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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  New Pilot is huge - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Steve - July 23 - 8:16 am

  Im really enjoying all the room my Pilot has to offer. I find it very quiet and really like the way it rides. The seats are comfortable and heated. I traded in a Xterra and gained more room and slightly better mpg.

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  No problems - 2008 Honda Accord
  By john - July 22 - 10:26 pm

  Best car I ever owned. Drives like a more expensive German car, without all the mechanical problems. Thanks Honda.

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  To heck with the SUV! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By hogfarmer - July 22 - 6:23 pm

  Got sick of $60 fillups every 200 miles with our V8 SUV, so looked long and hard for something sporty, affordable, and got good mileage. Great little car, very happy with 4 cylinder. Have about 4k miles so far, no complaints. Brakes are a bit touchy, will see how they hold up long term. Spend the extra $500 for spoiler, really makes look cool. More fun to drive than our Maxima, Saturn, and even diesel F350!

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  its groovy baby - 2004 Honda Element
  By anthony a from ca - July 22 - 10:00 am

  the element was the first new car i ever bought and even though its been over half a year since i purchased it, it is still as fun and exciting to drive as the day i took it off the lot

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  the honda element - 2004 Honda Element
  By fangkramer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any problems and I hope it continues that way. The only thing that is not good is the gas milleage. I had an accord before the element and it got 300 miles to a tank of gas and the element only gets 230. I thought the element would get better milleage. The sticker said 22 miles a gallon around town and 24 for the freeway. Well, it gets about 17 miles around town and about 19-20 miles on the freeway. I thought it would be better because the dealer said as long as you dont have 4wd it will get around the same milleage as the accord. other than that its a great car.

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  I love my pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Steven323 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best riding most confortable cars Ive ever been in. Its got a very smooth ride that you really can see when you drive over bumps or tracks. The interior is extremely friendly and convienent to the driver. The passenger seating is also very confortable. The center cosole with power outlets inside the cosole allows the phone to charge while out of sight. 4 power outlets throughout. Interior lighting great for all passengers individually. Rear seat (for 3) folds completely away easily for increase storage space. Visibility is excellent in all directions. I love my Pilot!!

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  Absolute Must - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Lis - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I needed more space than my Grand Am, but didnt want the hefty price tag. I loved the Pilot when I test drove it and have recommended it to 3 others who are also thrilled. Comfort and space are top notch, gas mileage is one of the best for an SUV. I got running boards and a sun roof put in. The sun roof REALLY adds to it. Mine was the first installed with my dealership and even the salesmen were impressed at how much it adds to the Pilot. My first Honda, my first SUV....I LOVE IT!

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot Fan 1 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV. I like the stylish look, the interior is well designed and has lots of little perks. The handling of the vehicle is good and there is nothing to change that really matters except for my own personal preference.

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  I absolutely love My Pilot!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mike Stone - July 22 - 10:00 am

  After reading the safety ratings, and comparing other S.U.V.s at almost twice the price, the Pilot was an easy and logical choice. My kids love it too!

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  Solid family vehicle, - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ken Owens - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, and very roomy up front. 17-20 actual gas mileage, or about 315 miles per tank.(At that point I was running on fumes.) Though it is considered an eight seater, it actually seats four adults and four kids comfortably. My wife and I love the way the back seat folds down, in two separate sections. This allows one or two people to set in the third row whenever you fold the other side of the seat down. And unlike some vehicles, these seats fold down flat. The engine has above average power, and the steering is fine. Though we have only owned our Pilot seven months, we are very happy with it.