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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  Touring Model makes the difference! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Ron - March 27 - 1:38 pm

  Just bought the car 2 days ago, so far so good! I love the features on Touring model like the trip computer, NAVI hands free caller ID, easy to to use compare to my Nissan hands free. When my kids are watching the DVD is not comfortable, they watch it sideways, need to fix that they ended up sitting on the 3rd row. Set up my iphone in less than a minute as well as my garage! I will drive to Orlando and i will write back after the trip!

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  2010 Honda Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot/Hawaii - March 27 - 12:04 pm

  The 2010 Honda Pilot is a very reliable vehicle to own. It has great handling and it feels very solid on low traction road surfaces with 4WD. The 2010 Honda Pilot has good looks and has an incredibly comfortable and spacious interior. It is a large vehicle, which is safer in accidents than a smaller vehicle.I love everything about this vehicle except its V6 engine. It takes longer to "pick up" speed than V8 engined vehicles. *If only Honda could make the pilot with a V8 engine, it would be a fabulous vehicle.* To be honest, the Honda pilots V6 engine is quite lousy compared to other V8 engined

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  Quality as a luxury car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sergio - March 27 - 1:36 am

  Driving my Accord v6 for almost two years I can tell you what powerful and very comfortable is this car. I really like the interior, looks like a luxury car to me.

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  A gentlemans truck - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By victor brunst - March 26 - 7:17 pm

  My Ridgeline is great - it is comfortable, has enough power, great handling and very practical. I especially like the rear window opening feature which allows cross ventilation. Dual climate controls and heated front seats are a luxury found in more expensive cars. Fit and finish are perfect, everything works. it is SO QUIET! I was very positively impressed with the Michelin tires which handle very well. Do NOT find any problems with braking or stopping distances as mentioned by Edmunds. One problem I have is wind noise on the drivers side coming from the mirror. It starts at about 60 miles but disappears when the mirror is folded. Am taking it to the dealer next - hopefully they can fix it.

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  Best car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Donna - March 26 - 4:33 pm

  My Honda Accord LX has been one of if not the best car Ive ever owned for its reliability, handling (I love) and comfort.

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  Love this car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Sold on Honda - March 25 - 9:13 pm

  We are getting ready to pass down my 1998 Honda Accord 4 door LX to my 17yr old son. This car has been very reliable and still looks great. Havent had any problems and only needed routine maintenance. We are probably going to be replacing it with a new Civic Coupe. Going to miss my Accord but feel good about passing this on to my son because I have a piece of mind that he will be driving a very reliable car.

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  One of the Best Vehicles I have owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron B - March 25 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned several pickup trucks over the years. They all drove and rode like a truck. I almost purchased the Honda Pilot after driving it and then I knew I would regret not getting a truck so I drove the Ridgeline. That was a mistake. It was part SUV and part Truck. I could not believe the manner in which it drove. The truck handled very, very well. I pull a small Casita Travel Trailer and it pulls it without any problems. We love this truck and would not trade it for anything else available anywhere. It is just the right size for what we use it for. It doubles as a very nice SUV and a very nice Truck. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a great vehicle. Its a Honda!

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  Little Blue Bread Truck - 2007 Honda Element
  By msvic - March 25 - 6:13 pm

  I truly concur with the folks who LOVE their Elements. I, too, fell in love with the car when it was first featured in a Newsweek column with a photo of the very first 2002(?) model to hit the road. It took me 5 years to call myself the owner of an Element, but Ive never looked back. I love my car. It drives like a dream! I took the back seats out so Id have room for my dogs. I have never missed carpet. The resilient plastic flooring is ideal, especially when it comes to cleaning (which Im not so good at because I live in a rural, dirt road area). But, at least when I do clean, I can do it with a bucket of soapy water and a rag--and it gleams!

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  Really like the odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By geary labuary - March 25 - 1:00 pm

  We really like the van but wished it got better gas mileage but the comfort and the fine driving we will take it as it is. We are a big family and really like the space and handling of the van.

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  WHAT A CAR - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By wmarcos - March 24 - 8:08 pm

  This car is awesome you are just like driving a big car like the Chevy Tahoe, ford expedition,Toyota Sequoia and etc. but this only mid size SUV. a 62"and 220 lbs lbs. can seat on the third row amazing and the price is worth it. Highly recommendable indeed.