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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  Pluses and Minuses... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rky. Mt. family - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Pilot in Sept.02 to pull a trailer and move our oldest to Seattle...it drove great and pulled the trailer fine...I love the way it handles ..the NAV system was fun. I am most unhappy with the fact the middle and back seats do not recline enough for kids to sleep..its hard to take trips with kids with upright seats. After 12 years of Astro vans we are having a time adjusting to the lost space...our last trip was really tough we were packed in like sardines...we are taking a good look at the Toyota Sequoia knowing that kids only get bigger and if were cramped now.....

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  Satisfied so far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sulo7 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Yhe Pilot replaced my truck and has done an extremely fine job of towing and passenger carrying. It is far more comfortable and enjoyable than any trucks I tested. Pricewise I feel it is worth the money thus far. Handled well on snow and sleet in recent encounter with poor driving conditions.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By charles - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, fun to drive SUV

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  First Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By TheDog - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought our CRV for the room, gas mileage, and safety record, and I am not disappointed. It has plenty of pep even going up hills. Very solid – no rattles, and the fit and finish is excellent.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Charles - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, fun to drive SUV

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  Excellent vehicle - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By volleyone - January 3 - 10:00 am

  The performance is amazing and the kids love the DVD system with the headphones. Their exact words "Hey sis! What? This is cool huh! Yea!!"

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  A blast, and good x-country, too - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MercatorInMD - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my troublesome 2000 Acura TL on this hottie and loved it. Quick and fun, it brought back the spirit of my old original VW Rabbit. Seats are wonderful... drove it cross country (California to Maryland) in 2-1/2 days (with longest day 16 hours) and arrived rested, not tired. The car just clicked off the Interstate miles. Averaged 67 mph including fuel and food stops and got 26.34 mpg. Gripes: Syncros arent up to quick 1-2 shifts. Its easy to grind the gears. No problem running on 87 octane gas, but make sure its from a "quality" retailer... it pings mercilessly on cheap gas.

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  You cant beat a Honda CRV - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie Applegate - January 3 - 8:50 am

  Very reliable and now with the right side camera even more safe then before. This is my fourth CRV and I will continue to buy this model. The resale is also very good. Dont trade because the dealer will never give you what its worth. Sell to a private party.

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  08 accord exl v8 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By shiggs - January 3 - 8:00 am

  only 900 miles but drives much better than others on market. more hp and room than previous accord which was great as well, the handling is way better on the 08 also. gas mileage sucks, i was getting 20 mpg on 05 accord v6 and seem to pull only 18 mpg on this one. mostly city driving though.

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  Big Little (or is it Little Big) Car - 2003 Honda Element
  By pakman - January 3 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this car. $22,000 for a 4WD car that everybody wants to take a look at and it drives like a dream. It is such a big "little" car. Made by Honda, so it will last forever. I spilled pizza sauce on the seats and wipped it right off the waterproof seats. I love this car. Best choice I ever made!!!