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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  Not just an SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Sept78 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Pilot almost a year now and still feel thrilled everytime I get behind the wheel. The interior is spacious and accomodating whether you are carrying cargo or people. The seats flip up or seemingly disappear depending on your needs at that time. Mileage is good especially considing the people capacity of the vehicle. It gets as good as or better mileage than the averge minivan. Too bad all those nasty people who target SUVs as the eviromental destroyers of our Earth dont realize that!I have 3 children and they have friends, I need a safe people mover. The Pilot assures me a safe trip even in last winters deep heavy snow.

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  Honda 2003 Very good overall - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By akorn - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall an excellent car with very good handling and breaking. Very spacious and well-designed interior. Some minor quibbles: no heated side mirrors, extra resevoir for the rear washer fluid, or daylight running lights (all available in Canada).

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  Hate it, but I love this Minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By morganwife - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I was one of those folks: "Ill never drive a minivan." But I do...and its SO convenient...and the Odyssey is wonderful. Its got pick-up like a car, and convenience that I never dreamed of having. When my boys are older, I confess, Ill dump it for a "regular" vehicle, but for now...it cant be beat!

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  CR-V fan - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V fan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Did a lot of research and was not disappointed when it came time for the test drive. Plenty of room,features and power. The accessories I added finished it off nicely. Excellent vehicle!!

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  well done auto - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gnaka - August 14 - 10:00 am

  After one year, this auto is one of the best vehicles I have owned. Good balance of ride with handling, performance and fuel economy.

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  Fun to drive but bumpy - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Evunia - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyable, but the hard suspension makes for an uncomfortable drive. Every hole in the pavement will make you feel your stomach go up and down. Very inferior to a Camry in that aspect. Manual transmission is a doll, really smoth and makes for a fun drive. Overall nice but will consider something softer on the suspension for the next car.

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  Great car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dasprof - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Simply a great car. Bought for the wife. Lots of airbags. Good power to efficiency ratio. Low road noise.

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  Great choice for an SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Steve - August 14 - 1:53 am

  Weve recently purchased are CR-V and love it. It rides quite and handles great in the rain and icy roads. The gas mileage is good for an SUV. The interior feels like a luxury vehicle and is very comfortable. I also like the new exterior of the CR-V. My last car was the civic and am very happy of this purchase

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  The Fit is GO GO GO - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sleepypasture - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  I was extremely unhappy with my PT Cruiser (*ahem* PT LOSER) and did a LOT of research on the Fit and comparable vehicles. I test drove the Fit, Yaris, Cube, and Versa. I even drove the Yaris for 2 days while deciding. But after those 2 days, the decision was easy. The Fit by FAR blew the competition away. I have DOUBLED my mpg over the PT. Cargo space is amazing, and have easily fit my two large greyhounds, and last week a 6 foot industrial clothing rack. Have put 1800 miles on it in about a month. Fit also made list of greenest cars. Drove over a nail this week and the TPMS alerted me to low tire pressure. Now I look forward to driving every day, instead of wondering if my car will start!

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  Worth the wait - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Rod from Salem - August 13 - 6:43 pm

  My wife and I were waiting for a this 2009 version to come out since we saw the concepts. My wife has the 03 CRV and that has been a workhorse and we love it. We are hoping that this Pilot will do the same for us. We are enjoying it so far. We had a snow storm and it drove like a tank as it plowed through ice and snow. We were looking at the 4runner and we found that the Pilot drove much better - the drive feels more comfortable, yet firm and responsive to drive, it also feels much more powerful - even with the V8 version of the 4runner. Finally you get more for your money with the Pilot.