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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  Love our ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Virginia - July 13 - 3:32 pm

  Comfortable roomy great storage.

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  2008 Fit Sport manual - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Amy - July 13 - 3:18 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and mileage is better than advertised. We get 34-41 mpg city. My husbands feet have trouble with the pedals. He says there is not enough room for his feet if he is wearing boots.

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  Love my honda - 2000 Honda Accord
  By kidace - July 13 - 1:30 pm

  I have 265,000 miles on my Honda and it still drives great. I have only done oil changes and replaced the tires. I recommend people to consider getting a Honda or at least trying one before buying.

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  Problem Every Year - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Honda Odyssey - July 13 - 10:02 am

  Well, lets just say Im a bit disappointed with my 2005 Odyssey EX. Looks like a good mini-van (Im a Honda fan), but since I bought this 2005 new model seems like every year I have some kind of problem with it. First year I had to replace brakes (twice), had whistling noise from the windshield (dealer replaced rubber gasket in 2006), in 2007 had to replace steering fluid pump (was making noise) and now in 2008 I just started to notice strange noises from fuel tank (taking it to a dealer next week), but out of warranty now. Cant wait to see whats the problem this time. I have learned a hard way never to buy a new model the first year it comes out. Hope that nothing happens next year.

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  Mixed feelings?! Glove box came with gap - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By 2005 Odessey family - July 13 - 3:06 am

  First of all the EPG is totally off! Although I am not sure if this is because of the type of gas you are using. When I use Stop $hop Gas I only get 15 MPG, use Mobile and I get maybe 20. The other thing is the glove box had gap in it.There was after spray on the moldings my van is white. My CD changer stopped working in December. Took a month to order and I wont get my CDs back until who knows when).I am dissapointed to buy a new car and have so many things wrong with it. They are minor and hopefully will not create more problems. Althought the CD player has been fixed I have to return to the dealer to get the side pannels fixed and now my dome lights are not working at all?!

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  One Day and lovin it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lovin it - July 13 - 12:29 am

  I have had my Pilot for 1 day i brought it at Honda east. It is certified and has a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty. Great on gas. had 50,500 miles when i brought it. My kids love the 3rd row seat. The trunk is really small when the third row seat is up. Very spacey and reliable.

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  The 9 speed trans. is the worst Ive driven - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By RJ - July 12 - 7:29 pm

  Stay away, I regret spending my hard earned money on this junk, the 9 speed gear box is dangerous, it shifts randomly jerking everyone around and speeds up on down hills. Acura has lost a lot of respect because of this 9 speed so WHY Honda do you put this in the new pilot???? Consumers Report has info on this issues saying to be careful or youll be sorry. I trusted the Honda name so didnt do my homework before buying. I have 7,000 miles and waiting for the new Highlander, it has the Lexus 8 speed that is smooth as silk, yes Ill take a beating but am forced to make the change, I wont drive it, nor will my Wife drive it. STAY AWAY

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dlmorgan - July 12 - 4:06 pm

  The 2005 Honda Pilot is well made in fit & finish. It travels well in comfort & limited road noise. It falls well short of the sticker advertised gas mileage however. Upon returning to the dealer because of 13 to 14 mpg, I was reminded of the 11 to 36 mph fine print. Futher, I was informed that all of the dealership Pilot owners were getting the same mileage. I also find the Pilot hard to start. It requires several overturns of the engine to start. The dealership check this and informed me that this is normal for all pilots. The handrail by the head could be hazardous in quick lateral moves or in accidents. A previous Honda owner, & disappointed.

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  Happy Honda Ride - 2008 Honda Accord
  By CCSLVR - July 12 - 2:30 pm

  I wanted to get a nice sedan with a standard shift. The Accord EX-L 5- speed fit the bill. I enjoy driving the car each and every day (even to work). The 4 cylinder engine is just right for quick acceleration and highway cruising. I get 25 MPG in mixed driving and 31 MPG on the highway. The ownership experience has been excellent. Dealer service is done with a smile.

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  Vibration also - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By bummed10 - July 12 - 1:48 pm

  Really like the vehicle, except for the vibration issue so many others are noting. Honda, please get a fix out for this as soon as possible. Notice after car has fully warmed up, you stop in "drive" and you are not running accessories like heater. It is much more vibration than a typical 4 cylinder. It does seem like the cause is idling too low. Otherwise, the car is really nice.