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:

• 

  Great car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Eric - March 6 - 1:51 pm

• 

  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Brandi - March 6 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased this car mostly because I love Hondas. After I bought it I realized there was a lot more to it, its a safe vehicle, (this car has more safety features than any other car that I have looked at), great on gas mileage, and a sharp looking car. I wouldnt own anything other than my Honda.

• 

  Best Van for the $$ - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Onlysee - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful minivan. My kids love the DVD system, while I love still listening to music I like up front. The interior is very spacious, and I especially like the more conservative exterior design. I bought a 2004 model in fear of an "ugly" 2005 replacement. Nissan killed the Quest with its redesign - I only hope Honda doesnt follow suit. Honda needs to change the size of the fuel reserve - more than 1/3 of the tank being full when the light comes on is ridiculous.

• 

  2004 Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By opircam - March 6 - 10:00 am

  After doing extensive research to purchase a new SUV, we finally settled on the Honda Pilot and have not been disappointed in any way. It is roomy, for up to six persons (two children) and has the power to travel the colorado mountains without difficulty. I would recommend it for anyone, small family or large, who are active.

• 

  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 010804 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  We have had great luck with our Pilot it rides smoothly and fairly limited noise. The room is a plus.

• 

  120000 miles now. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By david A - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this SUV on 08/01/2002, based on reviews from the internet. This is my first Honda. Im a Sales Engineer and travel appx. 60,000/yr. The Honda has 125,000 miles. In terms of standard maintenance (oil, trans, tires, timing belt, etc.), over the two year period, I have spent $5361.45. This is slightly more that my 2WD Pathfinder. The difference between the Pilot and the Pathfinder is the maintenance required for the AWD. I have had NO BREAKDOWNS. Despite the mileage, I feel very confident driving this SUV

• 

  Not up to Honda Standard - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Asiagtmn - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I am Honda customer since 1985. I bought this CR-V new(2002 model), drove for two months, every time I stopped. I can smell burning ribber at pessenger side rear wheeel well. Take to dealer many time, They cant find anything wrong. Second, I never get better then 20 miles per gallan. very poor mileage.

• 

  My first stick shift - 2004 Honda Civic
  By vk2hondas - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to drive even though its been ages since I drove one. Smooth clutch/shifter action. Quieter than the competition, feels nice and solid. Drivers seat perfect fit for me. Has right amount of power with headroom. VS. others: focus - no rear head rests, cheap plastic interior, noisy mazda3 - great, but console blocks my leg impreza wagon - felt loose, closing doors caused rattles all over, uncomfortable driver seat bottom forester X - very nice overall, too much $$$, vague stick, not sure I like hill holder vibe (AWD & FWD) - very noisy, no power in automatics mini - very nice, but dealer too far, premium gas element - drives like a truck

• 

  Accord buyer for life so far - 2005 Honda Accord
  By amaddal708 - March 5 - 12:37 pm

  Minus normal wear and tear the car has held up perfect almost. Seems to have a slight rattle from interior finish at highway speeds but besides that minus and misalighnment the car is great overall.Best overall car I have owned yet. Only the Eclipse of 98 was more fun to drive. I would buy this car again for their 2009 model possibly. The four cylinder has plenty of power you would believe it was a four.

• 

  Why my car is car of the year. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Captain Hondaroo - March 5 - 12:16 pm

  Correctly chosen as car of the year. Camry and Legacy are a close second with Nissan barely being bumped to third. The accord wins here based on three item:gas mileage, lower end torque coupled with smooth CVT, intriguing cockpit design/fitnfinish.