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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  I love this vehicle!!! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Jodie Crump - February 28 - 4:53 pm

  I just picked up my Pilot on 8/3/06. I was driving a Chevy Tracker 01 before this and WOW what a change. It is so nice to drive a car that does not feel like it is going to fall apart when using the air conditioning and keeping with traffic on the highways. While driving the Pilot, I feel very safe as well as comfortable. I love it!!

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  Loving our 2016 Pilot Touring AWD! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By JAG305 - February 28 - 11:53 am

  My wife and I read a lot of reviews prior to purchasing our 2016 Honda Pilot at the end of December, 2016. There were so many reviews/complaints about the 9-speed transmission that comes standard in the Touring and Elite models, that we were completely scared off of those trim levels, at least initially. We test drove a Pilot EX model, which has the old 6-speed transmission that wed had in our older Pilot. We didnt even want to test drive the Touring model because of the 9-speed transmission. But then we did. And we loved it. And after three months and trips through the mountains, on flat terrain, in city traffic, sitting on highways in traffic, and etc... there is absolutely not a single complaint that we have about the 9-speed transmission. In fact, i can say with all honesty that it is the smoothest transmission Ive ever experienced. Up-shifting and downshifting is smooth and nearly imperceptible, no matter what the terrain. The tranny is very smooth and responsive as well. My brother in law, who knows cars well, drove our car (and knew nothing about the transmission complaints in the reviews), and the first comment he made was that the transmission was incredibly smooth and quiet. That was totally unprompted (I didnt ask him, "so what did you think of the transmission" or anything to that effect). The Pilot has loads of room for our family of five and the dog, on long trips, and has plenty of power for the mountains. The Touring model has a number of bells & whistles that we like that just dont come on the EX (including that very quiet, smooth transmission). One thing that we appreciate the most is the extra sound proofing material in the Touring that doesnt come on the EX model. Its makes our Pilot noticeable quieter than the cheaper model. Test drive both in succession and Im sure youll agree. The Honda Sensing takes some getting used to, but its really handy, especially on long trips. The braking on the adaptive cruise control can jolt if a car cuts in front of you, but i dont understand why people would complain about that. Of course the brakes will apply if someone cuts in front of you! In any event, three months and counting and we love our pilot and havent had a single issue with it, except for some Bluetooth connectivity weirdness. When my wifes and my phones are in the car at the same time, we sometimes having trouble connecting to the phone of our choice. Who knows whether thats more user error than technical glitch. As for the absence of a radio volume knob - that s no big deal. We love having what is ineffect an iPod in the dash rather than some old analog knobs. Great SUV. We highly recommend.

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  awesome - 2003 Honda S2000
  By johnw - February 28 - 10:00 am

  most fun driving a car i have ever had and that includes driving RX7s, MGB, Spitifires and Corvettes

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  WOW! - 2003 Honda Element
  By John Doe - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Only have 2K miles but WOW! what a vehicle - great!

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  Love it - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kathyc - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot is awesome -- it rides as smooth as a car and the third rear seat is phenomenal. I went from an Expedition to a Pilot and have never looked back. The third row seat is so user friendly. The car is extremely comfortable inside too. Gas mileage could be a little better. Enjoy.

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  Our VA Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By VAOdyssey - February 28 - 10:00 am

  In our first Month of ownership we have encountered only one problem, and that was not the fault of the vehicle or Honda. We took it on a drive to a family reunion in Nebraska and it handled everything we tried. The only drawback is the security system. When we were stopped in Indiana a criminal broke the window (in the sliding door- driver side) They did not steal anything but perhaps there could be a way to secure the windows.

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  comfort and reliability - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Tricia - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I use my car for outside sales and spend roughly 5 hrs a day driving. My car offers me comfort and reliability. I like the fact that the blind spots are minimal it gives me a wide view of the road and everything around me. I enjoy the huge trunk, great for shopping and hauling things you wouldnt normally be able to fit in a trunk. I test drove several other makes comparable to the Accord and none of them could compare. The Accord has a tighter suspension and lets the driver feel in control.

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  Best Civic Yet Made - 2003 Honda Civic
  By tsdfinn - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I own a 99 Civic DX Hatchback 5M with 160K on the odometer. The 2003 Civic Sedan has improved the pedigree in all areas. I can see both vehicles hitting 300K easily. Can you make that comment about BMWs? Honda has greatly improved the sound- proofing of the Civic as well as the transmissions quality. If I had a choice between Honda and other vehicles, I choose Honda hands down!

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  civic review - 2003 Honda Civic
  By gotcha - February 28 - 10:00 am

  i love everthing about the car!

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  My Awesome Baby! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By VxnsCivic - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I am 20 yrs old and I bought the Civic for myself. I went from the car my parents bought me, a Pontiac Sunfire, to the Civic. I loved my Sunfire and wasnt sure if I was going to like the Civic but once I test drove it, I fell in LOVE with it and had to have it! The Civic is awesome! Smooth ride, fun to drive, great design interior and exterior! Its just an awesome car through and through! Very sporty!