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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  Decent Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By RHtremblay - March 7 - 5:32 pm

  I bought this car back in 02 Since then i have put about 102k miles on it. The car has been very reliable. However, the car is lacking in the performance department with only 126hp. The ride is also a little bumppy. Replaced the stock stereo system as soon as I bought it. Brakes lock up way to much and this car has ABS so i dont know the reason for that one. Car gets good gas mileage. Interior is breaking down a lot (faded, cracking, tears, etc.) I love the size of the back very roomy for a coupe. The moonroof is great on sunny days. Perfect car for roadtrips. Most reliable car ever!!!

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  Great - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Seean - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, awesome handling, and I got it for a great price.

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  I love my Honda Accord! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Flyn_Bryan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the car overall. Thumbs up!

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  Best car we have ever had, love it - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gardie - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Odyssey XL, bought in February of that year. Absolutely no problems. Friends bought a Chrysler minivan at same time and within two months had a list of minor things wrong to take to the dealer. I have not had one thing go wrong with the car. Nor found anything minor thing to be fixed.

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  Smooth - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pohboy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  was looking for a Toyota Highlander but saw the pilot and was much happier with it on the test drive. More room and has the features you really need, and not all the extras dealers put on the Highlander. Beware of dealers telling you that Honda is charging them an extra $4 - $5K to sell them, buncha bull, got mine for $1000 less than MSRP after hours of haggling.

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  Very Good Midsized Option - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mark Moulton - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It was a hard choice between the Pilot and the Pathfinder. The Pathfinders ride was more supple, the interior was of a higher grade material, it had more traditional SUV rugged yet svelt styling and the standard equipment list was much better. Pathfinder also has a better choice of exterior and interior colors and allows buyers to negatiate price, I was ready to buy 1 at 1K below invoice with rebate! In the end though, i chose the the Pilot for its much better gas milage, more room, and far superior expected resale value. I also had some concerns about a pending complete redesign of the Pathfider.

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  This is not an - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By ewc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an Acura MDX for 5 months which I absolutely love. As a result, I ordered a Pilot. I was surprised at the $31K price, which is within $4K of my MDX, despite the fact that the Pilot has no sunroof and 1 year/14,000 miles less warranty, etc. The exterior looks like an oversized CRV. The quality of the interior was not even in the same universe as the MDX (too many things to list, just compare for yourself). It did drive comparably to the MDX. In my opinion, the Pilot is a total rip-off compared the MDX. Before you buy a Pilot, check out the MDX. We ended up with a new Sequoia for only $750 more.

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  Rides like my E300 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By acirfa1 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Solid feel, and quiet - low road noise.This beats out the ML320, Discovery II, X5, Explorer and Pathfinder...and I tried ALL of them! I feel like I was in my MB E300 again. Unfortunately the dealer didnt give me a break on the price - for obvious reasons.

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  Would be perfect if I went V6. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Bo - March 7 - 1:40 am

  Ive had this car for about 8 months now. I love everything about it. One thing I regret is not getting a manual tranny, since they were out of stock at the time. The V6 is awesome in terms of power, but I could not afford it at the time. And the look of it took time to grow on me, but I did get the OEM Aero-kit (HFP), which is just amazing. I think in the price range, there is no other car I would have gotten.

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  Pretty blue machine.. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Barbara - March 7 - 12:54 am

  This is a very nice small SUV. I really cant answer everything as I only have 300 miles on it. But so far, very nice.