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:

• 

  Pilot is a winner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MaxVoe - January 10 - 7:06 am

  This is my fourth Honda. Two sedans, a 2000 Odyssey. Considered an Explorer first but this Pilot feels much roomier inside. It is as easy to drive as my Accord, and the ride is almost as smooth. Although I liked my Odyssey, I wanted to tow about 3500 lbs and felt uncomfortable doing that with a front drive only car. The AWD comes in handy and also helps getting up my driveway in icy Winters.The leather seats in the Pilot are even more comfortable than in my Odyssey, great for long distance driving. Service here in Hyannis has been outstanding.

• 

  The "Mayesmobile": A Well-Built Wagon - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Marc Mayes - January 9 - 10:58 pm

  A silver 1996 Honda Accord wagon has been in our family for so long, it has earned the loving nickname "The Mayesmobile". It has transported us through blizzards and hurricanes reliably and comfortably. For a decade, it has swallowed our hockey gear, musical instruments, friends and animals with ease. After all these years, it is still a peppy* drive, rattle-free over potholes, nimble in the corners and easy to parallel park. As the car has gotten older, we have had a few issues finding parts (struts at 90,000 miles) when weve needed them, but as of yet, no major repairs have been required outside of routine maintenance. It is easily the best car our family has ever owned.

• 

  Elementary My Dear Honda - 2004 Honda Element
  By nrb - January 9 - 5:38 pm

  I have had my Honda well past the breaking in. As a matter of fact when I collided with a red light runner last year, I was lucky to have been driving my Element. My daughter and I were unhurt, and my Honda withstood the impact very well. The firefighters who rescued me were also impressed by the car-airbags deployed and all. I cannot say enough about this vehicle except to say that when my daughter leaves for college next year she will be driving the Element, and Momma is getting a new car, another Element. After all, when something fits and works so well, why change it? Thank you Honda engineers, you made the perfect multigenerational car. Now make a hybrid Element for me

• 

  Paid Dealer Invoice for this beauty - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By uscsublime - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We almost bought a Toyota Highlander and were recommended to test a Pilot. We bought the Pilot the next day after that dealer in Escondido, Cush, said these are never discounted. We went to Poway Sunday morning during the local nfl game and it was empty. We paid invoice and felt great about it. Remember the buyer is in charge all the time. Dont listen to salespeople.

• 

  CR-V: safe features and economical - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By TimGo - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The added safety features in the 2005 CR-V at a price under $20K made the purchase decision easy for me and my wife. There are 8 air bags (2 front, 6 side), ABS, and stability assist. Im 63" and there is plenty of room for me. Kids, ages 10, 12, and 15, can sit in the rear without being overly crowded. The 5-spd automatic is quite smooth. On interstates, road noise is noticeable, but wind noise is not. I did not buy this vehicle off-road use and dont live in a snowy climate, so I could forego AWD and save some money. The CR-V had about the best EPA mileage for a small SUV, and insurance costs are not out of line. I dont need a lot of power so the 4cyl 162 HP engine is more than adequate

• 

  My 2nd Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jen6 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 04 civic lx in January, then upgraded to my accord, for just a little more a month... I love the looks of my car inside and out. I have two problems though, my radio has a lot of static. My overhead compartment falls down constantly... I am taking it to the shop this week for these two problems.

• 

  An excellent compromise - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jrlarson - January 9 - 7:16 am

  What a fun car. Excellent compromise of cost, utility and fun. Great handling, good comfort, good engine performance. Best fun per dollar Ive ever had in a car. Only thing I dont like is the tendency of the engine to hold up revs when off-throttle while shifting.

• 

  fun to drive - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By N Jacobs - January 9 - 1:54 am

  Lots of power, sensitive acceleration, seating very comfortable, good vision on dash panel, needs clearence between console and seat, cannot retreave nothing in between, little chrome or pinstriping would spiffy it up a little more.fun to drive and no problems.

• 

  We love it - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By DJ - January 8 - 9:06 pm

  Traded a very loaded Tahoe. It has more room than Tahoe for passengers and is much better on gas. DVD is a must for kids and navigation is a must for dad/mom. It does not seem like a minivan. We love it. It rides excellent.

• 

  Very reliable truck - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By luis - January 8 - 4:44 pm

  Quality control is excellent. I own 3 hondas, no complaints at all. Theyre built to last forever, as long as you keep up with their regular maintenance. 5 Speed tranny is the best,very smooth, very powerful, its a honda.