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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  Lots to love about a Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Walkn1 - November 25 - 4:09 pm

  Ive owned respectively a Rambler, a Honda Civic, a VW Golf, a Prius, Smart Car, Toyota Yaris and NoW the grand mamoo of all ----the Honda Pilot. What a joy! I feel like a princess and a cowgirl. My dreams of comfort, safety, reliability, and handling have all been met. Probably wont need a husband again! And theres an eco-button which averages around 33 mpg. Does it get better for me than that? Get in and get up up and away. I took a road trip within 2 months of buying it used.

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  Good Choice For An SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By NY Driver - November 25 - 12:26 am

  I have found that this SUV is very comfortable, easy to handle, has decent gas mileage, and is fun to drive.For what you get with the price you cant beat it with other SUVs.

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  cr-AvE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By 2Market - November 24 - 11:49 pm

  I absolutely just love my CR-V! I totaled my 2000 CR-V back in April (negligence on the other side). I had 186,000 miles on my vehicle. I immediately started looking for another CR-V. I found a 2005, and a 2003. Went with the 2003, it only had 42k miles on it. I do not care for the new CR-Vs and know I will not buy one of that style in the future. No regulated spare tire, only a donut. No picnic table (cmon guys, this was what the CR-V was known for when it first came out). It is time to rethink the CR-V features that we CR-V owners have been know to love so much.

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  Love this truck! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By amy - November 24 - 10:57 pm

  All the best features of a crew cab truck and a station wagon combined. Room for 4 adult passengers, dry cargo area, towing, sheet goods and lumber-friendly bed, dual action tail gate. 58,000 miles in a little over 2 years, its been great.

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  Stop complaining about the seats! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By tom in kc - November 24 - 8:10 pm

  Ok....I get it...a few do not like the seats but less attention needs to given to the subject. I always do homework to ensure I will arrive at the best price and get the most value. I shopped Altima, Camry, Maxda6 and obviously the Accord all with 4cyl & automatic. The Altima came in the cheapest with the 6 and the Accord coming in both at $19,800 and last the Camry at $21K. All drove excellent but in the end I bought my first Honda. The LXP is a great value pkg and brings the msrp to $23,225.00. After a dozen domestics in my past I am happy to own a Honda. The car drives great and just got 390 miles on my first tank...driving in around city makes that 21mpg. The car is a pleasure to drive.

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  The best SUV!! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Arica - November 24 - 6:28 pm

  I love my CRV TOURING. But the brakes sound like their dragging when the vehicle is cold. Every time I take it in for service I tell the dealership about them and they tell me their fine. I HOPE SO!! Makes me a little uncomfortable. The back up camera needs a beeper if something is in the way. But other than those 2 things all is great!! I depend on that Honda reliability. I drive 80 miles a day to work. I need it.

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  One Dependable Buddy - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Red - November 24 - 12:39 pm

  I drove this model from 1997 to 2007 when I was still in the Philippines, and I tell you, it was such a dependable car that I never had any breakdown at all. I had to sell it because I moved to the US, and recently I bought exactly the same model - and a very much used one with 173,000 miles - and I have been driving it around with no problems at all. My friends asked me why I bought this very old car, and I told them I just trust it. I know every nook and cranny of the car and I believe and trust that it will give me another 100,000 miles and perhaps even more. It is not as exotic as the modern cars now, but it still looks great to me.

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  What a car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Cat - November 24 - 11:38 am

  For the money this car is great! You get all the toys you want and you get a great car that will last for years to come.

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  Excellent, but not exciting. - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Returning Honda Owner - November 24 - 11:18 am

  What Honda does well is create vehicles that are solid and dependable, but not necessarily fun to drive, with certain exceptions. I have a 2017 Pilot EX-L and it has a very nice interior that has many features and comforts which add to a smooth driving experience. It is very spacious, both for passengers and cargo and has a lot of safety measures and technology that are on par with anything in its class. On the highway, this car is as smooth as can be. My only two complaints are the following: It isnt terribly engaging to drive. I just lost a 2006 Jeep Commander that drove like a car and hugged the road. The Pilot feels "safe" and almost boring to drive. I felt that the Toyota Highlander handled better, but I went with the Pilot because of other things that beat out Toyota. It handles more like a van than an SUV and I feel that the driving "experience" is less than exciting. Its fine and it drives nicely, but I want a little more engagement. The second complaint is that the touchscreen is not terribly intuitive, which is not only annoying, but is distracting to use while driving. Yes, some of the controls are also on the steering wheel, which helps, but even for the passenger, the screen isnt the easiest (although I hear it is an improvement over the last model). There is no volume button or dial and therefore you have to locate the touch volume and tap it repeatedly to change the volume. There is no need for that, as a dial is far easier to use while driving. Technology should make things simpler, not more difficult. I have a 2010 Audi A4 with outdated technology, but it is much easier to use. Those two things aside, the car is very comfortable and grows on me the more I drive it. The traction in snow is excellent, as is braking and it is a very well made vehicle. If Honda could add a little more excitement to the car, it would really increase the overall excitement. No regrets, thus far.

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By REVELLE - November 24 - 10:36 am

  Perfect for where i live in the winter. Perfect for carrying my dogs good but not great gas milage i have owned 3 crvs and i love them all