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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  My Little Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By shallwechat - June 19 - 4:52 pm

  I never knew how good a vehicle could be until I had this one! We LOVE it! I think it gets pretty good gas mileage, 18-19 in town and 21 or so on the highway. It has just enough room for us in case we have to leave during hurricane season, myself, my hubby, my son, 2 dogs, 3 cats, 1 turtle (and a partridge in a pear tree maybe - lol). It rides smooth, shifts smooth and I have had many compliments on it! My next vehicle will definitely be another Honda pilot!

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  Best SUV For The Money - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Brad - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  I say I have to agree with most of the reviews. Its still hard for me to believe how much room is inside. Also the foolproof service display tells you when to change your oil, rotate tires and much more. Love this SUV and its looks great. Fun to drive!!! Great job on the new design!

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  Best car ever (not literally, but yea) - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Birthday Ball - June 19 - 2:52 pm

  Id be making millions and Id still be driving this thing. The design is great inside and out. Surprisingly room and big for a compact vehicle, though it still gets some wicked mpg. I love it. I drove a 93 Honda Accord before and it was as reliable though less cool. I used to take the thing off roading and never gave it oil changes- still never broke down. Hondas are reliable creatures. I give my 06 Civic regular oil changes, and have changed the brakes and transmission oil once. They just need regular maintenance (that can be done at home if you dont mind getting your hands a little dirty), and theyll last you forever.

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  Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Brad Seiter - June 19 - 2:20 pm

  Solid vehicle, interior componentry is superior to other vehicles in its class.

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  Looking forward to many years - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Bill F. - June 19 - 10:36 am

  The truck has a lot of features that I am thrilled about. You get the convenience of a quality car included in a truck. I hated paying $35K but I have to admit this is a real value compared to the competition. There are many features that will take time to get to know before I am fully comfortable knowing my way around the cab.

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  A Good Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mid-west mom - June 19 - 8:17 am

  My second Honda-another manual. If it were a station wagon it would be perfect. Great mileage-40 mpg on the highway, 32 in mixed driving. Reliable, easy to drive in town or on the interstate. Enough "go" to deal with big semis going 80, but handy to park. More fun to drive than our Toyota. The kids say the back seat is a squeeze but they arent buying the gas to run it. I expect that my 11 year old will drive this car through college and beyond without problems. I have owned Volvo, VW, BMW, and Toyota cars, but for ease of ownership, reliability, economy, and over all performance,my heart belongs to Honda. I just really, really want a real station wagon again--like my 1991 Accord. Please?

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  The Best Minivan for its Class - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By yodpad - June 19 - 4:05 am

  So far since I purchased this car has been terrific. Drive very smooth. I have put 3000 miles on the already. Has a great acceleration. and Good on gas mileage compare to other van.

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  3600 miles in one month. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Sean Evans - June 19 - 2:43 am

  I drive a lot for work. And this car is almost perfect for the job. 1. The car literally can almost drive itself. 2. Seriously...The adaptive cruise control is amazing in stop and go traffic. It even comes to a complete stop. 3. The lane watch technology follows the striped lines on the road. Steering is required. 4. I set a beep to warn to brake for being to close to the car in front of me. 5. And the lane departure helps as well. The cars technology is decent. The apple play is convenient but they added to many other options to connect and its just in the way.

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  I love my Crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By maynard - June 18 - 10:07 pm

  Most people who hate this car dont own or drive one.

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  Great overall car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Accord_guy - June 18 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had this car since 2002, six years later and still have had no problems with it. I drive in the city, as well as long 400 mile trips. Car looks great, gets 35 mpg on the highway, 29 combined. It now has 210,000 miles and still runs strong and reliable. I would recommend this car to anyone.