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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  honda pilot, pros and cons - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By tracy10 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. I switched from a minivan to this midsize suv, i love it. it drives wonderfully, plenty of room for 4 kids too. We motorhome, so we bought it for the towing capabilities too. basically hook it up and go!!! its super. you wont go wrong with this one..

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  Good One - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Reena - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Good Vehicle. Excellent Looking. Comfortable Driving. Reliable. But very poor body. If you press with hand, it will just go inside. No heated seat. No in-built back up video camara. Also Navigation and DVD combination is not there.

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  Good Mini for the Money - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By gsdgf - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Solid car, great for long trips.

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  You should know..... - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Notsure - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 02 Ex V6 in 11/02 - I really enojy this car, but cant stop comparing it to my 91 Accord EX. No V6 with 5sp? From the first day I drove it off the lot I knew something was wrong with the transmission. 39000 miles later and out of warranty I was told it was going out. The mechanics even have a nickname for this problem "Slip and slam". Apparently this is a PROBLEM, all 00-01s are covered by an extended tranny warranty until 100K. They dont like to talk about this. The guy quotes me $4000 to repair it. WHAT???? I didnt buy that Honda Care crap,,,its a HONDA!! The dealer picked up the tab and all is well again.

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  A Reliable Sport Rocket!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Red Sled - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned the 03 accord coupe 6 speed for about three months now, and would not trade it for the world. I love its torque driven 240hp v-6. The suspension with 4 point upper strut bars and lower anti-roll bars help this sled rocket though corners as if it were glued to the pavement. The 6 speed close ratio tranny can elevate you to new levels excitement (and G-forces). The 17in. wheels and 215/50 michelin rubbers definately help the mean stance the front end of the accord holds. With the help of it TCS, the accord has no worries about wet traction either, I can barely get it to break loose in even a down pour.

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  A great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Snoopy33 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car for 4 days and love it. Its fun to drive. This is my first Honda and I am very impressed. I had a 96 Taurus that cant even compare to this car. I like the looks of the Accord and more importantly I am sold on Hondas reliability. I keep my cars for 6-8 years and needed a car that can rack up miles and keep on going. Its a great family car and is an eye catcher too.

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  2008 Honda Accord Coupe 2.4L 5M - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jseejr - December 25 - 12:23 pm

  I have shopped around for months now, and nothing has been more attractive and financially appealing as my new Honda Accord coupe. I love the styling of it, it looks like a mix between an Acura TL and a BMW 3 series. Its fun to drive, and gets great gas mileage. I couldnt have asked for a better car.

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  READ THIS IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ACCORDS - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rob - December 25 - 10:05 am

  I have a 2004 Accor EX-L v6 coupe. I bought the thing on craigslist and it had a dirty title. Some very shifty stuff that the carfax did not explain such as a "flood-branded title" and a "total loss" that occured in May 2006. Somehow this thing has the dirtiest carfax Ive ever seen, but it was taken to the dealer over 10 times (on carfax) for typical maintenance. I was told the timing belt was changed, it wasnt. So I spent 1300 on that w/ water pump, etc. Get a load of this, the car had a leaking rack and pinion and that costed me another 1000. I need to drive another accord because my mechanic gave me a high performance rack and pinion and this thing handles like a dream (maybe it should its brand new "rebuilt"). Bottom line....I got the car a year ago with 144,500 miles. It now has 147,445. I do not drive that much but did drive from DC to Boston 3 times and the car was a dream. Again, this is an old car, but if you notice that a lot of accords are on the road, it is for a reason. The fact that someone probably abused my car and it was in a flood (i really think it was not b/c 3 mechanics couldnt find any water damage or accident damage). As long as my tranny holds up (auto) I should be good. If you are a original owner and have kept up your maintence, keep the car. if you buy a v6, the rack and pinion goes at 90k-120k miles ive noticed from friends accords. They are great cars and I will throw another tranny in if needed because my car with its title is worthless and to me its worth 10 grand because of how well it works now. if you need new auto tranny, definitely look at willow creek out of SC. They fixed the tranny prob that the 03-07s had. but 02-06 is the real problem years for the auto tranny. Accord and Camry are 2 most reliable cars in the world and 4 cylinders are even more reliable but who wants a 4 cylinder? the 3.0 is a beast (has an electronic throttle that has a problem just live Rav4) very peppy at first.

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  Great Car, some small gripes - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By nschemmaster - December 25 - 12:30 am

  I upgraded from a Subaru Impreza, so this EX-L with Nav is luxurious. It is well built and rides great, with little road noise and tire noise. It is easy to go 70+ in this car and not feel it. The Nav is great. I really dont miss my Nuvi, although this took some getting used to. Back up camera is good only for judging when not to hit something (which is good), but clarity of detail is lacking in certain light conditions. I also think power is adequate. I can merge, and pass others without issue. The size of the vehicle is taking some getting used to. I am used to my small Impreza. In rain the car is solid, not tested in snow yet. I also like the autolocking. Bluetooth is lacking (see below)

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  Odyssey = 8 passenger Accord - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Not - December 24 - 6:22 am

  Exterior looks are clean and just OK.. Interior is very nice and quite, we have the DVD system which is very nice for long trips rear passengers viewing only.. Onboard vacuum works great but I believe is a gimmick.. Rear 110 volt plug is great . The ride quality is awesome and never cramped for space. ONLY ISSUE : Honda really needs to work on second row rear seats ! If Chrysler can figure out fold flat self storing seats Honda should also..