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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  as good as it gets - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2kdave - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4 year of owning s2000s and every year I try to decide what sports car to get next and it comes back to keeping it, just cant find a true sports car for the price. i could write a long review but one must drive this machine to understand why it is truly special.

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  I love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jorgeviniciomera - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I like everything on my new Pilot 2004, the most i Like is the interior design, easy to drive and so soft.

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  honda pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SadieandShelby - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We love the way the Pilot drives- the steering, AWD, and acceleration are great. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Like the controls built into the steering wheel. Appreciate all the safety features, including third row seat headrests and shoulder restraints for both second and third rows. Enjoy the sound system.

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  Id Buy It Again - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Juji - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Pilot!

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  This is NOT the Honda youre used to!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By UpsetTOO! - March 26 - 2:00 am

  My family has owned a total of 8 Hondas, the 04 Accord being the most recent. Since buying in Sept, its been back to the dealership FIVE times to repair misaligned parts, rattling and popping noises in the passenger door and windshield. Its STILL not fixed. Funny thing is Honda doesnt seem to think they should replace our car even though they cant seem to fix it. Watch out - the quality of Honda is rapidly deteriorating and they seem less than concerned about it!! We got Ford quality for a Honda price tag.

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  update and upgrade - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom D - March 25 - 8:50 pm

  Replaced our 2000 Odyssey EX with this 05 touring nav and res.. Better in everyway. Quiet, powerful and full of new features. Power doors are much better than before, seats are way more comfortable and ride is fantastic. Having some problems with the voice recognition, maybe just takes practice. I am concerned about the PAX and that alone almost made us choose the EX-L, but wife likes the power tailgate too much (3 children and lots of shopping)

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  Trading in early! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hcpops - March 25 - 6:30 pm

  Premature wear on rear breaks! Starting hearing noise after 27,00 miles. Dealers are offering to split cost of repair. Interior noise on drivers side window is very annoying! Definite last Honda purchase.

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  Mouse Trap - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Moetime - March 25 - 4:46 pm

  Great ride, pleanty of room, and comfortable. Quiet cabin for the first year, there after, cabin noise seemed to increase, especially on highways. Gas mileage is not nearly what was stated...but the fact that you do not have to change the oil as frequently is a plus. I all it "the mouse trap" because we have cought six mice in the cabin so far. The dealer claims that it happens to all cars...all models, but this is a first for me. They think that the mice are getting through the freshair duct, and other than keeping it on recirculate, there is nothing that could be done.

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  Good, but not as good as everyone says - 1999 Honda Civic
  By gsemike - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Honda and its good, but not as good as everyone says. Its extremely reliable and the build quality is excellent. Ive never fixed it and the maintenance schedule is very easy on the wallet. Unfortunately, there are a few little things that irk me. The cup holders have no teeth so drinks can fall over in turns, the shifter is runnery, and when there is no memory on the seat. When you let someone into the back, the seat returns to a position that is 90 degrees to the floor.

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  !!!HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE SUCKS!!! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By gzk - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The van is good in general. I had some paint defects on my new van. The attitute of the dealer and Honda Customer Service SUCKED! The Customer satisfaction survey is a waste of my time. I pointed out a couple of things but they have never followed up. The van is the best now. But if their customer service does not improve, Im not sure if I would come back for my next car.