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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  Ahhhh the V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Joecord - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I read alot of reviews and checked it out. I was very impressed with the power of the V-6 and how nice the interior looks in EX model with leather. Interior is better than the Acura TL type S I test drove the day before. The TL might look a little cooler but other than the tail lights, the Accords cool too.

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  7yr review - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Byron Wilsom - May 14 - 9:21 am

  I have 57000 miles on the exl pilot.This SUV is the smoothest running vehicle Ive ever owned.I use it as a work car mostly.It has 4wheel drive.I really wish we would get a lot of snow so I can see how well this works.The amount of snow in central Ohio is very limited.I bought the extended warranty at the dealer and wouldnt do it again.I replaced the battery and replaced the heating element in both front seats.I paid $1300 for extended warranty and have not broke even yet.I have heard these pilots can easily reach 200,000 miles.If you dont drive a lot of miles I wouldnt purchase it.The pilot has the 3 set of airbags on driver and passenger side.It will seat 8 and both seats in back will fold flat on the floor.I would buy this vehicle again.No remorse.

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  Great in a Blizzard - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Gunnar - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot performed exceptionally well during the Denver Blizzard of March 2003. I had no trouble driving through 18 inches of unplowed snow in my neighborhood. I pulled 4 of my neighbors from the main streets through the subdivision streets using a tow strap. I pulled a subaru 4 wheel drive, a lexus 4 series, a buick late model, and a honda civic to their homes. The owner of the buick said they should have done a commercial for the Honda Pilot becasue he could not believe how well it operated in the blizzard snows we received. I have a stock EX. I could not be happier with my Pilot.

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  monster - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By orly - May 14 - 2:00 am

  It comes with a lot of details that are really good and were the the things that attracted me to but it. Nevertheless, I have found some areas that need some improvement. spend a lot of gas; 12mpg city and 15mpg in highway. I know is an SUV, however, japanesse cars are known for being gas econimic. glove compartment needs more space; only a book fits there. last seats row could use a little bit more of height, when I sat one day at that row, I felt as if I was seating by the curb of the road, my knees were way high and I am only a 5.5 foot tall guy. when carrying something on a hitch (four bicycles) the rear suspension buckles. thanks

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  Creme de la creme - 2001 Honda Accord
  By magpub - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This Honda was the best car for the money when I bought it and it still the best car 2 years, 30k miles later. Anyone complaining about a Honda lemon must be sniffing something or abuses their car. Ive owned another Accord, a Jeep Wrangler, a Pontiac Crapfest, a Camry and a couple of Nissans -- none compare to the quality of this car.

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  Falling apart? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By loonmaster - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Got it new and I was pretty pleased at the price, at first. Almost from the get go though there was some "clicking" from the engine, bad smell from the AC and all the moding seems to be coming off. Tried to take it in for repairs but nothing ever seems to get fixed and I feel a lot of the people at the dealership are being rude and they just dont want to seem to help me. Cant imagine going Honda again. Too bad too since I was really excited about getting my Civic.

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  Wow, what a car. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By JMB - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Just recently bought an 2003 Accord Ex 4 cylinder automatic, (traded-in my 2000 LeSabre)and really .... wow!! What a pleasure to drive, solid, quiet and as roomy inside as my full size LaSabre. Admittedly, I havent had the car long, but it has really impressed me with its quality.

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  Best of the best in this catagory - 2005 Honda Element
  By paul - May 13 - 11:26 pm

  Fun to drive, for 4 cyl. goes like hell, great in snow, easy to park, turns on a dime - can not say enough good about it.

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  Not Bad - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By diamondmen - May 13 - 11:04 am

  I bought this vehicle used from auction, it is a basic EX, and impressed with the room inside, I dont like the shifter, doors should lock automaticly when gear in drive and should unlock when parked. I liked the third seat, it is somewhat comfy and folds nicely. Typical honda built with lots of plastic (pampered myself with german cars forever) but functional. I would like the ride to be more connected to the road and have a middle dash shifter. Couldnt try for MPG yet but it seem to guzzle.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By CIVICLVR. - May 13 - 1:30 am

  Ive had a 99 Honda Civic before this - just the basic model- and it was a really reliable car, compared to an 06 liberty I drove. Ive only had my 09 CIVIC for a week and I love it, I can hardly wait to drive it every day. I bought the EX-L version because I wanted all the bells and whistles, and I dont regret getting this one. It honestly drives like a BMW - loads of fun to drive, even if you are just cruising and very comfortable to ride in. I always turn heads in this car. Perfect for a college student looking for a sporty, luxury, economical, reliable car.