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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  Needs Better Paint - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By S Gregory - November 27 - 1:11 pm

  I love my Honda Pilot, but not happy with the PAINT job. The paint on the bumper started coming off in less than a month after we bought it. I have noticed little chips in the paint along with little dings. The pilot drives very smooth, more like a car, and very roomy inside.

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  I love it, but not a minivan replacement - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By baron64 - November 26 - 5:32 pm

  Bought the 06 Pilot EXL to replace a minivan. My wife wanted 4-wheel drive capability and I was not sold on the Sienna AWD. Simply not as convenient as a minivan to haul around 3 kids and a lab. Not as much room or comfort as a minivan and the sliding doors of a minivan are a lot easier for the kids to get in and out of. Bottom line - it was a mistake to get the Pilot over a minivan, even an AWD Sienna. With that said, it is still an awesome vehicle and anyone looking for a mid- size SUV should have this as #1 on their list.

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  Petes Personal review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pete J. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Flawless, absolutely no trouble vehicle for last 18 months since purchase. Very smooth and comfortable highway cruiser. Would have liked the option of factory heated seats and a power passenger seat as well as a sun-roof option. Did not need or ever use the third-row seating - it shouldve been an option

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  Solid All Around - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Randy12567 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Though Ive had several problems in the 2 yrs (30k miles) that Ive owned this car, including replacing the tranny (30k mi), front rotors (34k mi) side airbag sensor (35k mi), and the alternator (50k mi) I still think that its a steal for the price tag, especially since Hondas hold there value. Engine is powerful, handling is good, interior looks great, exterior looks attractive and sporty. Overall, I think that its probably the best car in its class, thou tranny is inadaquate for engine. Even with its flaws my Accord still runs extremely strong and the build quality is very good.

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  Best commute car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By King George - November 25 - 3:33 am

  After 11K miles, the car is perfect except I cannot get rid of the the "tire" warning light. This car gives 38.8 mpg for both city and highway. Acceleration is adequate to merge and change lane at 60-70mph. I got speeding ticket for running 89 mph ( in fact it was 93 mph) in a smooth highway. Sound system is much less than perfect but if you just listen to radio then its a good fit for the money.

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  Cute Little Tank - 1992 Honda Accord
  By nurse607 - November 24 - 4:51 pm

  I got this car as a beater for 1500 dollars in 2004. Ive since put over 50,000 miles on it, and had only one mechanical problem that wasnt directly attributable to the infamous New York State snow rust. This thing has treated me so well, Ive gotten 5 times my money out of it in under 4 years. I never bought a foreign car until this one, and Im never buying anything but a Honda again. Every car Ive had, which were all American pieces of garbage, had so many problems and were built terribly. This car, and Honda in general, are made FOR the people, FOR the long run. This vehicle is no joke, and is no exception to that rule. I got lucky and got one with all the options&its over 200k miles!

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  Last Honda I will Purchase - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Tom Giese - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I know Honda has a reputation that precedes itself. That being said I must have purchased that one in a thousand defective vehicle. I have had nothing but problems with my car the past two years(check engine light constantly coming on) O2 sensors, transmission control unit ($2400). The engineers at Honda spent weeks helping service stations. When I tried to contact Honda for help with my problems I encountered the worst customer service I have ever experienced. Again my experience may buck the norm but it has been bad enough for me to catagorically state I will never again purchase a Honda. Cheers.

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  Pilot your own Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By JackJ - November 24 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle...comfortable...bold and filled with Honda quality. This will be undoubtingly the next "must have " vehicle

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  jack of all trades - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By carolaanddavid - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This thing definitely has a nice car ride. Very cozy. I like it that darker tint is standard now. Only couple hundred miles into it so far. Got it because couldnt find an Odyssey, which we wanted due to having a 1st child. So far we are glad; can do a lot of different things with it!

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  New Pilot Envy of Odyssey Owners - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By the Pock - November 24 - 10:00 am

  After purchasing my Pilot last Friday, many of my Odyssey neighbors told me they wish they would have known or waited. Two of my neighbors have recently changed their plans from the Odyssey to the Pilot. With all of the seating, and 4WD, it is the best of both worlds. Minor problem. Latch for back stowage does not stay down. Will be replaced under warranty.