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:

• 

  Road and interior review. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By David Hicks - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Too much understeer, very poor tires, torque steer very bad while turning from a stop. TAKE OFF THE VERY STUPID top speed limiter (131mph). Why sell a sport cpe with limited top speed. BMW and Mercedes uses 155 MPH. Overall a very fun car to drive, excellent fuel economy. A better grade of alloy wheels would help, such as a polished or chrome. AM/FM radio sounds very poor, needs much better speakers and higher power amp. This would beat any car in this and higher MSRP. Overall very good!

• 

  First Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dirkbob - December 17 - 10:00 am

  After hearing years of people raving about Honda quality, I broke down and purchased an Accord EX, After only two weeks, I can say that I doubt I will ever by any vehicle other than Honda. Car is great and fun to drive. If the quality holds up as expected, it will easily be the best buy I have made.

• 

  AWESOME HONDA - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TLCCAR1 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I am so glad I purchased this Accord. This is one FANTASTIC automobile!! I always loved Hondas so I knew this one would be a smart purchase. It rides great, gets great mileage and is truly worth every penny! I love the seats, the ergonomics are perfect and it gets compliments wherever I go. It is very roomy and truly a joy to drive. No regrets - the BEST car I have ever owned!

• 

  Astounding reliability. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jeff - December 17 - 7:06 am

  Those of you reading this are probably looking at or considering a 2004 Accord. Mine was bought new (EX V6 with Navi) in March of 2004. I commute 120 miles each day, 5 days a week. I now have 105,000 miles on the car. This is easily the best and most reliable car Ive owned (out of about 23 in the last 20 years). I consistently get 27-30 mpg with the V6. I change the oil regularly myself with Mobil 1 oil. If you can believe it, I have not has so much as a light bulb burn out in 105,000 miles. Zero problems. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced by Honda as I approached the 100k mile mark. Other than that and oil and air filter - nothing. I just love this car.

• 

  Just perfect for us! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Cuadros family - December 16 - 6:32 pm

  I did lots of research on this vehicle and its competitors, like the GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, Ford Explorer, etc. the Pilot was my best choice overall for interior quality, space and design. Hondas reputation superceeds most makes and reliability is something I am confident about. Well, except for the two loose tranny-to-subframe bolts which the dealer fixed about a month ago. We have three small boys in car seats and they all fit in the 2nd row, or two in the 3rd. with all the accessories, cherry color, $29,500 purchase price (best value for the money), safety features, confort, and reliabity, the Pilot has the whole family very happy. We are averaging 21 m/g city and highway.

• 

  Happy...overall BUT... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By C - December 16 - 1:33 pm

  I love My Odyssey...and it is the 2nd one we have owned...the body style looks great...and the new "split 3rd row" is very handy...The TV is nice...It took me a while to figure out all of the electronic buttons.... We are happy overall... but it has several annoying rattles.... a strange zipping sensation in the pedal when you put the van in drive and accelerate for the first time on EVERY a trip. I have to use one of the many cup holders to hold change... being that there is no ash tray or change compartment... head set for TV does not work all the time in the 3rd row... I wish the window lock did not lock the drivers window controls..

• 

  Love This SUV and Fun to Drive - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Great SUV - December 15 - 4:54 pm

  Just picked it up and it is the best SUV in its class. I drove many SUVs and nothing to compare to this little number.

• 

  Four months of Pilot ownership - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Fred Webb - December 15 - 11:17 am

  I bought my 2008 Pilot EX-L with navigation after considering all other SUVs. The most important considerations in selecting it were safety, room for 8 if needed, comfort, and flexibility to go in snow and travel on moderately rough unpaved forest roads. I also wanted a vehicle with drivers compartment space for stowage of essential gear. The navigation system and XM radio have made driving more efficient and travel more enjoyable. Thus far, my Pilot has met all of my expectations. Fuel consumption has been quite reasonable considering vehicle weight. Ride has been very comfortable on 10+ hour trips.

• 

  Very happy Honda owner - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Gadero - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 8 years and 152,000 miles and I have spent $-0- on repairs!!! Honda quality is incredible! It still drives very nicely and rides great; does not show its age at all. I also own another Honda, a new Odyssey.

• 

  More room then our 1997 Expedition - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Canada - December 15 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 1997 Ford Expedition because we needed 4x drive in Canada. I didnt expect to have more room in the interior but we do and it handles in the mountains much better. I hate to say it but I doubt Ill ever buy American again. With 3 kids and a Golden Retreiver we had plenty of room and no complaints on a long trip.