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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  Buries the competition - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DES999 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first "SUV". It is a little different than my normal zipping through traffic in a car but overall I am very happy with it. There are alot of reviews that nit pick everything but when you compare this to the most common competitors (Explorer, Envoy, Trailblazer) it beats them hands down. Resale value, reliability, fuel economy, safety, and owner satisfaction are whats important. Not how "flashy the stupid dashboard looks".

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  Honda - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Dave Whitefeld - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This car handles well and takes the bombs okay but is not as good as my old Honda Oddesey.

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  From commuter to Pilot and Lovin It. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Brownell - October 29 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a Pilot as we purchased a new home on a private road and needed AWD. We searched every model possible and found the Pilot as the best SUV for the money. This vehicle has exceeded our expectations. It is comfortable, flexible, entertaining and fun to drive. Being a former Maxima driver I know about the fun to drive factor. Our only disappointment is the low fuel mileage (sub 20mpg) and the inability to open the hatch window like the Hyundai Santa Fe and the ommission of standard fog lights. Overall this Pilot flies high in our minds.

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  Great value, fun car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MichiganDan - October 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were looking for a new car, but Im not partial to investments that lost 25% of their value in the first 10 minutes you own them, so we went with pre-owned. The 2002 Civc is a great car. Fun, stylish, and sexy to drive, its as reliable as it can be -- no problems yet -- and its quite affordable, too. If youre like us, and you want a reliable, affordable car that can comfortably seat 4 or 5 and is fun on the road, look for a Civic.

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  HONDAS ARE AWESOME - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CHRISDAVIS - October 29 - 10:00 am

  TRY TO GET ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN THE SAME $ RANGE, CIVIC BEATS EM ALL, ESPEC. WITH THE MINOR MODS THAT COULD BE PUT ON THIS CAR. AEM COLD AIR INTAKE BOOST TONS OF TORQUE AND POWER. 17" ENKEIS WITH BF GOODWRICH G SPORT TIRES. AWESOME CAR JUST NEED SOME NICE ENKEI SPRINGS. AWESOME CAR THANKS HONDA AND DESIGN TEAM!!!!!!

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  Better MPG - 2004 Honda Civic
  By TexasHybrid - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in April 04. Am only getting 36 mpg and have been running AC on Econ. I keep hearing a whizzing sound when I brake. The window on the front passenger side rattles during some turns. The ABS engages on the streets of Dallas (numerous potholes). Stereo weak.

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  arthritic car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wils - October 29 - 10:00 am

  good car but has arthritis. left front door creaks, ceiling creaks, rt back speaker rumbles, and at 10,000 miles, the clutch pedal creaks with crepitus and a creaking noise from rt rear seat around trunk creaks. otherwise, car runs great, excellent mileage, comfortable seats, great ergonomics, good a/c, maybe the assemblers had a hangover when they assembled my car! hopefully dealer will address these issues, still will buy another honda.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By JSDC - October 29 - 4:26 am

  This is the best van on the market.I have been in other vans both American and Japanese but this is the best. All the controls are rock solid and the engine goes from 6 to 3 cylinders without any noticable difference in engine power.The seats are great and easy to convert.I would recomend this van to anyone. Its the best. It drives and handles like a car and the engine has the power needed to pass without any difficulty.

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  Amazing car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jim - October 29 - 4:00 am

  I have had my Belize Blue 2008 Accord Coupe V6 6-speed with navigation for nearly 3 weeks. All I can say - what an amazing car! Nothing but excellent ratings (except for gas milage, which should improve as the car breaks in). The Accord couple is great fun to drive, especially with the 6-speed manual transmission. If this car was any faster, it would be scary! I traded a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS V6 5-speed manual, and there is no comparison. I would highly recommend this car to anyone - and if you like to drive a "sports car", get the V6 6- speed. Navigation system and Bluetooth are very functional. I have received many compliments from strangers on my Accord!

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  I love this car! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By ken guiles - October 29 - 3:53 am