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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  Pilot is really, really comfortable - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Ken - January 9 - 2:55 pm

  The greatest part of the Pilot is in its comfort. Im 62 and feel very comfortable in this vehicle. Easy to drive and I never get fatigued. Plenty of knee room - good support. Biggest drawback is common with all AWD SUVs - mileage. 17 city - 21 highway, but hey, I knew that. If you want great mileage, buy a Civic or Corolla.

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  Fabulous - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dorothy Ruppanner - January 9 - 2:42 am

  Best car ever.

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  The Accord of SUVs - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Demian - January 9 - 2:40 am

  Went in looking at the Highlander, 4Runner, and Pilot. Pilot being most expensive. Highlander was too station wagon, the 4Runner was too small. The Pilot was just right. Its not an exciting vehicle, but it does everything very well. Im not a fan of their dashboard design either. Its functional, but too vanilla.

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  Love my new 2016 Civic LX - 2016 Honda Civic
  By RICH D. - January 8 - 11:51 pm

  I really love the new design, and roomier interior.This was supposed to be for my wife who is small and I thought might be too small for me to drive, not the case.Very comfortable to drive and lots of room.No complaints, although I dont like the brake button near the center of console, too easy to hit by mistake and for me the jury still out on the capless gas tank. Im just used to having a gas cap my whole life so will have to get used to it.Otherwise this is my 4th Honda previously had a 2003 Civic,2006 Accord, still have my 2014 Crosstour (which I love) so totally sold on Honda!

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  Hondas little roller skate! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Yormsane - January 8 - 11:15 pm

  The Fit is a great urban runabout that was purchased to replace a 2002 Corolla. Reliability has been 100% over the first 30,000 miles. Comfortable front seats, easy gear change with the 5-speed stickshift. Engine is a bit short on torque, but then its only a 1.5 liter. The OEM Dunlop tires were awful, and only lasted 18,000 rough and noisy miles. The replacement set of Coopers have been much smoother, quieter and better in the snow. Hondas fueling systems are so good that the car runs at 3,000 feet or 11,000 feet without any discernible difference. Would have bought the base model, but cruise control was not available - even as an option.

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  Lemon? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By pam - January 8 - 9:38 pm

  I bought the Honda because it was rated car of the year and was known to be a great car. I have had one problem after another, since the beginning. It was hesitant to start and the braking was not right. Honda could not find the problem. I was going thru one set of tires after another, and found out the upper control arm was damaging them. Then the a/c compressor choke went out costing over $1200 and now both headlights went out at once. Has anyone ever tried get to the headlight to replace it. Good luck! Only to find out it was the switch assembly costing another $480. Handles poor in snow, sun visor broke, paint chips all over and the interior is scratched. No more Hondas 4 me!

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  Still the best... - 1997 Honda Civic
  By EX-G - January 8 - 7:48 pm

  I purchased this car in 2001 @56K. I did 200K since then, had an accident and the car still runs with no problem. My next car will be a Honda Civic as it packs quality and reliability in one package. Go Civic!

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  Cool Car and Best Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ram - January 8 - 6:50 pm

  I got this few days back, fun to drive and great car with great value. I like the color but interior color bit not matching with exterior. Very good fuel economy and lot of space inside.

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  Lemon - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SANDY - January 8 - 6:28 pm

  I had been a faithful Honda customer for the past 15 years, but no more. This Odyssey has been nothing but trouble in the 44k miles that we have put on in 5 years. Problems that have had to be fixed so far - radio controls on the steering wheel, rollers on both power sliding doors, all 5 engine mounts, A/C compressor, seat belts. In addition, the original Michelins wore out in 20k miles. I am ready to dump this and get me a Toyota.

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  1998 honda prelude base - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By nick - January 8 - 5:26 pm

  Ill start with the performance. The stock hp/torque is pretty good, allowing speeds of 140 easily. The clutch and tranny work as if god created them himself. Having blown a motor already, I suggest lowering your VTEC settings. VTEC engages using oil pressures, so the higher the setting, the quicker you burn oil, and possibly running dry too quick. Sure youll lose some hp, but youll gain fuel economy. So overall its an amazing car, but if using aftermarket parts, I suggest letting Honda dealerships and legit Hondadata operators tune and maintain youre car.