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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  Not Worth 30K+ contd - 2010 Honda Accord
  By pakkya - July 1 - 2:23 am

  So I dropped off the car at dealers for them to look at radio reception and fan noise. They came back to say they couldnt hear the fan and the radio reception was normal - given that XM is installed, it interferes with the FM/AM reception-BS!. Every car now has XM and not all have radio issues. It most likely is the antenna assembly that is inferior quality. Also, driver seat has started creaking whenever you shift your position while sitting - I am 64, 220lbs - but then this is a LARGE FAMILY SEDAN. I am very much convinced that Honda uses cheap quality materials for its interior to keep prices low and profits up. Its not worth buying an EX- L, a LX MIGHTVE been worth the money.

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  Month 1 - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tucson Dave - July 1 - 1:25 am

  Just getting through the first couple of tanks of gas. The mileage is very respectable in comparison to other trucks in the same category. This is a domesticated truck with a lot of refinement that a work truck would not necessarily have. If you have an occasional need for a truck then this is your vehicle. If you are in need of heavy towing and off road capabilities this will probable not fill your needs. But be serious about how deep into the wilderness you go and you will probable come to the conclusion this truck will meet your needs 95% of the time. A great time to buy with incentives, fear of gas prices and oversupply that probable will not exist next year.

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  better cars for the buck - 2017 Honda Accord
  By cruz michael - June 30 - 8:17 pm

  Looks like a lot of bells and whistles, but they are not that impressive.Everyone knows they have great reliability, but besides that nothing is really impressive of about this car. I will only say what I dont like about this car. Exterior- Rear trunk is flimsy. Honeycomb front grill is difficult to clean and keep clean.Sunroof is too small. Headlights on low beam do not shine far enough. Interior is worse! The leather they use seems more like vinyl, not good quality. The sound system is abysmal. The back up camera and side view camera are very pixlelated. All the fancy things the dash screen can do , can only be done while in park. There is no gauge on the tires for individual tire pressure , only a dummy light. You cant dim the dash screen lights only turn them off( too bright). The apple car play/ Android feature only works if your phone is plugged into the usb port. It will not work with blue tooth. Now I do like the memory seat feature and the cool led light that shines down on the center console. Over all this care for this price shoud be better. This is a 2017 model but no choice in options to list it, but it has very little if any changes from 2016.

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  Love It! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By nnylfa - June 30 - 6:16 pm

  We were torn between a Toyota Highlander and the Pilot and went with the Pilot because of the cavernous interior and more comfortable seat. We definitely made the right decision! Weve only had the car for about a week. Others have complained about the lack of pick up but we dont have any complaints. We love the interior. Although it feels so roomy, it is much easier to park and maneuver then it looks. I do agree with the others who stated that some of the interior components seem a little cheap. Also, Ive never had a rear wiper before and Ive gotten OCD about keeping the darn thing clean. Are they always so prone to dirt? I seem to be spraying and wiping constantly.

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  2000 Civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By JG - June 30 - 5:05 pm

  I bought this car new and it has been well worth the money. It has never needed repairs just minor routine maintenance. The gas mileage is great and the reliability is awesome. 160K miles and going strong. I will keep this car until it just wont go any longer, Im thinking 250K miles easy.

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  all positive - 2007 Honda S2000
  By Otterman - June 30 - 3:32 pm

  Ive owned "lil red" for 3 months. This is the first sports/performance car Ive owned so I can offer no comparisons, but can say I have no disappointments. Very impressed with the build quality and I see no flaws in performance. This car is equally at home cruising downtown or screaming through the hills, and it never gets finicky, just purrs along ready for anything. Hitting vtec is nice, esp if you have some room to play. 8k rpm = 70 mph in 3rd, and you still have 3 more gears! Steering is very linear, suspension is firm but not punishing. This car makes no mistakes but will certainly point out yours :) if you like sports cars youll probably love it.

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  Honda Crv - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ramona Favela - June 30 - 2:51 pm

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  Dissapointing qualitites - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By John - June 30 - 10:19 am

  I like the van but, yes, theres a big fat Honda "but". My cheaper 2002 Volkswagen Jetta has higher quality safety and practical features than the Honda. I have only 1, yes one complaint with the Jetta - placement of the cup holder. With Honda I have dozen minor annoying issues. Made and built in Alabama. When you call the dealership and Honda Customer Service - Amazing how they have a list of excuses Are they Psychic?! Its easier to deal with a Cell phone complaint, Timeshare or the IRS than Honda. "Its the winter snow", "You drove on dirt", "You drove on gravel" "You drove the Car", "Warantee? Nope, not covered! "NOT our Fault cause we monitored your poor driving skills." GPS Spyware?

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  My second Pilot - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lakelover - June 30 - 9:23 am

  Picked up our 08 Pilot on the 27th of June. We had an 03 that was hit from the rear (60 MPH) by a full size pickup. I was stopped waiting for traffic to clear and dont remember the accident. Vehicle is totaled. The folks responding to the scene commented, "the Pilot saved me from serious injuries or worse". I walked away after a thorough checkup be the EMT folks. I love our vehicle. SAFE, comfortable and excellent driver.

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  Brilliance - 2006 Honda Insight
  By xzizx - June 30 - 8:39 am

  The increase in vehicle interaction from the Insights digital display takes driving to a new standard. One where it is possible for precision gas saving. Very little guessing. Bad driving is spelled out right in front of you with lower mpg. Keeps one honest. At least more so than a vehicle w/o the same type of display. My 2006s Marconi sticker claims 57 City 56 Hghwy. I beat that easily. Took about a week for me to regularly beat those numbers. Avg City romps bring 66-70 mpg. Highway, which is supposed to be lower is even higher. Might have to do with having rare Cruise Control Option. Set it at 50-55 mph and the mileage is 70+mpg. These figs are w/o A/c running.