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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  Great but a little boring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Jake Holvey - February 17 - 6:45 am

  Its big. Takes up more space in our garage than our old pathfinder. Great comfort but not much personality. Family loves it.

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  Better than my RX350 - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By amr - February 16 - 7:58 pm

  I traded my 2015 RX350 for the 2016 Pilot EXL. The RX was loaded with every option available and the Pilot is stock but I would never trade back! The ride is far superior and the handling is perfect for me, it steers like an arrow. There is less road noise and vibration than the RX had and the seats are far more comfortable. The interior is spacious and attractive with plenty of cargo room. If I have to complain about anything its that the driver seat seems a little lacking in range of motion compared to the RX. in my opinion there should be just a little more forward tilt to the seat. I have to set the seat in a lower position than I like to compensate for the lack of tilt because if I sit higher the front edge of the seat presses hard into the back of my leg causing it to feel numb. Im getting used to sitting lower. I like the back up camera that comes as a standard option, again its better than the RX and the signal light rear view camera is also a great option, it makes changing lanes safer than just a shoulder check. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Michelle - February 16 - 9:43 am

  This car is a great value for the price. Drives smooth, great gas mileage, sleek design and interior, great turning radius.

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  I love it! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Storm28 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I got this car a month ago and we love it. The versatility inside with the movable seats and wide open door entrances have been great. I had my brother-in-law ask us to go with him to pick up a large item at a store becuase he would have touble getting it into his truck. And it handles great on top of everything else. I would highly recommeded this vehicle to anyone (as long as they only need to seat 4).

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  Excellent buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Yuri - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought it 12/27/2002 - it outperforms many sedans in driving on the curved roads (ramps, highway exits, etc.) During last winters snow storm on Presidents day I went to work and made it there without any difficulties - I almost fell down on ice when I went back to the car, but the car did not slip at all on the road. The acceleration is very good, ABS works fine if you need it.

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  Drive it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Scojay - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Best value and reliability for under $35k. Toyota was close, Liked the Montereo- but offered no value. Honda dealers are making deals. I paid $2100 under msrp. Drive it, like it, buy it.

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  All around great car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By opirty - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Terrific value for the money,rock solid,good performance & economy.Excllent dealer service!

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  Civic Si 03 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By pabloESCABA - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is a lot more different than the pprevious Si, but once u get used to the design it seems to be better then the rest of em, its quick but needs some more work done to it to release the power the engine got thats not being used, other than that its a great car.

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  Hands Down-Great Buy-2003 Accord EX V6 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ltrain - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I have driven about 2500 miles on this car in the first month. I spent three months and looked at the competitors, Passat, Saab, Volvo, Camry, etc. The 2003 Accord is the best deal for the money. The only way that you could find a car with better features or performance and proven reliability is to spend more. But why? The american cars just dont compare.

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  Get over the badge and buy the car. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jpturner - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my 03 EX V6 - it has more power than I can legally used, and runs like a top. Coming from a mid-1990s BMW 3 Series is like coming from the stone age to the present. This car is very, very good at everything you need a sedan to be. If it had a luxury badge, it would cost you $10,000 more for a car with fewer features. I chose between EX V6 and BMW 325, and decided I was paying too much for a luxury badge (plus I was a little tired of paying BMW service and parts prices for the past 7 years), for less reliability. A completely enjoyable experience - just get used to seeing your car everywhere! Happy hunting.