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 its awesome! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By royboy - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot rides like luxury; handling is good - reminds me of my old Acura Legend. Pulls our 17 pop-up camper (2600lbs) and family of 5 w/out a problem. Plenty of power and torque. Very roomy except for 3rd row, which is for small children. Paid $500 below MSRP in August 02.

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  A True Mid-Size SUV Has Finally Arrived! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By S.Dam - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve looked at Tahoe, Expedition, Explorer, Highlander, 4Runner and Sequoia. We finally came across 03 Pilot at Huggins Honda in North Richland Hills, TX. Looking at Honda Pilot from the outside can be very deceiving; it was the INSIDE that got us hooked. The moment we realized it has a 3rd row seat, we immediately asked for a test drive. Pilots well- built 240-HP VTEC engine truly delivered. We bought our 2003 Pilot from the dealers show room with 10 miles on it! Though negotiation took longer than expected, we were extremely satisfied with the purchase. Huggins Honda staffs were nice and professional.

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  CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Pierre Plourde - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy owning and driving my fully loaded CRV 2002.

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  You cant go wrong with the CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Luke989 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  The Cr-v is awesome.ITs v-tec 160 horespower engine has plenty of power for your daily commute.Its Realtime awd is great and can get you through the snow and slush.

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  2002 Civic 2dr 5spd rallyered - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kbsexyman - December 23 - 2:00 am

  very good quality car, most reliable on the market.

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  My 2007 Accord 2DR 4cyl EXL - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Lewis - December 23 - 1:00 am

  This is my first non GM or Ford car. I was so impressed by my sons 2005 Accord sedan I test drove a 2007 two door coupe and love the ride and wood accents on the interior. The 4 cylinder has plenty of pep, averages 26 mpg city/highway mix (31 mpg on the highway at 70 mph on a recent 1100 mile trip) and the transmission doesnt search for gears like the 2007 Camry I test drove. This car is Lexus quiet inside, even at highway speeds. I am 6 ft 4 and have plenty of room in this car and the seats are sooo comfortable. Fit and finish on this car is EXCELLENT. 10,567 miles and not even a minor problem yet. The XM radio came with the car & I didnt want it, but after 6 months I love it.

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  Two days and Im hooked - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Leslie - December 22 - 10:25 pm

  I shall forewarn you, Im rather biased when it comes to this car because my first and only car before this was a 1999 CRV. Compared to that vehicle, this thing has EVERYTHING. Its sporty enough for me, and its features just keep piling on! Im used to the only way I could listen to the music on my phone/iPod was through a radio FM transmitter, so going from that to having USB, Aux, CD, Bluetooth... Im overwhelmed. Unfortunately Im also overwhelmed by the dash. There are about a billion buttons on the dash. I can kinda get the feel for how the designer tried to make it less confusing with grouping certain items on different parts of the dashboard, but itll take some MAJOR getting used to before I can do anything while driving. Another huge downfall is the visibility. Other reviews here have hit the nail on the head about backing out of a parking space; damn near impossible. My advice: go very slow and hope someone lets you out. If you adjust your mirrors out wide enough, though, you can easily get rid of blind spots while moving no problem. Also, it could be that since Im used to my CRV, but the doors are very long, and if you have to park somewhat close next to someone, it is a major struggle getting out of this vehicle. This car sits very low to the ground as well. I have not had problems yet with scraping at curbs, but I know for sure I have a hard time standing up after Im done driving. Again, this could be bias based on the fact all Ive ever known is a CRV. As far as the drive goes, its fairly smooth for a car that sits so low. However, coming out of a stop while the engine is off is a little rough, almost like the hybrid doesnt mix very happily with the CVT. This is the only instance where something like that happens, though. I am EXTREMELY happy with the sound system. I annoy everyone with the subs. The seating is very comfortable for a moderate sized person, forming to typical curves of a normal human body. Also for a sporty car, there is a LOT of leg room. Probably due to the fact that it has no back seat, which was honestly one of the biggest hesitant factors I had when buying the car. However, since it has extra cargo space under a decently revealing cargo door, I dont normally have problems with a space issue unless I have 3+ people that want to ride with me. Decent sacrifice to make for a car like this one. Oh, and the projected MPGs are a bit lower than what I usually get since I dont normally drive like a maniac anyway. Overall, Im very happy with this car, and I definitely turn lots of heads with it.

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  Its an economy, not luxury, car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brian McGlinch - December 22 - 10:53 am

  I bought this car to replace my SUV. After attaining 41 mpg at 70+ mph, Im finding fewer reasons to use the SUV. I dont feel underpowered when merging into traffic. The ride is more nimble and sporty than the SUV. The cabin is quiet enough, given the aerodynamic styling. Although the seats could be more comfortable and the stereo more powerful, I remind myself that I bought a low-priced car for great mileage. I bought a Honda, not a Lexus.

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  Im very honest - 2005 Honda Accord
  By revivalizt - December 20 - 12:10 pm

  Ive been driving this car for about 1 month now...and so far Ive put in almost 800 miles and Ive filled the gas tank 5-6 times already .. hmmm...*something is wrong here....Why is the ad gas milage is different than what Im gettin?? Front bumper is great but the BACK ..argh...cmon ..Honda could do BETTER !! The style is so ugly..and plus the tail light is awful..=( sorry honda.

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  Function before Form - 2005 Honda Element
  By Rick Vera - December 20 - 8:36 am

  Its fun to drive and has exceptionally better performance than other small, car-based SUV thanks to Hondas slick stick and ever slicker i-VTEC engine that revs with ease thanks to its twin balance shafts to cut engine vibrations. You wont find a car anywhere near this price range or class that has this much interior room too. One suggestion though, find an aftermarket stainless steel grill as I did to cover the front and especially the lower grille. If ya dont, youll have a really dented up radiator since its way too exposed. Want something different, this is it! Want to beat your neighbors VUE, Escape, Equinox, or RAV4 in a little race or a who-can- hold-more contest, this is it too!