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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  I Still love it but and doubting it - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Wanda - June 15 - 11:53 pm

  This is my first minivan and I love it. It is also my first new car. I did a lot of research before I decided on this car wanted 8 passenger and roll down windows. I have been across the country and back yet in the last year i have also had 2 power steering pumps replaced, an O2 sensor and now its in for an odd noise around 40 mph. They have no idea what it is. I still love the inside features. Could use more outlets and compartments. But I think it still beats the Toyota out on interior feature.

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  Fun car to drive - 2006 Honda Element
  By Don - June 15 - 8:31 pm

  I find the Element very reliable. The best car I have ever driven in snow. The only thing I find that I dont like is that the front seat become very uncomfortable on a long trip (anything over 50 miles). I would like to find out what the max. towing cap. is. I was told by a salesman (Salem, NH Honda) that the tongue weight can be no more than 1500 lbs. but I could tow over 2500 lbs. Is this true?

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  You HAVE to test drive before decision! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Swish1651 - June 15 - 6:06 pm

  I was interested in a 3-row vehicle and SUV. Knowing the terrible gas milage of most SUVs i started inclining to a van. Making a second trip to Honda Pilot, i fell in love with the 05 model. I STRONGLY SUGGEST DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION!! The price is amazing for the things included - sunroof, amazing bose system, very reliable navigation system, leather, and a 3rd row seat with compromisable trunk space. I purchased this vehicle in black with saddle leather interior, and was amazed at the beauty, while being a Honda. We did our hw, and payed $31,500. The Acura MDX was our other option, but was ending up being $43,000+.

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  Great Compact Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kathy - June 15 - 3:20 pm

  I went from a Yukon Denali to a Honda Civic as my main vehicle with no problem. I was hooked on a Honda once I drove my friends Accord several times. It felt heavy and handled the road well even though it had over 125,000 miles. I am very pleased with my purchase of a Honda Civic.

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  Still Lovin my Fit!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By barbiedoll - June 15 - 1:30 pm

  I have owned this car for a little over 3 months now, and it never fails to surprise me! I loved it the moment I test drove it. I have helped several friends move and taken a couple road trips already, and the amount of cargo this car can hold is staggering!! Along with that, it is comfortable for people of all heights and is fun to drive. It is much more zippy than you expect for an engine that size, and accelerating on the highway is done with ease. If you want a reliable, driver-friendly car, you should seriously consider the Fit!!

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  MY WONDERFUL NEW 2016 HONDA CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SHERRY COOK - June 15 - 5:54 am

  ONE WONDERFUL vehicle. drives like a pleasant dream. cruise resumes very gently and nicely, no gravity pull at all. Awesome graphic interface, turn up to full brightness and the display is sharp and clear and visible in any light. Simple graphics to operate. Back up camera has a lens in the passenger side so when you signal for right turn, you can see whats beside you in your blind spot. AWESOME. You can use that for parallel parking, too, to see how far from curb you are. WE LOVE THIS CAR. the wheels are GORGEOUS, too.

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  Fit is Tops - 2007 Honda Fit
  By A. R. Johnson - June 14 - 9:36 pm

  The Fit is truly an excellent vehicle, and suberbly "fits" the role it is expected to do. It has a surprising amount of room in the vehicle, and with the back seats folded down, it can accept an amazing amount of cargo. Performance is also a big plus, with strong acceleration on freeway entrance ramps and for passing. Gasoline mileage is also very good. On a recent tank, with about 50% highway and 50% city driving, I got about 36 MPG. Driving at reasonable highway speeds will yield about 40+ MPG. Handling is also excellent, reminding me of my old Honda CRX Si. All of the above, coupled with comfortable seats, make the Fit a fun car to drive.

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  Dissatisfied Pilot Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By scoot3 - June 14 - 9:15 pm

  Most everything is OK with the Pilot with the exception of the transmission. I would strongly recommend that anyone buying a Pilot to plan on trading the Pilot before the power train warranty runs out. If not, you will be facing a $2500 fix. Pilot had a transmission recall but it was not a very good fix. Also radio and CD player are poor quality. Had to replace.

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  Honda All the Way - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Wally - June 14 - 11:53 am

  I have owned my 04 EX 4 door for four years now and I cant say enough about the kind of car Honda builds. All I have done is regular maintenance and tires. Averaging 32 mpg and the car is still worth $10K on trade. What a car, my wife has a C-RV and my next car will be an Accord. HONDA ALL THE WAY!!!

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  Traction Monster - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By CHUCK - June 14 - 10:53 am

  We bought a house with a steep driveway. Our Accord struggled to get to the top when it was snow covered. The CRV with AWD climbs right up no problem. This is our third CRV. Only 1000 miles so far, but pleased at this point. CVT works well, and the interior is comfortable and quiet. The radio and ac controls are better than the 17 Accord we traded in, but still not quite to our liking. Would love to show a Honda engineer what we don’t like about it. Overall a very nice car.