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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  Potential Problem - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By John/Show me state - March 5 - 10:00 am

  We got this Pilot a month ago and we have a problem with front passenger side struts. Suspension system is same as their Mini van except for it is mounted different on the Pilot. When we went over a bump struts were making a noise. Honda mechanic says the strut might have been mounted wrong. When you test drive go slowly over a bump with air and stereo turned off listen for it.This problem is new and only been found in a few Pilots. Honda seems very concerned aboutit.

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  Worth The Wait - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By abl729 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I was at Honda looking at the Odessey. My heart was not into the "minivan scene", and fortunately for me, the sales manager told me about the upcoming Pilot. My wife and I waited a few months, and all I can say is "THANK G-D FOR THAT" Its a great vehicle! It rides like a car, its roomy and really comfortable. So far, we love it! People have stopped us on the road, in gas stations and parking lots just to take a look and get our thoughts. Its fun to be in something "brand new". Everyone and their grandma are riding in the Explorer these days! Honda strikes again!

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  Easy to be green - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Greg Reiter - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The Civic hybrid is great. It runs just like an ordinary gasoline auto except it gets nearly 45 mpg around town. It is an easy way to help save the earth.

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  Good to go!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Marineone - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This Honda Accord is a great over all purchase. The interior I have is aftermarket leather, in which is higher quality than the manufacturers option. Gas mileage is great. I can drive from L.A. to Vegas and back on one full tank of gas and still have some left for the work week!! This Honda is good quality and craftmanship in comparison to some other cars in the same price range.

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  I Like It! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jjr - March 4 - 10:26 pm

  First import Ive owned and I like it. Corners like its on rails. Plenty of zip and room. Holds my golf clubs and electric cart plus my other essential golf stuff and still room for a twelve-pack. This is behind the rear seats without folding anything down.

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  Awesome & SAFE - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MyStory - March 4 - 7:50 pm

  This car is very cool. My first Honda and probably will not be my last. The HP is a little on the low side but performed well on a long road trip. My story has a sad ending but I was sandwiched by a truck and a SUV. The front bumper was Impailed on the SUV trailer hitch. So the car Vd in. The back also took a massive hit. Im 64 and the end result was I was able to walk away with minor neck and back pain. Kudos to Honda for making a car that could withstand that type of impact.

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  An all-star utility player - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Simon - March 3 - 10:09 pm

  We looked at the Tahoe, Armada and Highlander and the pilot won us over on its winning combination of performance, economy, advanced AWD system and value. We travel to Vermont often on narrow, private roads that are not always plowed well. Hondas i-VTM is really the Acura SH-AWD with torque vectoring. On dry roads it helps some, but it is also a winner in the deep snow, shifting power left to right as well as front to back as needed. Really great system. The cargo space in this rig is HUGE, especially with part or all of the 3rd row down. The cargo area is equivalent is size to the Tahoe and more usable as the load floor is lower. The acceleration is decent and I like the intake noise as the VTEC kicks in at higher revs. Without flogging it, Ive seen high 20s for MPG on the highway. Overall, over the first 1500 miles, weve gotten 23 MPG combined. The 9 speed feels a bit weird around 4th or 5th gear but it isnt a big deal. The push button shifter took some getting use to, but after a day we were used to it and it wasnt a big deal. I really liked the looks of the Tahoe, but for the money (and even not considering the money), the Pilot is an unbeatable combo of utility, economy and performance.

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  Great first car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Aubrey - March 3 - 5:22 pm

  I bought this car when I was 18 as my first car. It has been reliable and great ever since I have owned it! The only problems I have been incurring are the various headlight bulbs have been going out. First, my driverside rear blinker went out; second, my passenger rear running light went out; third, my front driverside headlight went out; fourth, my front driverside blinker went out. All cheap do-able fixes. But I love my car, it has been great for me!

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  Great first car! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Aubrey - March 3 - 5:22 pm

  I bought this car when I was 18 as my first car. It has been reliable and great ever since I have owned it! The only problems I have been incurring are the various headlight bulbs have been going out. First, my driverside rear blinker went out; second, my passenger rear running light went out; third, my front driverside headlight went out; fourth, my front driverside blinker went out. All cheap do-able fixes. But I love my car, it has been great for me!

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  Honda 2016 CRV-exl Touring. - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By GP - March 3 - 12:50 pm