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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  Fabulous Van! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By bruzoo - November 3 - 8:14 pm

  We LOVED our Odyssey! It never had ANY problems in all of its 8 years we had it! At the time we bought it, we had 3 small children! Great on long trips! Easy to park! Very comfortable seating... We just traded it on an SUV (Acura MDX) to do better in the snow, here in Colorado.

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  Best choice in segment - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeromey - November 3 - 7:48 pm

  The car has been extremely reliable. No maintenance required except oil, tires, brakes over 7 years. Handles well, agile car, fun to drive with 5 speed manual. Holds value very well, thus probably best choice in the segment.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Warren - November 3 - 7:10 pm

  Hey Guys, If you are looking for an Accord like mine then look no further. Hondas 05 Accord is one of the best choices to make for buying. I was in the market for the Civic EX but when I thought of only adding a couple of grand more I got leather, 16in rims, dual cliamte control, and my favorite the DOHC I-VTEC engine.

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  Excellent SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By SatisfiedOwner - November 2 - 11:20 pm

  The 2007 Pilot is very comfortable, has excellent performance and handling. It could use a little better heating and cooling controls for use between the front and rear areas. Also when the windows are all down the reverberation is so bad it just about takes your ears out. These two problems are minor and overall I would definitely buy another and would recommend it to anyone who wants a comfortable SUV with room for 8 and a good compromise between size and economy. I get about 18.5 to 19 back and forth to work and about 22mpg on the freeway with the cruise on 80mph. No larger than it is I would think that Honda could make the vehicle get 22 around town and about 25-26 on the highway.

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  Best in class - 2007 Honda Civic
  By desimunda - November 2 - 6:20 pm

  Best in class, for sure. The interior, exterior styling is unparalled. Just fantastic and Im getting compliments daily. The throttle feels much better then my 04 civic sedan. This feels a lot heavier and powerful. Very different car then the 04 civic. Its also very steady on the highway. Quiet, etc.

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  Dashboard - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dick - November 2 - 11:23 am

  Recently acquired the car. Overall I like the car. What I do not like is the layout of some of the info on the dash control panel. The temp. is located with the mileage indicator. Need to reach around the steering wheel to put on. The clock is on the radio which is located by my knee. The heater has the temp. showing all the time. It is located in the middle of the control panel. This the least used info.

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  Road Rocket - 2003 Honda S2000
  By g-man - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Chicago and drove it home to Texas. The tight suspension flattens out on the road. The handling is excellent and when you hit the power zone 5500 and up, it feels like a turbo is kicking in. For the price this is undoubtedly the best sports car for the money. On the way home had the pleasure to hook up with a Porsche Boxter. We played with each other for a while and then went to it. This little Road Rocket walked away from the Boxter. We backed off well over 100 (130 speedometer) with plenty off pedal left. Sometimes I need to remind myself its a Honda!

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  Truly the #1 - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Saibal Sen - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle without even test driving it. The recommendations from Consumer Reports and Edmunds were enough for me. And I was not disappointed. I picked it from the dealer and drove 60 miles to my home on a stormy day. It was rock steady against 50 mph winds on the freeway. I had a tough time finding this vehicle and the color that I wanted at MSRP.

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  A happy Pilot owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By SJMNC - November 2 - 2:00 am

  We took the Pilot on a 1,100 mile trip through the Mohavi desert. The trip was a little long. But, the car performed beautifully and did not give us any disappointment. We got about 22-25 MPG on average - very respectable for such a large vehicle. The handling is great.

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  Great car, but not perfect - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By great car - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Great van. Awesome engine! However, slightly disappointed with fit and finish- loose plastic panel in the passenger door. Also, it rattles at highway speed- Come on Honda! I expect better QC for a 28K van!!