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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  After 6 weeks of Ownership - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Ed C. - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the first vehicle I have owned that my teenager wants to go for a ride in. The DVD/CD Rear Entertainment System is great. The kids can listen to their own music or watch a movie using the wireless headphones/DVD screen and not be complaining about the length of the trip. I have had the opportunity to drive in snow/ice and it handled great. The big difference between this and truck like SUVs is the smooth ride. While it does not handle like the sports sedan it replaced, it is a very smooth, quite and capable vehicle.

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  Pilot is Awesome - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Golden - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I was the first person to buy a Honda Pilot EX-L in Greenville SC and I had been waiting for it for a year. It now has 10,000 miles and is 6 months old. It has exceeded my expectations and I love driving it. The third seat has come in handy when extended family comes to visit so we can all sit comfortably. The third seat folds down so easy for my two golden retrievers to ride in the back. (Cargo liner is great for pets) I highly recommend the Pilot not only because of its great appeal, but also the reliability of a Honda. The Pilot is great because it is not too big and not too small.

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  An extremly practical little sport UTE - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Doug Howse - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at getting a Ford Escape until I test drove the CR-V. Build quality, wind noise, fuel economy, interior layout and price all favored the CR-V. Decent power and better gas mileage than the 3.0L V6 in the Escape. After 3200 miles my mileage in mixed driving is up to 25 MPG. Sound system: The speakers look like paper plates with refrigerator magnets stuck to them. Putting in decent speakers involves fabricating new brakets from scratch. Reccomend hondasuv.com and hondacr-v.org for instructions and hints/tips on adding accessories. This is my first Honda and, based on my impressions so far, it wont be my last.

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  A great choice - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By MissPiggy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the Honda CR-V is a great little SUV, it drives comfortable, with a hip sporty look, not to mention plenty of room for family and cargo. I am enjoying it tremendously.

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  1st Honda Buyer - 2015 Honda Pilot
  By Tracy Ferguson - July 3 - 11:23 pm

  Absolutely love my decision to purchase a Honda. From the salesman to the quality of the car, value of the car and great deal, it was a great investment.

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  fun car to drive - 2005 Honda Accord
  By gf - July 3 - 6:33 am

  I had a 92 honda accord and loved it, it was reliable and fun to drive, when looking for a new car I knew I had to get another honda. I got my first speeding ticket with this car, (I couldnt feel the speed) I got used to the 130 hp. going 90 in this new car felt as if i was going 65 in my old car.. I was impressed with the power, acceleration and handling..

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  Good practical transportation - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DantheHondaDrivinMan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, and a fantastic redesign over the 1999 I used to have, for roughly the same price. The front seats werent made for tall people unfortunately (Im only 510" and could use another inch or so of leg room). Only gets 23-24mpg, but for an SUV thats not too bad. Overall Im very happy with it.

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  Perfection - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By DAWGFAN - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I researched every SUV out there for the better part of 2 years, nothing compares to the Pilot. We waited until 05 for the factory sunroof and it was worth the wait. Excellent rig, highly recommend it.

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  Luxury in a CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Fan - July 2 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Honda CR-V SE is a great suprise to me. I owned a 2002 CR-V EX before I got the SE 2 weeks ago. The Diff is amazing.The trans. is smoother,Eng. noise is lower, and the leather seats are comfy for long rides. I have 800 miles on it and which are all highway so far, the CR-v holds it lanes and is easy to drive on the highway at all speeds-----sometimes you do not know how fast your going in the new HONDA CR-V Special Edition.

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  SuperDuperDeluxe Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By gkkim - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought a 2004 Sienna XLE LTD AWD but ended up with a Slate Green (more like silver blue) Touring with NAV/RES. Drives/handles very well and smoothly, yet sporty. Transmission is solid authority without up/down searching and hesitation. Surprising amount of oompf for a very chubby/hefty minivan. Interior is no nonsense Honda spartan, but elegant, comfortable and super quiet. Feels/Drives with wide solid stance. PAX tires takes the bumps a bit harsher than the regular tires, but not disturbing. Cant hear the VCM and no wind noise. Rumpled leather not a favorite, but seats provide good support. Be warned-"coin box" is just an open drawer. Concerned about PAX support still.