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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  Why spend more for the Acura? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Hawkeye 23 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Pilot EX is the 2nd Honda Ive owned. After doing a great deal of market research and sitting down to identify the characteristics I needed (and in some cases wanted) in an SUV, the Honda stomped the competition. Bottom line, I was ready to step up to a more refined vehicle. The Pilot is the best all-around vehicle on the market. I bought the vehicle at Edmunds True Market Value and was happy to get the deal. If youre in Southeastern Virginia, Checkered Flag Honda in Virginia Beach is worth the drive. No high pressure sales pitch. Test drove one day and came back two days later and bought the vehicle.

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  Pilot is performance perfected! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By djmassey - June 2 - 2:00 am

  The car off the lot is well equipped; however, if youre looking for bells and whistles youre gonna pay! e.g. running boards/ air deflector/ ski rack/ cargo cover/liner/ wood trim/ 6 disc CD changer/ etc./ These can easily set you back another 5 grand or more depending on your ability to negotiate. Bottom line off the lot all the right things are right with this car. You cant go wrong, especially if youre looking for craftmanship, performance AND gas savings!

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  Wow - what a great vehicle - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Shelbell - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to follow up to two Accords which set the bar pretty high. I love sitting up higher among the sea of huge vehicles out there today, and this car has some pep! Great turning radius and everything within easy reach. I recommend adding the side step, the moonroof visor (for sound at high speeds), the front splash guards, and the cargo cover (esp if you are used to having a trunk - and for safety reasons).

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  Luv the new V.... - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By GbA2Mich - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a 2004 CR-V EX in Satin Silver...absolutely love it!!! Cant wait to take it on its first long road trip roundtrip from Florida to Michigan in June. This car is so nice and so much fun to drive!

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  Zippy Hybrid - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Scott b inNJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my hybrid for 14 months now, love driving it on my long commute to work. Best part is getting the Civic reliability and hybrid technology in a car that looks and acts completely normal. Im still surprised at how much pep the car has in accelerating and passing. Advertises close to 50mpg but with heat/ac running its closer to a 46mpg avg.

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  honda civic LX - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kingoreo - June 2 - 2:00 am

  just bought my honda and so far i love it. its just the right size and great on gas,however its not all that fun to drive. only bad things is the small engine and someone busted up my tail light

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  Give us a Type R - 2004 Honda Civic
  By halfspin19 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third SI and they just keep getting better. $4000 is a little pricey for the HFP package but what can you do?

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  2002 Honda Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By familydc - June 1 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car for my wife to drive, and as it turns out I want to drive it all the time. The performance on this vehicle blows the competition away with its 240 horsepower, 5 speed transmission, and 4 wheel independent suspension. It is as fun to drive as any minivan gets. Put that together with the excellent crash test ratings and functional interior and you have a great minivan.

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  Best decision - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By David - June 1 - 7:40 pm

  After searching through about four competing models I made the best decision with the CRV. Great experience so far and with the confidence of owning a Honda with its well earned reputation for reliability and quality. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for at these kinds of vehicles..

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  Stop complaining about the road noise! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Ken Harris - June 1 - 12:46 pm

  Yes, there is some road noise, however the suspension is firm to enhance the handling which is sporty. Coming from a 03 Infiniti G35, I actually like the firm ride and road feel which offers strong cornering and good tracking. I paid $23,300.00 for EX-L version with the 4 cylinder and Im extremely happy with the purchase. The interior is very roomy and offers good comfort. The Accord has a unique design that offers a sporty Eurpoean look. I decided to go with the 4 cylinder as Im tired making too many trips to the pump and paying the expensive price of premium fuel. I did sacrifice some acceleration, however it will save me dollars in long run when gas prices rise in the coming years.