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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  My Pilot by BAD - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dawsonba - May 6 - 10:00 am

  There isnt a negative thing to say about the Pilot. I think its the Best in its class on the market. No one can beat or even match Hondas Reputation for quality and realiabilty. Would highly recommend the Pilot! Drive it, youll love it!

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  GREAT OVERALL PICK! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Scott Myers - May 6 - 10:00 am

  We initially looked at the CRV more than a year ago. We were all but decided to purchase a Ford Escape but decided to test drive the CRV. It has less fun stuff than the top model Ford Escape BUT it did bring the cost down from what we were looking at. Cant beat the Honda Quality and the engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder. OH, and the gas mileage is better than the Escape which would have added to the price of the vehicle in the long run! GREAT all weather vehicle for a small family and does not have the "minivan soccer mom" stigma going for it.

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  Much Research BEST in its class! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By John Marsh - May 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I wanted something good in all weather conditions, more storage room, and higher up to see over all those other SUVs!!! Did I mention something with decent fuel economy??? After a lot of research I have concluded that the CRV is best in its class. Some others have more bells and whistles type of options but your paying for it! Ford Escape was a good drive, but I didnt want to pay that much and what about the quality? CRV has a very adequate and even peppy engine for most people. Good for regions of the country that has all four seasons.

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  Wonderful - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Robb - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful truck. Typical Honda, excellent!!

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  I love my Civic! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By iloversh - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car for a week, but I am in love already...I went from a 93 Civic LX (4-door) to my 03 Civic Coupe EX....this car has so much on my older Civic. Its fun to drive and I love when people compliment me on my car. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  How could you NOT love this car? - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gpe - May 6 - 10:00 am

  After about 9 months of research, I settled on the V6 6-speed manual. I picked it up in April and havent gotten out since. The car has excellent pick-up, is incredibly comfortable, and looks beautiful. In my eyes, its the natural evolution of the now-retired Prelude. Fast, classy, sophisticated and refined. I think this opens a great market for Honda for young professionals who want performance and sophistication but dont want to break the bank for it. The editors here have to be three ways from loopy to not enjoy the ride.

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  1st Honda Owned - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ron - May 6 - 8:06 am

  Very comfortable and roomy vehicle. Interior layout excellent. Exterior looks excellent. Fuel economy excellent for such a large car. It is a 4 cylinder so does not have the power I am used to because I have been used to V6 & V8 engines. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a new car of this size. I hope Hondas reliability holds out. That was one of the major reasons for my purchase of this car.

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  A thousand times better... - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By rowdee - May 6 - 1:46 am

  When I had my 08 4WD EXL w/Nav Pilot at the dealership, I made the mistake of looking at the 09. Most expensive dealer service Ive ever had because I bought an 09 4WD Touring w/Nav and RES a week later. I liked my 08 and it was serviceable, but I didnt love it. Everything I would have changed about the 08, Honda changed for 09. The joystick Nav system is so much better than the touchscreen. I LOVE THIS CAR, and its a Honda. This is my 4th Honda. Cant beat their reliability.

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  Pilots a Great Value - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By G$! - May 5 - 8:06 pm

  This car is a great value for the vehicle class and type. Excellent reliability, overall quality and interior design make it a superior value compared to other vehicles in this category. Actual mileage (combination city/highway driving) Im getting is >18.5 mpg too, a bit better than Edmunds predicted (17). Individual ratings are for this vehicle class. For example, I rated performance as 9 - obviously, this is for a 4300 pound vehicle and not a sports car.

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  CR-V SE A Great Car!! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JE - May 5 - 6:06 pm

  My wife and I just picked up our new CR-V SE last week and we love it already!! It is rock steady to drive, the leather clad seats are comfortable and supportive, the 2.4 liter engine has good acceleration and it looks like a much more expensive car on the outside (it kind of reminds me of the new Volvo SUV). But best of all...its a Honda and that means reliability, a high resale value and economy of ownership!! This is the fourth Honda weve purchased (we traded in a 2002 Accord) and this may be the best one yet!!