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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  So far so good - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny - December 22 - 4:26 am

  Was looking at the Highlander and was totally surprised by the great deal Honda was offering on these. Very comfortable and I love the room and cargo configurations. Cabin is slick. Heating controls are kind of an odd design, but you get used to it. I think the Highlander ride was smoother and more car like, but the Pilot takes bumps well enough. Very versatile. Road trips, tailgating, cargo hauling, towing (included!). Its great for just about anything. MPG is about as advertised, not great. So far so good. Im very happy with my choice.

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  I like my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 2004 Pilot EX - December 21 - 7:23 pm

  I was a 20 year BMW owner and find the Pilot to be perfect family vehicle for a group with an active lifestyle. It is an easy drive, uses regular gas, very reliable and good in town and on the road. No reservations about any part of this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Lewis - December 21 - 5:56 pm

  After 20 years of driving small 4- cylinder pickups, this car is a joy. I wanted to finally get something fun to drive and with the stick shift, this is it. Practical, inexpensive, fuel efficient, great styling and outstanding engineering/manufacturing quality. I found that I disagreed with virtually all the complaints I read in the owner reviews. Of course, my last car (er.. truck) wasnt a Beamer either so Im easy.

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  Small SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Great Small SUV - December 20 - 10:45 pm

  We purchased this vehicle 6+ years ago because we intended to own it for a long time. It has proven to be an excellent purchase. 4 cyl engine with automatic transmission has always been a little sluggish but has been very reliable and dependable. Only expenses have been front brake pads, tires and regular maintentance. All of the recommendations for improvements for this model (armrest for passenger seat, etc) have already been made including more horse power. Gas mileage has been about 22-28 MPG overall. We will buy another CRV in a couple of years.

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  Excellent with exceptions - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - December 20 - 9:38 pm

  Bought new in 02. 51k miles. Engine shifts are tough on hilly highways (Vermont). Road noise a bit loud. Factory tires wore out way too soon. Rides a little rough with chosen new tires, but other tire choices give a softer ride. Drives great. Drivers seat needs better thigh support for tall folk on long rides. Very reliable. AWD kicks in snowy weather. Movable back seats are awesome, but the 1/3 seat split doesnt always help with some loads. Factory stereo works well. Overall an excellent vehicle and recommended.

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  CW4JSOCFBNCs Accord Crosstour Update - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By CW4JSOCFBNC - December 20 - 6:23 pm

  I am upgrading my review that I wrote in March 2010. We are more pleased than ever that we purchased this vehicle. We believe that this is the best Honda produced for 2010. Our vehicle is black on black with dark tinted windows and we continue to get compliments on the vehicle everyday. Most people say that they can not believe that this vehicle is made by Honda. My wife has taken over being the primary driver of this vehicle and she is impressed with the performance of the vehicle in the city and on the highway. I am glad we purchased the all wheel drive which has been a great benefit in the heavy rain. I look forward to testing the all wheel drive out in the snow this winter.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Archslater - December 20 - 4:13 pm

  This is a wonderful little car. It has a much higher quality feel than previous civics and seats four adults very comfortably. Just dont purchase the car expecting to get the EPA mileage estimate... no cars get EPA under normal driving. Real world driving will yield low 40s for this car and around 30 for the standard Civic. With a little effort you can learn to achieve 50 and beyond on a regular basis with this car.

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  95 Civic EX Coupe - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 20 - 2:08 pm

  What can I say? Its a Honda. Its a great car. When I bought mine, it had 85k on it, now it has around 130k and running strong. Starts every day, runs like a beast. The thing I like is the amount of aftermarket parts. The B16A shouldve been offered.Even though you can get a 5-spd, more power could have been nice although it has a decent amount. It couldve had a little more room in the back seats, but nontheless, its comfortable. I drive pretty hard sometimes and Ive --NEVER-- had any problems with it. I just take it and get the oil changed every 3k miles and have things serviced. Its a very sporty, well-built car and I would --- HIGHLY---- recommend this car to anyone.

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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Wes - December 20 - 10:26 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, it has been good over all, but have concerns about the overall quality of Honda. 5000 miles, the driver front airbag sensor went. Dealer told me they have seen a lot on the 05 Odyssey with this problem. One of the trunk interial panels just never got install properly from the factory, has one corner popped out. I had a brand new Civic EX before, 2nd month I had the car, the bumper paint was peeling off. Otherwise Im happy with the CRV, good size trunk and fuel economy, long list of standard featurescomparing to Toyota RAV4

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  2008 EX-L w. DVD - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Johnohio - December 20 - 8:43 am

  Purchased it at a reasonable price ($2400 below invoice found in Yahoo and Edmunds, primarily because of the $2300 incentive Honda provided to dealers). Traded in my 2001 Civic. I have no doubt that this is a fabulous vehicle. Drives like Camry, even my wife who scared of driving any vehicle bigger than her Camry can handle it easily. Most amazing is the gas mileage. Before 1000 miles, it is 19.75 miles/gallon (50% highway + 50% local); After 1000 miles, it is improved to 21.75 and then 22.3.