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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  The SUV of all SUVs - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Rey - May 11 - 10:40 am

  My Pilot is so comfortable, fun to drive, air conditioning system is well more than I expected. I can see all angles, no blind spots. I feel safe driving this car because of all air bags around. Excellent!!!

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  I Love My Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jackie1957 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a Honda before (1986 Civic which still ran, no problems after 150,000 miles.) I was elated to see Honda come out with a larger SUV. It was time to trade in the mini-van (Chrysler) and I just wasnt ready for another mechanical nightmare. The Pilot is as roomy as that van and offers almost as much versatility. The ride is great. My husband has a bad back, and said its the most comfortable ride he has had across country (over a van, a Civic and an Intrepid). I was worried that the gas mileage would be poor, but have found it actually gets a mile or two better per gallon in the city than most mini-vans. (Several miles better on the highway.)

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  No complaints - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By steved - May 11 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were bouncing back and forth between a mid size SUV and minivans.As much as she wanted the SUV I finally convinced her to test drive the Odyssey and if she didnt like it, we would move on.Thats all it took. We have had the vehicle only a couple weeks but love it. We were able to get a 2004 EX-L(White exterior with a Fern (Gray)interior for only $26,221($99 over invoice) and that included destination. All I can say is, if you dont use the internet, it will cost you. I was given exactly what Kelley Blue Book rated my trade-in and after the trade in- walked away with the most stress free car buying experience ever.

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  Excellent car for your money - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By bailey5697 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  After shoppong for quite a while for a minivan we so pleased the find the Odyssey. It was the exact price range,a nd all the features we were looking for.

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  This Vehicle is Awesome - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ajd48 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Since getting the car in December it has performed flawlessly. Took it on a 1,500 mile trip to through the Adirondack Mts. in upstate NY and it handled snow, and all kinds of weather without a problem. Had 6 people in the car 99% of the time and everyone was comfortable. Two teenagers fit in the 3rd row seat without a problem. Entertainment system was appreciated by all. Also dual media source for front and back was excellent. This car drives smoothly, handles well for a truck and is very comfortable. Worth every penny of the purchase price. If like my other Hondas, I should own it problem free for a long time.

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  New Honda owner - 2004 Honda Accord
  By lilbuddha - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I very much enjoy the interior of the vehicle. Everything you need is close and accessible. It handles very well. Ive noticed very little road noise and it is so quite it is hard to tell when it is running.

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  Best Small Car In Texas - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Alfredo Gonzalez - May 10 - 11:23 pm

  I really enjoy the comfortable ride, and sporty appearance added with the rear spoiler. And last but not least, the gas mileage city & Highway are wonderful.

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  My third Accord LX 5-speed in a row... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Lannie - May 10 - 7:20 pm

  I suppose at some point I could drive something other than an Accord... but why? As the saying goes, "If it aint broke, dont fix it." Im a middle- aged lady, and I have three priorities when considering a vehicle: Reliability, reliability, and reliability. When I get in my car and turn the key, I want it to work. Flawlessly. Every time. For the past eight years, my Accords have done exactly that; so, I leased another one. (I believe this is what the youngsters call a "no-brainer".) I waited an extra two days so that my dealer could find me one equipped with a five-speed manual, which I love. I still get a kick from actually DRIVING a car; especially a really nice one like the 2007 Accord.

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  My 01 Accord EX V6 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Carlos - May 10 - 5:16 pm

  I love my car. I have had no problems with her in almost my year of ownership. I have been across country twice and she runs just as good as she did when i drove off the lot. Hondas are #1!!!

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  Almost perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By racerx2k - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our CR-V for a few weeks and its been great!! Great fuel economy, good handling (for a mini-ute), solid construction. We had a Grand Vitara as a loaner car while our other car was in the shop, and it was a HUGE difference. Even with the V6 it felt less powerful than the CR-V.