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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  My Honda Pilot Experience - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Tad Deuel - May 21 - 2:16 am

  I was in the market for a mid-sized SUV and shopped online for either a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I had purchased my Honda CR-V EX from Carbone Honda of Bennington, VT the last time I shopped for a vehicle and after a lot of online comparisons from multiple dealerships, I decided to try Carbone Honda in Bennington once again because I knew they were also a Toyota dealership so I could make side-by-side comparisons of the two vehicles. My salesperson, Rob Albreada was superb in describing the pros and cons of both vehicles. Because the Pilots interior was slightly larger than the Highlander (Rob actually measured both interiors with the rear seats folded down), I knew the reliability of Honda products, and the overall look and feel of the vehicle, I decided to purchase the Pilot. I have had two lengthy trips in the Pilot since buying it and have been extremely happy to have made the choice I did. The Pilot boasts of 18-26 with an average of 21 mpg but on each trip with the ECO Boost engaged I actually got 28.9 mpg. The Honda Lane Watch (passenger side camera) when passing vehicles makes it much safer to know its ok to pull back into the main traffic lane. The same goes for backing up in reverse with the rear camera. Overall, this was the right choice for me.

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  My new Spaceship - 2006 Honda Civic
  By monster - May 21 - 12:13 am

  I have done my research and it paid off. Everything about it is so different from any other car out there! Safety features are outstanding for a car in this class. I cant say enough about this car. I am 61 and fit in the car perfectly. as long as nobody plans to sit behind me.

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  Luv My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Don - May 18 - 5:36 pm

  Great vehicle. Traded my 03 Accord 6 cyl in for this vehicle and not disappointed. Ease of getting in and out is great. Very roomy. Looks great.

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  Excellent MPG & Power but NOT a Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Kevin - May 18 - 3:22 pm

  The 2005 Honda Civic is extremely cost effective, comfortable, safe, powerful and good looking. Considering initial cost, resale value, and maintenance this is the smartest vehicle on the road. I have been impressed with the amount of trunk space and passenger room. My 2005 Civic is not a hybrid but while travelling with passengers, lots of cargo, and a/c running has averaged excellent gas mileage (near 40 mpg). I recently took a 400 mile round trip in the Smoky Mountains and I averaged 42 mpg with plenty of power too. I saved several thousands not buying a hybrid and my 2005 Civic takes off like a rocket from the stop light too.

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  No maintenance! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By plasticized.cohort - May 18 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car in 03 after my 01 civic was totalled. Ive loved it dearly and Ill be passing it down to my baby sister even with 60K miles on it. I have NEVER had any work done to it. Its cute and sporty with the optional spoiler.

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  Excellent Mid-Sized SUV with Honda Reliability - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff Graham - May 18 - 10:24 am

  This is a great SUV. We couldnt be happier with all aspects of this vehicle. I have only three issues, that if resolved would make this almost a perfect score. The quality of the plastic used on the interior needs improvement. It scratches very easily and just light use will leave scratches throughout. In order to use the spare tire, you have to almost empty the area behind the rear seats so that you may access the rear storage compartment and crank the spare down (it is stored underneath on the exterior). Finally, the vehicle is only rated to tow 2,000 lbs. This is due, in large part, to the unibody construction and front wheel drive. You can get a 4,000 lb capacity with the full-time 4WD.

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  Traded my Hybrid Civic - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Bud DeLay - May 17 - 8:38 pm

  I loved the mileage on my hybrid but I was having a hard time getting in and out and we travel alot now and needed more room. Only 2 tanks of gas through it so far, first tank combined was 20 mpg. The 2nd tank was all city and was a little over 15 mpg. I averaged over 40 with my hybrid. I love the room and the ride. Mileage is much better then the 2002 Dodge Ram 4 door pickup (6/14) I traded for the hybrid. It is quiter than the Civic and much easier to get in and out of. I feel safer driving it. I did not want 4 WD and the VCM helps with the milage. I have owned a lot of vehicals in my 60 plus years and this one is right up there with the best I have owned. Thank you Honda.

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  New Honda Owner - 2016 Honda Civic
  By W. Ribbans - May 17 - 11:36 am

  Owned a Civic before this one. So many more nice standards on this one - back-up camera, keyless entry, automatic climate control - I love it!

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  Old trustee - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Steve - May 16 - 12:30 pm

  I owned this car for almost 8 years. It was my second car and it set the bar high considering I bought it at 10 years old. The steering was nimble and the handling was crips, with a lot of feedback. The brakes were excellent at stopping the car, with little fade. The B21A1 took quite a pounding from me in the early years, and kept on ticking. The hydraulic clutch was excellent and I never had to replace it. The first owner never had to replace it, so as far as I know it was original with 131,000 miles on it! It was by far, one of the best cars I drove in the snow and it was only front wheel drive! I traded the car in last night and miss it already. Goodbye old trustee!

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  CRV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Liss - May 16 - 6:16 am

  Good reliable car never a problem, will get a same new this year