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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  Rolling Brick - 2006 Honda Element
  By sweeks1360 - April 17 - 10:04 pm

  Very fun vehicle to drive and I love the open interior space. Plenty of room for tall people. Great cargo hauling capacity and easy clean interior. Great sound system - 270 watt stereo. Ride in back seats can be bumpy, but nice moonroof for the rear people. 2007 model has 5 speed automatic and can get slight better highway mileage than this 4 speed automatic, but still decent mileage.

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  Transmission Problems - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - April 17 - 7:56 pm

  I would not recommend the Honda Pilot to anyone that intends on keeping the vehicle for a long time. My transmission went at 101,000 miles and the maintenance had always been done by the book. Looking at $2500 to replace transmission. Once repaired, I will make sure that it belongs to someone else within a few days. Will not buy another Honda. I have owned a couple of Honda Accords and they were good cars. The Pilot Sux. Wanted something bigger because I am a disabled veteran with leg injuries and needed the extra leg room. If you but a Pilot, you had better buy the triple super duper extended warranty with it, because you will have transmission problems.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CMB - April 17 - 6:52 pm

  I love my 2004 Honda Pilot. I have had it for 5 years and recommend it to all my friends. I drive 50 miles a day to and from work and it has a smooth ride and handles great even after having it almost 5 years. The DVD system is great and the fold away 3rd row seating is very convenient. It has a good amount of leg room, even in the 3rd row. It has been very reliable. The family enjoys traveling in it. My only complaint is that on the highway, it does have a fair amount of noticeable wind noise.

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  Odyssey Touring - NAV/RES/PAX - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By White Tiger - April 17 - 3:52 pm

  Purchased as a Honda Certified used car. I was impressed by the long list of features and the fact that at 67" I could not only drive it, but could sit in all the other seats with reasonable comfort (OK, headroom isnt terrific in the third row...). If the 05 had the telescopic steering wheel of the 07s and up (and if Honda had been thoughtful enough NOT to have put a big bulge in the ceiling to house the rear HVAC controls right over a tall drivers head!), it would be even better! I read about gas mileage problems, but I get about 21 overall (26 when mixed with half freeway miles), and can easily get a steady 30+ going down the freeway at 60 mph. P.S. 34K on PAX with 30%+ left.

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  A Great SUV without the bulk - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mcm - April 17 - 3:00 pm

  We bought this is may of 2006 for 18k with 34k miles on it. I replaced the tires and brakes, along with fixing the rear a/c ($50) and 5 minutes of my time to install the new part. My wife primarily drives this car, and she has really enjoyed it. It has proved excellent in the snow here I despite being able to carry 8 people, this car is only slightly longer than my 98 Subaru wagon. We have taken many 1000 miles trips, and have been very impressed in the power and handling. On trips averaging 80-85 mph, we average a bit over 20 mpg which is outstanding considering the size and power. Even with all season tires, the awd does great, and the vcm lock is great for really slippery conditions.

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  Poor build quality - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By wnick - April 17 - 2:23 pm

  Bought a brand new 2008 Pilot EX in southern California in Feb 2008. A day later, replaced a defect door trim, and about 30 days later spotted many rusty parts underside the car. Some of them appear to be very rusty and must have started a while ago. Contacted both dealer and regional Honda office. They claimed that surface rusts are not covered by the warranty and declined to fix it. So before you decide to buy a Honda, it might be a very good idea to check out the underside paint carefully. We never expect this poor paint quality. We also have a 1999 Camry. Even today, it shows no underside rust at all.

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  New Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By gppatterson - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had many hondas. Accord, RSX, Integra; the Pilot is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Why anyone would pay the additional money for an MDX is beyond me. Hondas are normally quiet but this car takes it to a new level. My father has a GS400 Lexus and while the ride in the Pilot is different it feels just as luxurious and solid. Nice job Honda.

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  2004 EX-V6N Manual - 2004 Honda Accord
  By tcamarda - April 17 - 10:00 am

  My criteria included sub 15 sec quarter mile, .8 skid pad, slalom 63MPH, and something to augment our Grand Prix on road trips. This car meets all of those requirements at a price far lower than other capable alternatives. Ride with the manual option has the handling sophistication of the Acura TSX I road tested, but the all season tires are a limiting factor. Power is abundant with torque giving easy third gear cornering allowing 3rd 4th changes only needed around town. The manual has a note on 6spd vehicles needing higher grade fuel to stop knocking below 1000RPM, I put in premium this tank and its giving soother clutch engagement.

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  Good car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Guy - April 17 - 8:46 am

  This car has been the family car for a while (including a back and forth trip NJ-FLA). So far the car is good, but not great. Maybe its the first year blues after the redesign, but already problems have arisen. The a/c went once already. The dealers story was that the condenser apparently got hit by a rock, and had to be replaced. There have also been windshield wiper problems which are difficult to explain but require fixing. Other nit picks include the exaggerated turning radius, the car easily bottoming out on speed bumps and such, crappy standard radio, and amplified road noise. Dont misunderstand me, this is a good car, I just wonder if there are better small sedans out there.

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  New to this model - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By diggy415 - April 17 - 7:20 am

  Well my third type of Honda, so far so good, 6cd changer, moon roof, lots of doggy room to boot, Will be taking this off road a lot. Dont know how it handles in snow yet, but love the comfortable ride it gives and the stereo sound.