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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  Nice Truck but not an Acura MDX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jtuffy - May 17 - 2:00 am

  What is missing from the Pilot are the little things. Poor rear viewing. Need: Backup sensor. Jumped a friends (very expensive) sports car bumper parked directly behind us at a New Years Eve Party. Not a scratch on the Pilot but the tailpipe cut his bumper and broke his headlight. The only other negative is you cannot open a side window while traveling without having a helicopter like air wave go through the car. I have heard that this is common with many SUVs. PRICE WAS RIGHT. High residual value lead to favorable lease.

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  Value & Versatility - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Skydefender - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied (except for bizarre positioning of headrests)so I will comment on 2 misconceptions about the Pilot. #1: Too expensive. Those who say its overpriced, I defy you to match overall value against any other SUV. If you paid over MSRP, well, there is one born every minute... #2: Gas mileage criticism. Does anyone know of a non-mini SUV that gets over 20 mpg average besides the Pilot?

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  They Finally Have It - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JamesK100 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Everything a suburbanites SUV should be: sure, supple, spacious and strong. I have pulled a full 5x8 UHaul trailer across the Appalachians twice on cruise control (add the tow pkg). My wife loves driving it around town. Handling is superb and I can carry a 4x8 sheet of plywood flat. Only problem is drivers left leg needs more "wiggle room" on long drives.

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  #1 MINIVAN - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Klarissa - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Plain & simple its the best minivan in the market!!!

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  Very good small car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By DouglasValle - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Nice and safe family car. Modern and economic engine

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  CIVIC EX Coupe slow but fun - 2003 Honda Civic
  By stjohnh4 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Not as swift as it looks. However, offers great quality, fuel economy, crisp handling at a fantastic price.

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  Good but clunky clutch - 2002 Honda Accord
  By spooley - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Stylish and easy to handle. A good replacement for a 1988 MX-6. Nice interior features. Maybe a little under- powered.

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  I LOVE This Car!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Jessica Jones - May 16 - 10:03 pm

  I have wanted a Honda C-RV for a while now, and I love the 2010. It gets good gas mileage, and has more horsepower than the 2009. It is a perfect car for all people. It is very comfortable at a reasonable price.

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  Civic with wings!! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Chuck Lind - May 16 - 12:13 pm

  Just picked up my new 2007 Honda Civic. What a delight to drive. Reminds me of the days when I flew my Piper Cherokee. Great handling, ride, nimble steering, placement of controls is in the right place. Hondas got it right!! Traded my 2002 Chevy Tracker for the Civic; what a difference. I expect around 40 mpg and Ill probably get it. Thank you, Honda.

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  Well built car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Al - May 15 - 2:46 pm

  I was in need to get a new car and I had made my decision on the Corolla. I tried Hundai, used Lexus, Toyota, Mazda and I decided to visit a Honda dealer and figured for a couple thousand more I could buy a much better car. You can feel a difference from your normal car and the Accord. If you dont mind flipping your rear view mirror at night time, you will save a lot of money for the exact same car.