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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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cartalk35 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased EX-L with DVD with no hassles from dealer. Currently have 1700 miles. The car drives great and is very comfortable. I previously owned a 96 Grand Cherokee for three years. The Jeep was in the shop every month for repairs. Although we enjoyed having sitting up higher while driving, but did not enjoy the Grand Cherokees ride. The Honda is so superior to the Grand Cherokee in every way. We looked at about every large and midsized SUV over 12 months before we selected the Pilot. I highly recommend this car even if you must wait a month or two.

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  First SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By crogers96 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Camry/Accord driver for 12 years.I have always liked the view from an SUV but not the drive.I started checking out the Highlander about a year ago and liked it but all were $35K! My son starting telling me about the Pilot last winter before it was on the market.As soon as I drove it I knew this was the SUV for me!It drives great and gives me the features I want without feeling like Im driving a truck-which I think women are looking for.I know the fuel economy I had with Camry/Accords is gone,but its worth the tradeoff!Im counting on Honda reliability and longevity as I hate car shopping!

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  Stop Reading and Go Get One - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Catman2050 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  By the time I concluded my test drive, I was sold. The Pilot is nothing special to look at from the outside (it looks like a bigger CRV). However, you shouldnt make *relationship* decisions based on utside features alone...instead, its the inside that matters. The inside of the Pilot is awesome. When I say inside, I mean the engine, the drive, the interior styling, etc. You want a SUV that drives like a car and can flat out move...you owe it to yourself to try a Pilot. I have now taken a few trips in the Pilot and I remain 100% satisfied in my decision to buy the Pilot over other SUVs.

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By IWK44 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, thats all there is to say!

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  so slick - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Pony Killer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i sold my integra gsr, and bought this little rocket. its not as fast as the gsr, and its not quite as fun to drive. i think i like it better, though. the interior is better than that of ANY car that costs less than $50,000. the seats? you cant beat them. while this car usually comes in in the middle of the pack in shootouts, one thing to consider, is that this car is cheaper (mine was $17,300), and all the others come w/ 17" X 7" wheels. the civic comes with 15" X 6"s. with the same wheel and tire setup as the others, i think the civic would win most of these camparos. when you factor in hondas reliability and resale value, you cant go wrong.

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  Wish theyd still import it - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda/Toyota Owner - September 19 - 10:55 pm

  We love this little minivan. We bought it to replace or beloved 1996 Odyssey that was stolen last year. The 1998 with the VTEC is even more zippy than previous years. This is the most car-like of minivans. It s basically a large Accord with more comfortable seating and better visibility. The newer Odysseys simply dont feel as agile as these smaller Japanese vans. Although they have more room and more power. Our 2003 Element with its similar weight and power seems less zippy, gets slightly lower gas mileage, seats less and has significantly worse visibility. I bought it to keep the miles off of the more versatile Odyssey. I wish Honda would still import these.

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  Poor mileage, but good handling - 2007 Honda Fit
  By David - September 19 - 10:01 pm

  Cute car, good throttle response. Very weak engine on just rolling hills - always downshifting. Car would be hell to drive in mountainous terrain. Have no idea why Honda did not and does not swap this 1.5L for the Civic 1.8L. Increase HP from 109 to 140 with better gas mileage, engine would still fit. No brainer from my perspective. Have 3000 miles over the first month, and have been getting 28- 30 in 50/50 city/highway driving. Terrible, should be getting at least 34 and on straight highway at least 37 MPG. Message boards do seem to vary a lot on the mileage reports. Honda, why cant a 2600 pound car get 35+ for mileage when my 2003 Civic averages 33mpg city and 36mpg highway.

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  Im on my third one - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - September 19 - 6:59 pm

  Whether youre coming off of another compact SUV or, like me youre on your third Honda CRV theres nothing bad to say. My first CRV was the second model year that they produced, and I got 230,000 miles on it. My second CRV was a 2002 and I got 240,000 miles on it. I just bought a new 2017, end it feels almost magical. The great thing for most CRV owners is that it mostly stays the same and yet they keep making it better! I think this is the only car Id ever buy.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary - September 19 - 3:05 pm

  Bought this truck after considering FJ Cruiser. Gave up some off road capability for much better comfort, convenience & safety. Superb tailgating, car camping & overall family vehicle. Handles anything 99% of owners will throw at it. First Honda Ive ever driven, & Im very impressed with the overal quality & design. Unibody provides solid ride on highway & rough roads. Like driving a bank vault. Excellent braking and decent cornering for a vehicle this weight and size. Averaging about 18mpg with mixed highway/city driving & less than 5K miles. Bed scratches white, but a $75 bed mat took care of that problem. Will take other reviewers advice & get rear mud guards.

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  DO NOT BUY A HONDA ACCORD! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By K - September 19 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my 2008 Honda Accord fully expecting the car to live up to Hondas legendary reputation for quality. Unfortunately my rear brakes started to fail after only 18000 miles of normal city and highway driving! I brought the car back to the dealer which replaced the pads for free, but only after I complained after they said brakes "wear differently for different people." Apparently Honda thinks their customers are idiots. I strongly discourage anyone from buying an Accord.