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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  Satisfied Overall - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By stevenlaura - May 29 - 5:46 pm

  Went with the 2007 Pilot over the CRV to get extra space as we often total 4 adult passengers, and sometimes more. CRV felt a little tight for 4 tops. Preferred the superior quality of the leather in the Pilot. CRV leather felt thin and has a tufted look, which some may prefer, but we dont. CRV felt somewhat underpowered, but not too bad. No question the Pilot has plenty of power. Overall very pleased with the Pilot. Expecting it will do well in the snow if we get any.

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  Lovin my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By EKing - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 Honda Element less than 2 months ago and I am in love! I fell in love with the car once I saw it on the lot, but after I drove it I knew I had to have it. This vehicle is living up to the outstanding reputation that Honda already has. An overall wonderful vehicle. The interior is as cool or even better than the exterior. The car drives smooth, not like most SUVs. I would recommend the Element to anyone.

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  Aggressive looking,but boring engineCRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By stever817 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I moved from a 2000 Accord V6 coupe to a manual trans CRV thinking that the this would make road trips, game days easier. Well, its nice for around town shopping, but any long distance trips, camping trips, etc shows off the limitations. Gas mileage is not that great when you consider that most SUVs with V6s are getting about 20- 24mpg. This vehicule after 14 months of driving could not muster any better then 22mpg. Best thing about the CRV is its strong resale value.

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  Try again HONDA! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RAM II - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 01 Accord EX on the Pilot. I was sure the Pilot would be as nice as the Accord...WRONG!! Road, wind, and tire noise is TERRIBLE! The interior shakes and rattles like a Chevy! Too much plastic inside. HVAC Vents break with the slightest bump. Leather is OK, but seats feel like a park bench. Lots of features for the price, but Honda had to sacrifice something....Quality!

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  Never by an Civic - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Gail_VI - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Straight off the lot this car gave me problems, stalling in the street, radio scanning on its own. Finally that got fixed after less than 2 years somthing on the car is clunking. I never had any of these experiences with my Nissan Sentra. Hondas in my opinion are OVER- RATED. Im not the only one in the VI having HONDA problems. Is it the car or the dealer?

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Tucson - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car, is beautifully practical. I have been getting 52-55 mpg! The auto-stop function is a marvelous feature allowing the motor to quietly shut off when put in neutral, but sometimes it confuses itself when I pull into the intersection during a left hand turn...it sometimes shuts off when i engage the clutch with it in 1st gear, requiring me to shift to neutral and back to first. Still a great car.

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  Dumb-Ass SUVs - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Larry Lucus - May 29 - 10:00 am

  had this car for less than a week and already appreciate the MPG. its fun to drive, looks sporty and best of all its a honda.

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  1 big problem - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jim Taylor - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Front window(s)have developed squeaking noise over bumps. 4 dealer fixes havent fixed. Design problem. Also too much wind noise.

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  6-speed manual Man - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Jakub - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is perfect

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  Uncomfortable Seats, Road noise - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Will - May 29 - 2:06 am

  Just bought the car. Owned a lot of cars and I must say this is the most uncomfortable seats in any car I have owned. It hurts the lower part of your back after a half hour. Its like a hard lumbar that doesnt go away. Called Honda America, and they said that they will document it. If you own one and experience this problem call them. More complaints the better hopefully! Road noise is pretty loud.