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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  Front Seats are the biggest let down - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bill Egge - May 22 - 11:57 am

  We have been a Honda family since 1987. Today we are retired, and as we enter an era of long-distance driving, our orthopedic and spinal surgeries dictate that our new car MUST have orthopedically correct seats (aka "multi-contour" in many circles). Much to my dismay, when at the dealer, I discovered that the Elites driver seat has only a two-way lumbar support (in and out), and the passenger seat has no lumbar support at all. Worse, the passenger front seat, although power, only goes front and back, not up and down or tilt. BOTTOM LINE: The Pilot Elite seat comfort is below par for the luxury SUV segment. It looks like our days as a Honda family will soon be over.

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  Competent, not spectacular - 2009 Honda Accord
  By arun11 - May 22 - 9:06 am

  When I researched this car, complaints seem be centered around VCM, uncomfortable seats, road noise, and brake issues. 300 miles after I purchased this car, I am yet to experience issues in any of these areas. VCM seems to work fine; Ive driven up and down hills and on straight roads, speeds up to 70 mph, and transitions are far less noticeable than gear changes. I do not consider road noise an issue as long as you dont compare it to a Lexus. I am yet to experience any issues with the brakes. Overall, seems to be a well built car, handles far better than my old Camry, and am reasonably satisfied with it.

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  little disappointed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Chandra - May 22 - 2:53 am

  Traded in Olds silhouette for this beautiful 2006 odyssey. Have owned honda cars before with pride & satisfaction. Have to say I am disappointed with the gas mileage so far. getting 15-17 mpg city, whereas my olds got 20-22mpg. I though odyssey would be better with the eco. cylinder thing. NOT

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  What a SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By swimmerdad - May 22 - 2:00 am

  What a SUV. Without a doubt it is the smoothest driving SUV on the market. I have had SUVs in the past that would never pass a gas station, this one will! It has all the room any family may need, and with the Honda quality it is the best. If your in the market in Virginia contact the people at Pohanka of Fredericksburg, I have never had a better purchase experience.

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  It pays to shop around - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By smart consumer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle speaks for itself. Everything operates perfectly.Easy to operate.This vehicle replaces a 2000 Lexus RX 300. I feel the vehicle is alot more bang for the buck. The 2003 Lexus is bascily unchanged and will be a new model in 2004. I didnt want to get a car that would be outdated in six months. After shopping several dealerships and having them all trying to convince me that a discount was not going to happen. I held out and bought the Pilot w/res for a $1000.00 discount off of true MSRP and did not pay any dealer fees.

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  minivan - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By ctmaurer - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best minivans you can buy, for a great price. Paid full sticker price, waited three months, it was well worth it. Still cheaper than a Chrysler.

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  Respect the van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By oddity - May 21 - 11:46 pm

  This van is light years ahead of my 2005 Dodge GC in terms of styling, refinement, driving experience, safety, and comfort. It is also light years ahead in terms of monthly payment, but you get what you pay for. My family of six loves it. This vehicle drives wonderfully. Steering is precise and overall handling and maneuverability is fantastic. Backup rear view camera is great once you learn to trust it - much easier to parallel park. I bought this van for many reasons, but Hondas reputation for build quality sealed the deal. I hope it holds up to its reputation.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By jorroak - May 21 - 8:40 pm

  I guess we are actually parents when we sell the Jeep to get a minivan. If you are going to drive a minivan, this is the one. The Odyessy handles like a car and travels like a family room.

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  The New CR-V is one heckuva vehicle! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy from IL - May 21 - 3:13 pm

  I had a 1998 Honda Passport (LX). Before that, I had owned true Hondas. I was not happy with my Passport and traded it in for the 2002 Honda CR-V (EX). The difference between the two are like night and day. The CR-V ride is much more like a car. The Passport was noisy, and drove like an old pickup truck. I feel like Ive come home again when I drive my new CR-V.

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  Family Vehicle for Everything - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Evan - May 21 - 1:30 am

  This is an excellent choice for families on the go that often take children on long trips. The seats are comfortable, the visibility is great, and the power/ fuel economy trade-off is just about right. May feel a bit clumsy at high speeds, but its always secure ride. It is annoying that you have to get leather to get most of the extras (sunroof, Vehicle Stability Assist) but the value is definitely still there. The third row is far more liveable in Pilot than the Toyota Highlander.