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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  Break problems abound - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cpmack1 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had to have the disk brakes turned twice - first time at 15000 second at 29000. Honda claims it is environmental problems... disk brakes heat up and warp around 12-13000 miles each time. Other than that one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. Have been advised I will have to replace the rotars (drums) by the time I reach 50000 miles. Thats a real problem and will probably drive me to another vehicle. Have two friends who have the same problem with brakes on their pilots as well here in El Paso.

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  Odyssey #2, More of the same - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jeff Aloway - July 20 - 9:13 pm

  We own the 2003 & 2005. I got the 05 for the same price and with more features than our 03. Outside is stylish with nice lines & is put together well. The leather seats are not as comfortable as the Lxi; leather seems hard and seats are too firm. Controls: within reach and intuitive. Mirror defrosters: nice. AC works great, but heating seems slow. Visibility is good. ++ moonroof and roll down 2nd row windows with sun shades. I do not miss rear window vents. Storage is great. DVD and music systems are good. Fold down seat is nice and easy to operate. Good acceleration, easy braking, smooth transmission. No extra noises. Mileage is what I expected.

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  Love my first SUV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Logan208 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my first SUV. Plenty of passenger room and lots of extra room when folding the seats down. Overall comfortable car too. Gas milage is excellent. Plenty of head room. Sunroof is awesome. Love that theres no center console; finally a place for my purse. Dislike hatch doors, so the barn door is great. The 6 disc changes is sweet; wish I had more watts though.

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  perfect size suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By squeeza2 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  The Pilot handles great and is spacious. It is a smooth vehicle that accelerates nicely. Perfect for long drives with the kids and carrying extra luggage via thule box. Paid $29K. Youd figure if youd pay this much, leather would be included. However, the cloth seats are right for multiple seasons.

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  Buy one and you wont regret it. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By larrykz - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Pilot EX with leather and the navigation system almost a year now and I cant say enough good things about it. It handles like a car in town and climbs like a cat off road. When I bought my Pilot I actually had to start up my old vehicle twice and get ready to pull out of the dealership before they ran out after me. With $1,800 worth of additional accessories over the sticker value of the car I ended up paying $500 over sticker for it which I thought was an excellent deal since I was reading of everyone paying $1,500 to $2,500 over sticker at the time. Go out and buy one and you wont regret it.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2002 Honda Civic
  By deejay - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Faulty cab light was replaced by the dealer. Vinyl molding by the drivers side gets loose and have to be pushed in place. Defrot only with the AC on is very irritating. Sometimes fails to start for no apparent reason. Brakes jerk when applied hard. Apart from that, fun car to drive. Paid a high price. I have owned both domestic and imports, Ford to VW to Toyota. I believe this is the best.

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  Honda Continues to Build Great Cars - 2003 Honda Civic
  By joel03 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have just purchased a 2003 Honda Civic LX Coupe. After owning a 2000 Civic VP -- This was a slight upgrade. All - in - all this car feels rock-solid, Very Affordable, considering what you get. Sound system very clear, nice punchy mid-low end. 5-speed is very smooth. Ride is very comfy, bu could use a touch more power, though Im pleased with the power it has, it is certainly adequate. I love it, and will continue to buy Hondas in the future.

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  Mostly good, but with some warts - 2002 Honda Accord
  By piston_honda - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Honda always makes a great engine; no complaints there. The car is as solid as they come. The problem we had was with the interior construction. TONS of squeaking and rattling, especially in colder weather, even only a few weeks old. We had it back into the dealer more than 10 times in the first 6 months. They never could fix it.

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  Poor interior craftmanship - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Dr. Marvelous - July 20 - 10:00 am

  From the first day, the right front window area rattled. Eventually the back seat, moonroof, and post behind the driver-side front window all began to rattle. Fortunately the radio drowns much of it out. Forget a quiet ride in this car. I guess thats what happens when they are assembled in the US...

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  First Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By New Honda Fan - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Honda but when I first saw the options availabe on the new Accords I was very impressed. The nav system really grabbed my attention. The ride is smooth and comfortable while still giving that in control sporty feel. It has more horse power than most other cars in its class and it comes through when you hit the pedal. The car is actually for my wife as I am a Ford Truck man, but I really like to drive this car. The final item to put me over the top was the price, I could never get into another car with as many great features for the $27k I paid. I only have about five hundred miles on the car so far but have no second thoughts.