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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  Great car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Scott W - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car inside and out. It has everything you need nothing you dont. I have had the car for almost a month and I have never had any problems. Great 9!!! year old car!

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  SUPER FANTASTIC!!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By wilk6100 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This car lacks nothing!! O.K, the only problem Ive had is that the muffler rattles a little. BUT THATS IT!

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  the very best minivan on the market - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By phanatict2000 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  absolutley the best van for the money. has everything you need and nothing you dont.very affordable. honda stands for (h)have (o)one (n)never (d)drive (a)anyother !!!!!!!!

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  Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By cchanpa - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car fits and finish. Very firm seats and practical day to day usage. Perfect position to load and unload toddlers from middle seats.

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  great suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By cmc - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle purchase we have ever made. It has more than enough passenger and cargo room. The engine has plenty of horsepwer. I highly recommend the Pilot.

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  Thrilled thus far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By formerfordfan - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Loved our Accord, so we looked at Pilot when the time for new vehicle arrived. Bought for MSRP with no hassles. Have averaged 18 City and 21-24 on highway (65 - 80 mph). Unbelievable gas mileage for 4400 lb. SUV with 240 HP. Plenty of room, quality workmanship, and nice driving feel. This is a good alternative to a minivan (which we had) with no apparent loss of MPG and the benefit of 4WD at similar cost. Considered the Explorer and Sequoia, but the Ford experience with our Windstar left us leery and we didnt need the cost or low MPG of the big Toyota.

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  Suprising Combination - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mkell - February 1 - 10:00 am

  For me the Pilot is a great vehicle. It drives like a honda sedan, fits more kids than a minivan, and provides 4x4 where its needed. It has great safety features. Also, something that I have not seen enough of is commentary from owners of the gps navigation system. The gps navigation system seems like it might be just a novelty, but it has been incredibly accurate and helpful all around town. Getting to someones home, finding that restaurant, etc. Getting you home after scooting around all day. It really takes the pain out of driving through a large urban/suburan area. I do not think I will ever have another car without one.

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  Hard to Beat - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Shawn Evans - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Plain and simple. There is nothing in even close to this price range that offers what the pilot does. Handles wonderfully, firm ride, great acceleration, great interior. I did a great deal of shopping before I bought and was very suprised how far above the others this vehicle was.

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  Great Vehicle so Far! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Beebow - January 31 - 11:16 am

  This is our first Honda and we are loving it.

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Honda Girl - January 31 - 12:50 am

  I traded an 08 Kia Sorento for my CR- V and couldnt be happier. The build quality is in a class of it own and this vehicle has a very well thought design. Ive owned a Honda in the past and my main complaint with my 04 Accord was road noise, and theyve made great improvements with that. On my first tank the CR-V averaged 24.9 mpg (combined city/hwy). Theres plenty of room for people and cargo and I like how the back sits flip forward. The back lift gate is easy to close, which was a problem with the Sorento, which had a very heavy/cumbersome litigate. Love how wide the doors open! Cant really comment on reliability yet but I expect no major problems since it is a Honda.