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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  Jason - 1998 Honda Accord
  By DJDaddy98 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Runs Great!! Very, very reliable car!!! I love to drive it. It is very very comfortable.

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  great vam - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By TC1 - July 22 - 2:00 am

  after 4 years, still a great van.

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  Tom Kileys review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tom Kiley - July 21 - 9:20 pm

  I have had the car for three weeks and have taken two trips that were over 200 miles each way and have found the car to be very comfortable, quiet with good power for acceleration. My on road gas mileage averaged 32 mpg.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By canoe8 - July 21 - 4:50 am

  Great sporty sedan with room. This car exceeds all expectations. Coming out of a 2001 BMW 325XI, the Accord with 6MT gives up nothing to the BMW in handling and exceeds it in power and driving fun. This car is 95% the same car as the Acura TL but loads less money. Get the EX sport package, it is well worth the money to give the car a little better appearance. Also added the splash guards and full nose mask. Got all these accessories for about $900, MSRP was $2200 installed. Paid $300 over invoice for the car.

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  My best car....ever! - 2006 Honda Element
  By Dave - July 21 - 2:40 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! Its fun to drive, it has great space and its a Honda. If you want creature comforts, this car is not for you, but if you love something thats practical and reliable...this car is for you. Great sound system. The most roomy car I have ever been in. More roomy than the Hummer H2 and H3. Very easy to park anywhere.

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  Break problems abound - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cpmack1 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had to have the disk brakes turned twice - first time at 15000 second at 29000. Honda claims it is environmental problems... disk brakes heat up and warp around 12-13000 miles each time. Other than that one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. Have been advised I will have to replace the rotars (drums) by the time I reach 50000 miles. Thats a real problem and will probably drive me to another vehicle. Have two friends who have the same problem with brakes on their pilots as well here in El Paso.

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  Odyssey #2, More of the same - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff Aloway - July 20 - 9:13 pm

  We own the 2003 & 2005. I got the 05 for the same price and with more features than our 03. Outside is stylish with nice lines & is put together well. The leather seats are not as comfortable as the Lxi; leather seems hard and seats are too firm. Controls: within reach and intuitive. Mirror defrosters: nice. AC works great, but heating seems slow. Visibility is good. ++ moonroof and roll down 2nd row windows with sun shades. I do not miss rear window vents. Storage is great. DVD and music systems are good. Fold down seat is nice and easy to operate. Good acceleration, easy braking, smooth transmission. No extra noises. Mileage is what I expected.

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  Love my first SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Logan208 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my first SUV. Plenty of passenger room and lots of extra room when folding the seats down. Overall comfortable car too. Gas milage is excellent. Plenty of head room. Sunroof is awesome. Love that theres no center console; finally a place for my purse. Dislike hatch doors, so the barn door is great. The 6 disc changes is sweet; wish I had more watts though.

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  perfect size suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By squeeza2 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot handles great and is spacious. It is a smooth vehicle that accelerates nicely. Perfect for long drives with the kids and carrying extra luggage via thule box. Paid $29K. Youd figure if youd pay this much, leather would be included. However, the cloth seats are right for multiple seasons.

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  Buy one and you wont regret it. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By larrykz - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Pilot EX with leather and the navigation system almost a year now and I cant say enough good things about it. It handles like a car in town and climbs like a cat off road. When I bought my Pilot I actually had to start up my old vehicle twice and get ready to pull out of the dealership before they ran out after me. With $1,800 worth of additional accessories over the sticker value of the car I ended up paying $500 over sticker for it which I thought was an excellent deal since I was reading of everyone paying $1,500 to $2,500 over sticker at the time. Go out and buy one and you wont regret it.