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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  Glad that I waited for 2005 model - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Daifaylow - April 25 - 1:10 pm

  I am throughly glad that I waited for the 2005 model, but I wish I did not have to wait 12 wks for delivery. Wife was not keen on driving a minivan, but now she wont let me drive it! Ample passing power on hwy and the spacious interior is way more comfortable than my 4-Runner. Better value and $5K cheaper than comparable Toyota Sienna XLE. On the negative side, disappointed with the fit and finish compared to previously owned 98 Accord. Gaps between body panels were quite noticable around the tailgate. Plastic plug popped out of the driver side sliding door when opened. Seams between carpet pieces should be tighter. Need more bass from speakers, not enough oomph! Overall,impressed.

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  Best Bet - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By R1200C - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is the best value for CUVs under the sun (Cute Utility Vehicle). It is not meant to be an off roader. Honda does not pretend it to be so. It will function as a great all weather family and stuff hauler, campground and tailgate tool and do this all with great fuel economy (comparatively), low emissions, easy maintenance and it will do all of this for a reasonable price. The resale will also be outstanding.

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  Worth a divorce! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By medicmike - April 25 - 6:33 am

  After test-driving a Civic Hybrid my wife threatened to divorce me if I bought one--until she test drove it herself. We own this and an 06 Ridgeline. Love Hondas and as always the quality is superb. Mileage isnt quite as good (43-47 mpg average) with my lead foot but I actually prefer the acceleration and power of the hybrid to a regular EX. CVT trans is great and never loses power like a standard automatic at shift points, even at speed (I can pass at 70+mph w/o problems). No loss of space in the trunk or interior from batteries. Navi system is definitely worth the extra $$$ especially if you are directionally challenged. Be ready for lots of stares and questions from people!!

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  Odyssey for us - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By ftx42 - April 24 - 3:10 pm

  This is our third Odyssey. We bought the first one to accomodate our grand kids and liked it as an all around vehicle for passengers/cargo. Very comfortable especially on road trips. Averaging around 19 MPG and 23 MPG on the highway.

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  My S2K - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Norseminn - April 24 - 11:15 am

  I have only owned the car two weeks. I cant keep my hands off this thing. My wife and I are always finding excuses to go somewhere via back country tar roads. My wife and I are in are late sixties and this car beats Geritol, hands down.

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  Simply amazing - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jedigiff - April 24 - 7:10 am

  Honda has hit a home run with this. Don’t bother with an Acura MDX, save $10K and get the Honda Pilot with the same features. Ride is powerful and smooth, handles like a luxury vehicle, can carry a ton. Gets decent MPG for an SUV this size. We have the 4x4 and are averaging 18 driving in mostly mountain roads, only 2 mpg less than our Honda Odyssey. Doubt you can improve MPG without decreasing the power, maybe Honda can come up with a hybrid model someday like the Highlander? Couldn’t be happier though. We are military, family of 4, and have many moves left in our career, we need the space and ability to tow a trailer. Buy one – and enjoy. Great job again Honda.

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  Im lovin it - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bonjovess - April 23 - 12:10 pm

  I have always driven American made cars. I would never give in to the Honda hype. So many people had them. When gas prices went up these recent months I decided it was time to trade my SUV to save gas money. It took me a few weeks to get used to the small size, but now Im hooked. The first two tanks of gas alone sold me. I am surprised how well my civic handles. I have driven it in pouring rain and not been afraid, the steering is very good. I was shocked how quickly I have gotten used to the smaller size. The only true complaint is that since I am a tall girl (58") it is kind of hard to get in and out of. Once I am in though, Im very comfortable.

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  Drives like a Honda, what can be better! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By grandpa Hanky - April 23 - 8:16 am

  Overall, this is the most comfortable and forgiving SUV I have ever driven. With nary a hitch the designers of the Pilot listened to what SUV enthusists wanted and integrated their needs. Feels solid, handles like a passenger vehicle, (not the school bus), while providing ample torque to merge on highways effortlessly. Leather seats, heated front buckets are exceedingly well made, adding a touch of elegance while maintaining Hondas practical roots. One minor flaw, which only goes to show, Hondas designers are human, is the close proximity of the windshield wiper stalk to the gearshift lever. Every now and then I mistakenly reach for the wiper stalk by mistake, and swish,swish..sigh..

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  Outstanding! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By GONZO - April 23 - 2:23 am

  After looking for the ideal SUV and trying the Acadia, Enclave, Highlander and the Outlook we end up with the 09 Pilot. And I am glad I did purchase this SUV. It rides great and it is so roomy inside. Other vehicles had better gas mileage and maybe a little more room in the trunk with 3rd row up, but the leg room for 3rd row was not as good as the Pilot. Also Honda has a better money returned for the vehicle than others. After all my wife and I are very happy with this vehicle.

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  Impressed with my Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Virender Sharma - April 22 - 7:33 pm

  Honda EX-L with Navigation is a great car. Very comfortable, great pick up and steady even at 70 on the highway.