in features. Love the car.

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  This car makes you want to drive! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Ernie Halperin - April 13 - 8:26 am

  My 06 Accord V-6 Coupe is the most enjoyable car to drive that Ive owned or rented in the past 30 years. It offers excellent handling & strong acceleration, reasonable gas economy for a V-6 (I get 22 - 28 mpg), an attractive interior (w/leather seats) & exterior, and a large trunk for trips to the home improvement stores & vacations. So far its been totally perfect. All in all -- a terrific and fun car. What more could you ask for in a 2 door car -- unless you have to haul a family around?

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  A workhorse - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By nrzermd - April 12 - 10:51 pm

  We have five young children who are very hard on vehicles. We live in Texas and log a lot of miles just in our daily life. We have had no mechanical issues, some electrical issues secondary to Dr. Pepper. The car rides solid and drives true with 80k on it, a majority of it city and suburban driving. Would buy again. Our dealer has been very supportive and has given us excellent service from the sale to present day.