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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  Better than the 2010 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By dpbrew1 - May 14 - 10:15 am

  We traded in the 2010 Pilot at about 50K miles. The shocks were in need of replacing and it was time for brake work. We had averaged 15-16 MPG. This Pilot in mixed driving is giving me 20 mpg. We also dumped a 2010 Toy High Hybrid which when my wife drove it in town was 17 mpg. With the Pilot we love all of the thoughtful places to put bottles, cups, brushes, and other "necessities". The ride beats the 2010. I bought this on 12/30/15 seeking to get that end of the year deal and I guess I did OK. I wanted one with all of the assist packages, but they claimed none were in town at the time. We purchased a 2016 Volvo XC60 for my wife, but for travel we both prefer the comfort of the Pilot. Ive had no problems so far and had none with the 2010. I am extremely fond of this vehicle. Im 64" and have lots of room.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By WillSi - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Before I had an Si I drove a Civic EX. It was a good looking reliable car, but it was pretty slow. Then I got a 99 Si. Boy was a I blown away by the looks, preformance and reliablity that this car has.

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  BETTER THAN ANY MIN-VAN FOR FAMILY FUN - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By KKWISNER - May 14 - 10:00 am

  WE WERE REALLY LOOKING AT SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DRIVE AFTER DRIVING A MINI- VAN FOR 11 YRS.THIS SUV HAS BEEN A GREAT KID-HAULER AND TRAVELER...THE KIDS LOVE THE DVD SYSTEM...NO HEARING "ARE WE THERE YET". WE HAVE REALLY BEEN IMPRESSED WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM SINCE THE OTHER PASSENGERS DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE. ALSO, WE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE STORAGE AND SOUND SYSTEM..GOOD QUALITY. THE ONLY COMPLAINT BEING THE NOISE WHEN ONLY THE BACK WINDOW IS DOWN...IF YOU CRACK THE FRONT WINDOW ..THE ROAD NOISE DISAPPEARS...WE WERE TOLD THIS IS COMMON IN SUV...BY HONDA. WE WOULD RECOMMEND THIS SUV ...HIGHLY!!!

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  hondaAccord ex - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jimD - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Solid automobile. About 22 mpg in town. Power is fine since I do not drive on city freeways. Easy to keep, inside and out.

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  get real mileage - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gb - May 14 - 1:23 am

  All the discussion about mileage on the hybrid is settled easily. If you drive about 55 or 60 for Hwy, you will get near the EPA results. If you drive 80, youll get around 31 mpg. In the city I ve found I get pretty close to epa of 27. If you mix city/hwy like most drivers, look for around 31 mpg. when you actually measure it on a fill up. I am getting about 7 mpg better than my 03 Accord and for me thats a good deal. Dont buy this car expecting great mileage but do buy it for good mileage, great performance, great re-sale, great reliability and a host of other reasons!

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  Good little "run around car" - 2005 Honda Civic
  By civic9 - May 14 - 12:02 am

  I like this car, I thought this car would get about 32 miles per gallon, when actually I get around 28... 28!! Whoa! Thats kind of bad but not too bad for city. Build quality is pretty solid for me. I had an 02 saturn sl manual. so this car for me is pretty nice! Mine came with leather seats too!! Over all pretty great car!! Very satisfied.

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  Where were you all my life - 2006 Honda Element
  By BOXERMOM - May 13 - 6:04 pm

  I have been thru at least 6 diferent SUVs trying to find the perfect car for my, work, dogs, and camping trips. The 1990 Trooper came close, but this car is perfect. The dogs love it, I love it, and my lead foot loves it. Took it to the snow at Brian Head, Utah. AWD works great. Had chains, didnt use them, and climbed those 12,000 feet mountains like a regular mountain goat. Next trip Glacier national park. Like the seat in 2007 more, since seat belt is conected to seat and not door post.

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  Love my pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Bedwards722 - May 12 - 11:14 pm

  We now have 23,000 miles on our Pilot. We pull 2 Harleys on a trailer from time to time. It performs very well and is a very comfortable traveling vehicle. Weve even taken the in-laws with us on a trip. They found the back seat very comfortable and room for baggage. Lots of AC/DC plugs. Took laptop, cell phones, and used the 12V to play DVDs.

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  Really enjoying the CR-V - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By DD - May 12 - 10:22 pm

  I thought it would be a bigger adjustment to downsize from the Odyssey now that I no longer am regularly driving a teen around, but its been fine. The ride is steady and I love the active safety controls.

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Milo - May 12 - 1:33 pm

  Great car!