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:

• 

  Outstanding CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Barb Barker - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is flawless so far. Rides very good, has better performance than my 2001 model. This is the third new Honda purchased from Hugh White Honda of Columbus in three years.

• 

  Nickys Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nicky - March 28 - 2:00 am

  My last 3 vehicles were Toyotas and I said I would never get anything else, but after test driving the CR-V and comparing it to the RAV4 I changed my mind. The CR-V is more comfortable, has a smoother ride, and the price was better and included more standard options. Not so good is the noise coming from my brakes. It only happens after the car has been sitting for a while and I push on the brakes for the first time. The dealership said a "clicking or groaning" noise is normal, but I consider it a loud "clunking" noise.

• 

  Gets ALOT of looks - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jenn33196 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our Pilot this month and we are crazy about it! We were looking at the Explorer, Highlander, and Trailblazer, but nothing even compares to this amazing vehicle. The best compliment thus far was from a Lexus RX 300 owner, he wanted to know who made that car we were driving? When we said Honda he was astounded. Love all features! Flow Honda was hands down the best dealer to work with! We actually bought for under MSRP with all the features we wanted! Highly recommend this SUV to anyone. Plenty of cargo room, no other SUV we tested beats the seating comfort or the ride. The quadruple five star safety rating was a huge plus.

• 

  Best Van on planet - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SS99 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Odyssey is the best van on this planet. Its a perfect vehicle. Its looks like dream comes true.

• 

  Good van for the price - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By dcordell - March 27 - 10:54 pm

  I got a good deal on a 04 Odyssey LX with 55,000 miles on it so I chose it over the more expensive Sienna. In the three months Ive owned it I have been impressed with the power, roominess, handling, and reliability. This van will keep up with the traffic with no strain, even in the mountains of NC. Handling is good and it really sticks to the road but the ride on mine is not smooth. You can use the van to do some pretty hefty hauling with the 3rd row seat in the floor and and the 2nd row moved out. With the seats up it seats 7 fairly comfortably. The little lug wrench that comes with the van wouldnt budge the lugs when I had a flat. Overall I have been pleased with the van.

• 

  SI - Surgical Instrument? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John - March 27 - 7:43 pm

  After having my Civic Si for 7 months, I have to say I am in love with this car. (Shallow, I know) Now I wouldnÂ’t call myself an overly aggressive driver, but weÂ’ll just say that IÂ’m not afraid to under steer or over steer a vehicle, with all the tire noise and panicked passenger(s) to boot. I like to power out of corners, or put another way; brake hard, throw in, and punch out. This car excels at this. The helical limited slip puts the power where itÂ’s needed and without a lot a lot of fuss. Strait line weapon? Not sure. But chase it up through five (of six) gears on a Saturday night and the local judge may need to be roused from of bed if you want to go home before Sundays sunrise.

• 

  Big Fun Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By bigrandy - March 27 - 7:33 pm

  I really like this car a lot. For the money, it is definitely the best choice out there. I got the 4 cylinder LX model in a manual transmission, and it has more than enough power. I was actually suprised at the acceleration for this base model engine. My only really complaint is the gas mileage is not as good as advertised. I do about 90% highway driving and I am only getting 22-23 mpg which isnt that bad considering it is a big car. But other than that, I would definitely recomend this car to anyone, especially taller people!

• 

  Pilots Rock! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - March 27 - 12:18 pm

  As usual, my new 2009 Honda Pilot is everything that you would expect from Honda - solid, reliable, fun, etc. It has all of the features of more expensive SUVs for a reasonable price. I dont have one bad thing to comment on.

• 

  Special Edition is awesome - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Donna - March 27 - 12:43 am

  This is my second Honda Civic. My last one was a 2002 and I upgraded to the 2005. This one seems larger and a bit higher and easier to get in and out of since I am tall. It is fun to drive and has a lot of power during acceleration. I am totally pleased with my purchase. I get around 30 mpg combined driving city and highway. You cant beat that.

• 

  Honda Does It Again - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Daddypo - March 26 - 2:10 pm

  Great vehicle. I was impressed with the comfort and upscale feel of this van. Traded in a 2000 Dodge van, and the difference was amazing. I did not notice any problem with road noise, which is a common complaint against Honda per the magazine reviews. This van has plenty of power, comfortable ride, and good gas mileage (for a van at least). Total package.