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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  I love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By AnnaB - April 8 - 6:55 pm

  I traded in my 850 Volvo Wagon for the Pilot - I cant believe how much more I enjoy the car. The space is great! All three kids can bring a friend and watch a movie while I can listen to whatever I want. It has 32k miles and not a single proble! Great Car!

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  50K and still good - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By toddhopp - April 8 - 1:25 pm

  Having just re-read the long term test for the 2003 Pilot I wanted to relate my long term opinion. First, the Pilot was the family choice over a mini-van. It is used 60/40 for city/highway driving. It has been extremely reliable everyday. It hauls 4 to 6 teens daily with backpacks, music instruments, ect. Bikes, sleds, and two retrievers on selected weekends. In other words this is the perfect urban/suburban vehicle. If you are researching the Pilot please read the long term test and youll find that the 2005 Pilot corrects all of the negatives in the article. Coming out of the third northern Ohio winter with my 2003 Pilot, I wouldnt want any other SUV.

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  The Best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By fry fry - April 8 - 12:50 pm

  This car has everything youll ever need! Drives smooth, has excellant audio system, handles like a race car, and is very comfortable in the front and rear seats. Excellant on gas which is important nowadays. I highly recommend this car for anyone looking for a great value and trouble free ownership, also for anyone looking for a good time!

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  Best elements of all vehicles - 2003 Honda Element
  By juannyc - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I really am enjoying my Element DX (FWD) – have 12,000 miles on it! The fuel economy average is about 27 mpg. It has enough power to get the job done and can pass another car OK. Has done well off the beaten path too. I traded my 2002 CR-V for an Element and it handles much better, corners confidently, has a smoother ride, seats have more hip-room (not as comfortable), and feels a lot bigger inside. Can move furniture with great ease; great for car camping. Folding seats work well, though require some strength. It’s a good value, doesnt waste gas and like the looks, I highly recommend it Besides being a reliable Honda, its just FUN to drive!

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  Fine SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rogers - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Honda Pilot sure beats the 2000 Toyata SR% I traded in for it. Seating is excellant for tall drivers and the visibility is outstanding. Fast, smooth and handles great at Interstate speeds with pleanty of reserve for passing. Miliage is consistantly 20 aroound town and 23-25 on the Interstates. Very stable in high winds. Outstanding for the price.

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  A GOOD SURPRISE - 2003 Honda Accord
  By vO - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I VE NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD BUY A HONDA ACOORD, BUT WHEN I TRIED IT I KNEW THAT IT WAS THE GOOD ONE

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  Just Bought my first Honda :-))) - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bob ffrom CT - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After considering the Passat and the option to buy a used BMW, Audi, etc. I settled on the 2004 Accord EX/V-6. I just picked it up this weekend. It came in PERFECT condition. XM radio is great. I bought it from Metro Honda in RI - GREAT place to buy a car - straight talk and honest! It has all of the bells and whistles one could ask for and is VERY reasonably priced. (Not to mention the good feeling knowing that there are 8 airbags in it - just in case). The V-6 really moves this machine! Safety, good performance and good price - what else could I ask for!

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  Accord Ex V-6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By spaceinvader - April 7 - 6:40 pm

  Car is a significant improvement over the 2000 V-6 model, which is also a fine car. The 04 model is more refined, more powerfull, better fuel economy and has more nice features. Avg. MPG in mixed driving for last three tanks is 27 to 28. About 2 mpg better than the 2000 model.

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  Dependable, Fun SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Chuck - April 7 - 8:10 am

  Purchased new May of 2000 to replace a 1987 Civic w/235,000 miles. Its been dependable and fun to drive. Will give it to my 17 yr old son next year and get a Honda Ridgeline.

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  Most reliable car weve owned. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By gabriel zapata - April 7 - 1:44 am

  reliable vehicle, cheap on repairs. we bought it at 159k miles now at 256k miles we never did anything major to it just regular oil changes, starter replaced, power steering pump replaced 2 times, car never broke down on the side of the road, never ran out of gas only had check engine light on once for Oxygen sensor which was repaired by the dealer who sold it to us, i would buy this car all over again or a newer accord.