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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  Absolutely the Best! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By teacherkennedy - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot combines the driving luxury of an Accord and the convenience of an SUV. As a past Honda owner, my expectations were high. The Pilot exceeded all of my expectations. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Whats up with the gas mileage? - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pjk23 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great vehicle. Ive owned 4 hondas in a row. I havent had one complaint...until now. We were expecting the estimated 17/22 gas mileage when purchasing the Pilot. Weve been driving it now for 4 months and weve only been managing 14/19. My wife mainly drives the vehicle...and shes not a lead foot by any means. Im going to call the dealership to see if any adjustments can be made. Other than that, an incredible vehicle. Honda did a great job putting this one together.

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  Saving the planet with action, not words - 2003 Honda Civic
  By savetheenvironment - October 9 - 10:00 am

  When the Stang got wrecked, I decided to get a hybrid because its the responsible thing to do. Of the hybrids available, The styling on the Civic was best--it looked "normal". I cant be happier. Car had 1 mile on it & now has 1050 miles. I drive in suburban areas in Orlando and am achieving about 43- 47mph. Didnt get this the first couple of hundred miles (probably all the demo rides I gave friends), but do now, & lately its been even better. This is a comfortable car and very fun to drive. The dynamic gauges make me very attune to "bad" driving habits. This is a great hybrid example for other car companies to follow. HELLO FORD? HELLO GM?

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  Accord # 4 - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Donald Jones - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Hond Accord. Ive been happy with the previous three Accords but this 2003 is a big step up in overall quality. Very quiet and a much better ride. How does Honda make a better car for the same money as a 2002? You need to pay close attention here Ford and GM.

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  No decision - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Beegimus - October 9 - 10:00 am

  For a good year now i was trying to decide what kind of coupe i wanted to buy. The main choices were the Nissan 350z and the Honda Accord Coupe. The choice was easy with the accord coupe seating 5 vs 2. and the unleaded regular vs premium. In the long run i think my choice of the Accord Coupe would of been a better decision. Quality, good design, and practical applications make all the difference.

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  Love My New Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Pearl Sen - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Having several family members who own Honda Accords it has been my "dream" to have one of my own. The car has been all I expected and hoped for. It really handles well on the interstate and in town. I was pleased by the gas milage I got driving mostly in town the first week. It got 28 miles to the gallon and that is a big plus to me. I am still finding all the "little" extras it has to offer such as the seat being able to be adjusted up and down. All in all its a very pretty car and I highly recommend one to anyone in the market who is looking for a reliable car.

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  2008 Ody is more solid than 2005 Ody - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Larry - October 9 - 4:13 am

  We traded in our 05 EXL RES with 47,700 miles on a 08 EXL R&N and the difference is amazing. The ride has improved, the sound dampening has improved, and the fit and finish is better. The floor mats arent as thick, have less thread count, and they arent engraved with Odyssey on them. The back of the 3rd row seats are now carpet instead of leather. I like the telescoping steering wheel a lot better and now its more ergonomically comfortable to drive. Even my wife can tell a drastic improvement between the two vehicles. We never thought wed like driving or even owning a mini-van, but now we cant live without it. Convenience, room, better gas milage than SUVs, and comfort done well

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Stan Grant - October 9 - 2:23 am

  I really like the handling of the Honda Civic Hybrid. Excellent gas mileage, great looks, sporty feel with the manual 5 speed. looks like a regular Civic which is great... Unlike the Toyota Prius - ugly.... I love it!

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  Love the Accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By buyahome - October 8 - 10:27 pm

  The Honda Accord has been an excellent choice for me. The quality is incredible. I cant imagine buying another American car after owning this one. The dealership has provided absolutely incredible service to me. They have gone out of their way to help with any issues I have had. Those issues have been: frozen door lock (from washing it with pressure wash I guess), most recently a problem with Navigation being erractic (they are currently working to resolve this one), possibly a DVD that may be working less than excellent. The only complaint I would have is the fact that the 4 cylinder engine is a bit light on the road and tends to ride a little bumpy & road noise is kind of loud.

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  Honda CRV-LX 2007 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Vickie - October 7 - 11:03 pm

  What a great vehicle! This is the 4th Honda I have purchased and by far the best! I traded in a 2001 Honda CRV for my new 2007. I love it. It is a great vehicle for anyone that is short. Being only 52", I have a difficult time in most cars with visibility. Not with the CRV. The seat adjustment for height is great! So far I have averaged 27 miles to the gallon. Couldnt see myself driving a car again after owning a CRV! Very smooth car like ride.