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 best suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By fhs - October 31 - 10:00 am

  the best suv i have driven so far. its roomy and drives like a car.

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  Love this vehicle!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By feg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2004 Pilot for almost a month, and so far, I absolutely love it!! It handles very well, and is a joy to drive!!

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  Hondas a Honey - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By M. G. Blalock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a heavy, powerful feeling car-- very powerful! I feel safe in it. The ride is wonderful. We looked and looked and looked. This was the best driving and the best ride. I only wish we had leather seats and my wife wanted a sun-roof. We bought too soon and didnt order what we really wanted.

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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By mr - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The fuel economy is probably better than most, the seat comfort is great. A solid drive.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By amazingmario - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV for the money with all the features included. I love this vehicle. Wish I bought it sooner.

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  Got this for Safety Reasons - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Threadbunny - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I got this suv because of the safety rating. I like it OK, but, I cant stand the back door that opens to the side. It has no catch, so if you are parked on any type of incline the door slams shut on you or anything in its way. The inside is comfortable, but, the rug is already coming up. I have had a maint. req. light and the car has had 2 recalls that it has had to go into the shop for. I do like the comfort in the back since my passengers are fairly tall and they say it is spacious. Also I was tapped at very low speed (less than 5 miles per hour) and a huge hole was placed in the bumper. So much for safety!

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  Honda Odyssey EX 2003 - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By REBEAU - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely wonderful vehicle! You can be confident with this purchase. All other minivans are inferior to the Honda Odyssey EX 2003! We had terrible luck with Ford Minivans and Dodge Minivans. As a consumer, the Honda Odyssey is a breath of fresh air. All others pale in comparison. As a mother, this vehicle is superior!

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  Hot, Hot, Hot - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Lover 2 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I brought this for the make and model. LOVE It, LOVE IT. Test drove the Nissan Xterra and was too small in the front area. The Hona CRV is comfortable and a great ride...

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  Great Mini-SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Darin Marple - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 CR-V is another great car in the Honda line. Build quality is great and the initial impression of this car is that should serve me for many years with little or no complaint from me or the car. The real-time 4wd was a real selling point for me. I tried it out on some wet roads and the car stuck to the road. All in all, the combination of fuel-efficiency and reliability of a civic with a SUV platform was a great idea. My wife has an 03 forester, both are great cars, choose the CR-V for size and finish, the forester for performance.

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  Good so far - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Adrewskie - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good so far. In city mileage even during the breakin period was 22-24mpg. Very comfortable and easy to drive.