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 crv 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By screwdriver - October 31 - 10:00 am

  i have this vehicle for 6 months now and it has fulfilled my needs so far. for an SUV its size - i must say its value is hard to beat. i considered the Rav 4 , ford escape and mazda tribute - all of which i IMO did not compare to the total value of the CRV.

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  GOOD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By REG B - October 31 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A NICE SUV. THE LEGROOM IS A LITTLE SHORT BUT I CA WORK WITH IT ME BEING (6FOOT) AND ALL I STILL LOVE IT. MORE POWER AND GERAT PERFORAMANCE.

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  Proven Safe - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dreamwalker - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2001 EX, drove it EVERYWHERE - our "mobile living room"; even went up Pikes Peak with no difficulty. When another driver decided to take the whole engine compartment out - we walked away unscathed and directly into a 2002!! I especially love that at 52" tall, I can still get out of my Civic and into the Odysseys driver seat and feel perfectly comfortable - not like Im driving some huge lumbering sloth.

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  Cant be beat! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By bytrain - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car. This was our 3rd Accord, and we have been very happy with it. The interior ergonomics are so much better than any American car on the market. It handles beautifully, and being a one-car family, its reliability has given us lots of peace of mind. I highly recommend this car.

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  AWSOME - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing. The day after I got it I had to pull an Explorer out of the mud.

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  Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is most definatly the best SUV on the market in this price range

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  GREAT SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jose M - October 31 - 10:00 am

  HONDA HIT A HOMERUN WITH THIS PILOT

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  Best Suv There Is - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By coolio13 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a supurb car. It handles of road situations very well. The engine is finely tuned and fells likea sportscar. The interior is spacious and well thought out. Like the eight passenger seating. And best of all its a honda. I am very pleases with my purchase.

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  never dies - 1994 Honda Accord
  By UberRealiable - October 31 - 3:21 am

  Bought car with 204k. All parts seemed to be original, except radiator and timing belt. Car now has 220k on it and has been treated to a new clutch slave master cylinder to keep the pollution low in the driveway. New muffler at 215k replaced honda factory equipment. I know of at least 10 I have seen from this year which have exceeded 200k. Heard of a guy with over a million on his 94. Overall I am very impressed with this car. Even with the little 4 cylinder engine, just as reliable as Ford Triton V-10

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  Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Nelle - October 30 - 10:26 pm

  I have had this car for almost 5 yrs and it drives great! This is my 2nd Honda Accord and they really last. I may pruchase a 2003 shortly. This car is great for a person with a child and limited amount of funds to work with. Only problems I had was my radiator went-just wear and tear.