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:

• 

  great vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By funguy - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleasantly suprised with this vehicle. I wanted the Acura MDX but settled for this SUV, due to price.......but I love this vehicle more and more everyday! I am very happy we have this vehicle....it drives like a dream on both sideroads and highways. We can take up to 8 people ( even though only small people can fit into the back)! The 4x4 driving in the winter is pretty impressive (and fun too). We love how the seat heaters warm us up on those cold nights.........and the cool air conditoning cools us down on those hot days! Altogether............what an incredible vehicle.It has been everything we have asked for and more!

• 

  Not a Good SUV. A GREAT SUV! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilot7853 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  My wife wanted a Blazer. They were advertising $4000 rebates. However after comparing the cost to operate. It was clear the Blazer is a LOSER! This car is great. The 3rd seat is hard to get in. Definitely for kids. There is no road noise in this car. Took a few days for dealer to locate a LX. We looked for a car about 3 months. This is it. No rebates, but they gave me a great deal on my Accord.

• 

  An excellent small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By 04CRVLX - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Also, own an 01 Accord EX V6, compared to the top of the line sedan the CRV with its 4 cylinder mated to a 5 speed MT was able to hold its own on highway speeds. The extra ground clearance and AWD made traversing over snow less arduous. Storage space is abundant, design allows loading ease. Gas mileage comparable to the Accord V6, not bad for an SUV but not as good compared to a similar 4 cylinder engined Accord. Road noise is much more noticable compared to the V6 Accord. Stereo sound quality on CRV LX inferior to system on Accord EX V6.

• 

  The best of the best - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jwilson778 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car....but..I am 61" and if the front seats were 2" wider and maybe 3" longer and i could fit my golf clubs in the very back of the trunk and still have room to carry the weeks groceries i wouldnt be thinking about the Pilot. Great power, so-so tires, super quality.

• 

  Well Thought-out SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CJ - August 3 - 4:13 pm

  Extremely Well Thought-Out .. Console area is great with cell phone tucked away along with power outlets .. convenient drink holders, etc. Cd changer easy to use and functions great .. good sound on system. Power is super and engine and transmission is as smooth as silk. I tested the Volvo XC90 (loved it but too pricey), the Highlander .. nice ride but not nearly as well thought-out interior. The Pilot had by far the most functional third row seats. I do wish there was a compass and trip computer, but I do like the temperature gauge. Also I would like an option on tire/wheel size, however the tires it comes with are more than adequate.

• 

  Fun and reliable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Anna - August 3 - 3:23 pm

  Weve had this car for 4 months and I love to drive it. Its powerful for a V6 and feels safe in all weather. The car has not slipped in rain, sleet or snow, and handling is good for a large car. Interior room is spacious and flexible, and you can easily fit 8 people or put down the 2nd and 3rd rows and haul lots of cargo. Interior trim and accessories are sturdy, and the car handles easy a heavy payload. The console between the 2 front seats is great for odds and ends, and can be adjusted to suit your taste. Small gripes are that it handles wind noise well, but road noise on bad roads is pronounced, and the heat in the front seats fades in and out.

• 

  Best car I have ever had. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Civic_driver_66 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda, and everything that anyone ever says about a Honda is true. My Civic has 85,xxx miles on it and is running like it is brand new. There are also limit-less parts or performance additions. The best thing I think about my Civic is its reliability. As another user said,"If you see a Civic with 100,000 miles on it, it is just a baby." That is so true!

• 

  So reliable that its almost boring - 1996 Honda Accord
  By WS6LS101 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My friends and family reccomended the Honda and they have definitely given me the best advice I think I have ever taken, for this car is amazing! I feel very confident in the car, just knowing that it will always get me where I need to go. It is six years old and looks and drives like its a brand new machine, infact this car probably hasnt even broken in yet! And its especially nice when the mechanic compliments you on your decision to buy a Honda, ensuring you that they are nearly mechanically perfect.

• 

  Pilot - Detail to Engineering - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wandering69 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Everything from design to build quality is typical Honda excellence (I also own a CR-V). Practically no detail was overlooked. The EX is great value for those priced out of the Acura MDX. Why pay for a name... when 67% of the parts between the 2 vehicles are common?

• 

  pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By troy long - August 3 - 10:00 am

  What a ride! another homerun for honda! quiet,smooth,roomy,fast,