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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  Look at this car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By allevajf - December 19 - 10:00 am

  First Honda; now I know why their models are so popular. Good quality build; Honda knows how to incorporate the standard features you need. There are no options save for the DVD and navigation system (watch for dealer add- ons). My dealer had none; it was a good transaction for a good quality family car.

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  Ultimate SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Innovation - December 19 - 10:00 am

  After having owned a Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango as well as a Ford Explorer I have an ample sense of the SUV market and I have found the best. This car brings nothing but driving pleasure. Coupled with outstanding interior and exterior design there is no true competition in its class or any other class...

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  Why buy a Lexus or Acura - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BThom - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The new Honda Pilot has more luxury and closer to a car-like ride than I expected. The Pilot is larger and wider than the Acura and Lexus SUV. Why pay more when you can get the quality and reliability in the Pilot. The third row seat is actually sized appropriate for use and not just a selling feature. When buying, look for a dealer with at least one years President Award for service and sales. I purchased mine from Thompson Honda in Cartersville, GA and passed two other Honda dealers on the way. The sales personnel and management have character and integrity. This is my second purchase from Thompson.

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  I Love My Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By rstcrew - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I Love My Honda. I only wish I could have owned this car sooner. I get 29 mpg hwy. faithfully. The only work Ive had done is regular oil changes. I have the ex model totally loaded and I love the luxury. The only bad choise I made was the low profile wheels and tires. Ive decided they are for people that have time to drive 5 mph over every dip, railroad track and bump. I have already replaced two tires with side wall bumps. Other than that(and I chose the big rims and tires) I wouldnt trade it for the world. ( Thank God the PT crusier was too over priced when I need a new car)

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  Honda Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Randy Hogue - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The civic is just great. The features inside are excellent, and is compact, yet not too small for comfortability.

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  Facing the facts - I finally got a Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By dtskiles - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I went to get the BMW330i. Came home with an Accord V6 Sedan. What a surprise. Glad I did. Much better car. Theyre powerful, well designed and bulletproof. The V6 Sedan is basically the Acura TL. (My father-in- law even said hell probably replace his 95 Legend with an Accord.) Only other car I might trade it for? 2002 CRV - but my wife got that one.

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  Love My CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Winfred Smith - December 18 - 8:03 am

  Ive been driving big cars for somewhile and made the switch because offuture gas prices. The CR-V is really fun to drive and Im 63". There is a solid feel to this car that I have not seen for a long time. There is plenty of power and the handling is very nice. I got 28.5 mpg on a trip last week. The room in this SUV is amazing. My CR-V was built in Japan which explains the high quality of this car. I may buy another one for my wife. Remember $3.00 gas by mid summer.

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  Simply awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DefensorFortis - December 18 - 4:20 am

  I have only owned my Honda Civic EX Coupe for two months and I LOVE IT!! I drove it so much in the past 60 days that I have already accumulated 4,000 miles. My average mileage has been 31 mpg for city and about 35 mpg on the highway (75mph).

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  It aint no old lady - 1994 Honda Accord
  By beanpole - December 18 - 1:12 am

  Dont hate! This is probably the best car ever! One of the last Accords made-in and imported from Japan. After all these years, it still taunts most other vehicles on the road. Agile and spry. The least wiggle room on a busy highway just makes this jackrabbit more fun! During the last 13yrs. of ownership, this Honda had only one major repair and was my fault for not heeding factory recall of front seal. Time lapsed and I paid! It was a good opportunity to replace the timing belt, all seals and other rubber parts. Texas climate probably would have worn em out soon enough. Last week, it needed a $240 ignition switch. Ooh! Still gets 25-30mpg and rockets to 110mph. Who needs a hybrid?

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  LX Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By CDiggity - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Pilot. The only complaint I have for the LX model is that Honda almost goes out of its way to differentiate the LX from EX. The upholstry and wheels for the LX, for example, seem almost purposefully cheap-looking to differentiate the models. Whereas there are plenty of real differentiators that easily sell the EX: sound system, trim, roof bars, etc. Other than small complaints like that, the Pilot is the best SUV on the road.