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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  So far, so good - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By yossarian - May 27 - 6:03 pm

  Have about 500 miles on the car so far. The entire family likes it. It replaced an Infiniti JX35, and everyone likes it better that that car. We have none of the radio, bluetooth or shifting problems mentioned by other 2016 Pilot owners (yet?). The radio is fine; in fact, it is better than average. Ditto for the nine-speed tranny. Works great - and much better than Infinitis CVT. Adequately powered. Good gas mileage. And it takes regular gas. The car is quiet. Well soundproofed, with acoustic glass. Very little wind noise, engine noise or tire noise. Every seat is comfortable. Plenty of storage, including storage behind the third seats. I was expecting to hate the entertainment system / user interface, but I dont. I wish it had volume knobs, but it has a permanent volume "touch slider" that is relatively easy to find, plus volume knobs on the steering wheel. And it is very easy to program-in favorite programs, which are then readily accessible. HVAC system has separate, permanent, easy to find and use controls. Plenty of USB ports. Steering is much more precise than the Infiniti, which felt like it had a rubber band connected between the steering wheel and front wheels. Infiniti liked to wander everywhere, except in a straight line (and the Infinitis "loose" steering made it tiresome to keep it going in a straight line). Pilot tracks straight. As for technology, it has virtually everything except 360 degree, birds eye view cameras. Im not a big fan of the push-button shifter, but I expect it just takes time to get used to it. I cant speak to reliability of dealer service yet. I will update the review at a later time.

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  Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Krista - May 27 - 12:20 pm

  I absolutely love the new Honda Civic Hybrid. This Civic rides much better than by 2003 and is a reliable car. Never had a problem with it and I average about 43 miles to the gallon.

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  Honda Fan - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Zehnpfenng - May 27 - 10:24 am

  The Pilot is the best vehicle we have owned. It drives great, has all the features we need and has rock solid reliability.

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  Long Live the Insight! - 2001 Honda Insight
  By Dan L - May 26 - 11:41 pm

  Its a tragedy that Honda never really promoted the Insight in the USA. We love it - peppy, great gas mileage (30-50 city, 55-70 hwy), great looking. Now why would anybody need a larger car for commuting? A geniune joy to drive. Were sad to hear that Honda is discontinuing it in Sept. 2006. It will be missed by those who had the good sense to get one. Honda would be smart to produce a hybrid Fit (our other car).

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  Love My S2K - 2006 Honda S2000
  By eliyale - May 26 - 11:30 pm

  Driving the S2K is a blast! For the driving enthusiast, there is no better car for the money. The car always feels a little wild, not buttoned down in the way that European sports cars are. There is unique feeling of being at one with the car. The overall driving experience is exhilirating. Interior design is excellent, and the seating position is perfect. The car is noisy on the highway, but the ride quality is suprisingly comfortable for a sports car. If you dont need room for more than one passenger and you dont carry much cargo, its an acceptable daily driver. I love the fact that you dont see many S2000s on the road and the resulting stares and questions that you get from onlookers

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  thank goodness for honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ckrich - May 26 - 10:00 am

  What a nice surprise after two Jeeps---I am hoping the reliability will compare to the two Hondas I had before the Jeeps, especially my 99. That was a very bad experience!

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  The Odyssey is Great - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By lantana - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This Odyssey is the best built vehicle weve ever had. Its better put together than our Camry or Corolla (and they were both excellent), and lightyears ahead of any American vehicle weve owned.

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  Deal deal deal - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Dubs - May 26 - 10:00 am

  After shopping around thoroughly I have found that the civic is the best car for the money and even for more money.Sure, the VW Golf GL looks better, but the handling, manual transmission, lack of armrest, price and cost of insurance make it less desirable. Before taxes and tags I got the Civic EX manual for 14,500 which is almost a grand less than the golf. Despite Hondas inexcusably poor warranty in comparison to every other maker. Compared to the Sentra, Corrola, Echo, Lancer, and Focus the car drives better, has quicker pickup, is more comfortable, has a better sound system, and comes with a great engine.

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  Best Car - Honda Civic LX 2003 - Fun! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Mehul - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Honda Civic LX 2003 is very good car to own. Only one thing I dont like is noise on Highway. Need improvement - reduce out side noise. - add ABS I was Toyotas lover- Since last 15 years. This Year I have tested HONDA - It worthed to by Good quality car.

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  Hybrid Civic Kicks Amps - 2003 Honda Civic
  By --dave - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Not a muscular car especially, but a true performer in all areas. My favorite is the handling, which made my choice easy over the opponent Prius. The electric variable-assist steering is exceptionally tight and exact, and the rest of the car follows it superbly with crisp handling, stiff chassis and just enough feel of the road; very comfortable seats and interior. Instrument panel is accessible but not distracting while driving, and gives lots of feedback if you wish to maximize fuel economy or minimize emissions. Bravo to Honda for not underestimating our ability to understand and apppreciate the technical details behind the dashboard gages!