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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  best balance.. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By picky joe - September 29 - 10:00 am

  yeah, its soft sprung. so what? this is kinda car that youd take your kids and grand ma out to see grand canyon on a 30hour drive. so softer the better, aight? with that, i dont think anything else can handle the way this truck does. even for a seden, its quite tight. its body rolls a bit and it dives somewhat in the corners but that is very very minimal price to pay for that quiet/hushed/cotten-candy ride. joe

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  PILOT ON THE GROUND - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By panathas - September 29 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING OUR PILOT FOR TWO WEEKS AND LOVING IT. WE SHOPPED AROUND FOR A NEW SUV FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND TEST DROVE MOST SUVS WITH THE SAME PRICE RANGE AS THE PILOT BUT THE PILOT HAD MORE TO OFFER. WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY WITH THE MILEAGE BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY AND REGULAR FUEL MAKES IT MORE AFFORDABLE.

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  1st time SUV Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TURLIGAB - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is my very first SUV, but my 3rd Honda vehicle. I traded in my perfectly fine 2000 Accord because there is finally an affordable SUV on the market that rides like a car. A week after I purchased this vehicle, my wife and I drove over 2000 miles roundtrip and into the mountains for vacation. Would drive 5+ hours before stopping - very comfortable and loved the storage space. On this same trip we became the chaufeur of choice at a family reunion - not a problem - tons of room for passengers. I would highly recommend this SUV.

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  Civid Hybrid: Excellent Commuter Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By spambuster - September 29 - 9:26 am

  Bought the Civic Hybrid for daily commute (150 mi/day). Very satisfied during first 6 weeks of ownership. Combined mileage (interstate and urban gridlock) is 48 mpg; highway mpg at 53. Very good low-end torque (I havent stalled it yet); generally a quiet comfortable ride, but pretty noisey when spashing through pools of water. I highly recommend the Honda Civic Hybrid for long commutes.

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  Test drive one and you will want one! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By honda57 - September 29 - 2:20 am

  My wife and I have owned CR-Vs for 7 years now! We went to test drive the 2007 CR-V and were very impressed with the quality, performance and features! We ended up trading up to a beautiful red CR-V EX AWD. We just felt like the redesign was fantastic! The ride is much smoother and quiet! The automobile is a real good looker too! We test drove one and wanted it right then!

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  Excellent Car, No maintenance issues - 2004 Honda Insight
  By ralph fairchild - September 29 - 2:00 am

  My Insight is actually a 2001 model with about 80,000 miles. Original tires, clutch. New brakes. I have had no difficulty. It is a great car. I am 64" and weigh about 230. SUVs are for people with small, well, you know... Smart cars from Europe are great as well, but not available in US. If people in the US would use more efficient cars, they wouldnt "need" to sent their kids overseas to get killed. Why not think about that EVERY time you fill your tank.

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  Fun-tastic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Si-Dan - September 28 - 9:56 am

  The driving feel of the car is unbelievable. The seating comfort is very sufficient for all occupants. The heads up dash display is a little awkward and takes some time to get used to, but is very helpful. The exterior appearance is somewhat subtle but very appealing at the same time. I wish the front doors did not have the separate window panes, but it is understood as being different from the 2 door coupe. The gas mileage is acceptable, especially considering the 197 hp 4 cyl. engine. The vehicle is light weight and practically floats on the roads, but does not make you feel uneasy at all. Interior noise could be a little quieter, but the driveability is excellent so it does not matter much.

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  Black CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Tom - September 28 - 6:16 am

  First personal car in 10 years, researched and drove a lot of vehicles. The CR-V has to be the best value out there. 2006 does not appear to be out at all and 2005s keep rolling in as of 9/05. 63 and good to get in and out of. Ride is not a Cadillac but tight and responsive. Some torque steer but not too bad. You sit up high and feel very safe. The LX has all but wheels and sunroof which lowers headroom. The LX for 2005 has all the safety items including side air bags. If you get black and tint the windows it is an EX w/o sunroof, all the plastic matches. Mileage poor but only has 800 miles @ 18 MPG mixed. 1 return for back seat belt jammed. Excellent pick-up and the 4 is enough.

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  Great Truck at Great Price - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By HondaFan - September 28 - 4:23 am

  Purchased the 06 Pilot EX AWD for $24,200. I love how the truck handles and comes with lots of useful amenities. It rides like a car. Advance safety features come standard. The only thing I dont like from the Pilot is the placement shift lever. It should be placed in the console. Besides, wider wheels and tires would be helpful for more grips to the road. Moonroof should be available in the EX Models! Other than those mentioned above, its a perfect build SUV for a family.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By markllll - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in July of 2000. Put new tires on last week at 52000 mi. replaced wiper blades. Thats it. Going to give to my 15 year old daughter to drive to school and her mother and I are going to buy a new one.