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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  Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Theduuz - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I like it. everyone should own one. Like the awd system

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  Happy Honda Honcho - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JIMBOO2 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot is a very smooth ride with good interior room for up to 8 people. The Pilot is sure footed in even the more severe curves and has powerful takeoff abilities for merging and passing. I find the radio dials etc. a little busy but not too bad. On my test drive I told my wife that it was the nicest vehicle Ive ever driven and 6K later still fel that way.

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  very smooth ride - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hammerx4 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  needs to do something about where the "dead pedal area"is. small strip of leather for foot. mostly carpet, gets very dirty. also, area where seatbelt retracts gets nicked no matter how careful you are. otherwise pleased.

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  Excellent Reliable Mid-Size SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Shilua - November 19 - 2:00 am

  My new Pilot EXL with DVD is a great car. It runs extremely smooth, the DVD option is great for the kids. The interior feels a lot more roomier than it actually looks. The fold away 3rd row seats are also great. The DVD operation up front is a little confusing, but it could be because I didnt read the manual thoroughly enough. Get the remote starter, it is a life saver during the cold winter months, especially with a baby in tow. Gas mileage is to be expected, exactly what it states, I think 17 street miles per gallon. But thats the price we pay for a SUV! And the Honda name, its trust and security, well worth it!

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  Love It! Highly Recommend... - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Nanjo - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new in July, after having a new baby. Did much research on SUVs before purchasing. Love it. Took it on a crosscountry trip this Christmas (over 1900 miles) with 2 adults, 2 kids under the age of 2, and all of our stuff along. It performed admirably! We were Toyota people before buying this, but the Highlander wasnt big enough, and the Sequoia was too big and too much of a gas hog. The Pilot fit our needs perfectly.

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  poor lighting - 2000 Honda Accord
  By natasha531 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  All in all its a very good reliable vehicle. There are a few safety motifications that should be made. The lighting system is bad. Its hard to see at night without the high- beams on. The car is good on gas. It has a lot of leg room for one of my 59 female. I dont think men should drive this vehicle. It has a sporty feminine look to it (men should not buy this car).Its a very reliable vehicle. If your travling long distances and there is only 3 people 1 person can go in the back and sleep comfortable which is a plus in my book.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2004 Honda Accord
  By CTTYLER - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I TEST DROVE MANY CARS INCLUDING THE CAMRY AND ALTIME BEFORE SETTLING ON THE ACCORD. THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIALS AND THE FIT AND FINISH REALLY SOLD ME ON THE CAR. PLUS, I THOUGHT I WAS DRIVING A 6 CYLINDER UNTIL THE SALESPERSON ADVISED ME IT WAS A 4. ABSOLUTELY THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED. HUGHES HONDA IN WARNER ROBINS GA WAS ALSO THE BEST DEALER.

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  100% BOLD - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By dorrethf - November 18 - 10:16 pm

  The new honda pilot is a reiable and fun family SUV. it has great features and has great quality.

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  Great car but lacking in a lot of areas - 2008 Honda Fit
  By v724510 - November 17 - 10:23 pm

  I was excited to get the fit but disappointed when I realized it maxed out at 35 mpg. In reality Im getting 25 mpg and I drive mostly on the HWY. I hear this will get better in time. Right now Honda is purposefully not making many Fits to drive demand. Most dealerships are charging an additional 1500 to every car because of this false demand Honda is creating. Also the Fit does not come with floor mats. When you buy them you cant just lay them down but you need to cut into the floor of the car. What were they thinking with that???!!! Overall I do like the fit. Its fun to drive and looks cool in my opinion. Its a Honda so I trust it will be reliable. Time will tell.

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  S2000 3 year review - 2001 Honda S2000
  By wake88 - November 17 - 3:14 pm

  Driving this car is like attaching it directly to your brain and giving it commands. The S2000 goes where you want when you want it to. It is a superior driving machine. Whether you are a good old boy that loves american muscle, or an import umm "artist", a ride in this car will induce an ear-to- ear grin on your face. I have used it as a weekend/fair weather car and have had very few problems. I had the 3 TSBs performed during the first year of ownership which took care of a few noises and nuisances. Since then its been perfectly reliable through two autocross seasons and a recent track day. I recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive, and I dont mean in a straight line.