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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  Gold Accord EX V6 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mark - January 6 - 1:53 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months now and currently have 7200 miles on it. No problems whatsover to date. Previously owned a 2000 Honda Accord LX with V6. Performance has greatly increased going from a 200 Horsepower V6 to 244 Horsepower. Transmission shifts seamlessly and throttle response is almost immediate. This is a very decked out ride for the money. Build quality is good but nothing spectacular. The car comes standard with many features but does not have option for blue tooth. Gas mileage is good for a V6 with this many horses under the hood (Avg. 22 city 29 Hwy). I am happy with this vehicle and would probably buy again. Might take a look at the new 2007 Camry.

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  Pluses and Minuses... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Rky. Mt. family - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our Pilot in Sept.02 to pull a trailer and move our oldest to Seattle...it drove great and pulled the trailer fine...I love the way it handles ..the NAV system was fun. I am most unhappy with the fact the middle and back seats do not recline enough for kids to sleep..its hard to take trips with kids with upright seats. After 12 years of Astro vans we are having a time adjusting to the lost space...our last trip was really tough we were packed in like sardines...we are taking a good look at the Toyota Sequoia knowing that kids only get bigger and if were cramped now.....

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  Satisfied so far - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sulo7 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Yhe Pilot replaced my truck and has done an extremely fine job of towing and passenger carrying. It is far more comfortable and enjoyable than any trucks I tested. Pricewise I feel it is worth the money thus far. Handled well on snow and sleet in recent encounter with poor driving conditions.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By charles - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, fun to drive SUV

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  First Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By TheDog - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought our CRV for the room, gas mileage, and safety record, and I am not disappointed. It has plenty of pep even going up hills. Very solid – no rattles, and the fit and finish is excellent.

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  2003 Honda CRV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Charles - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, fun to drive SUV

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  Questionable Dealership - 2000 Honda Accord
  By aaspeer - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from Penske Honda in Southern California. I loved the car from day one but have had creaking & ratteling problems. THe transmission shifts oddly & the paint on the hood chipped off to reveal rust!! Its not so much the car that i have a problem with, the dealership SUCKS at servicing customers. They dont return phone calls or actually fix any problems. I have been in over 20 times with the same problems and they act as if they dont care. The speedometer is off by 6% which is apparently acceptable up to 10% but the car rides nice and i am overall happy with the car, but not the dealership.

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  its ok...i wish i got a spec v instead - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civic duty - January 2 - 10:16 pm

  So far the car has been without major problems. however, the minor ones are cumulative and annoying. First the driver side window got stuck. Replaced under warranty but now the panel control on the driver side comes loose when the drivers door gets closed with windows open. The sunroof rattles as well as the glove box. Stock tires are donuts!!!

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  Good Commuter - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Sodak - December 31 - 5:43 am

  I have owned 3 Hondas previous to this purchase. I see the build quality dropping. There are more rattles in this one then the others. With 17,000 miles on the vehicle I have not had any service issues. I commute 100 miles (minimum) daily with steep grades of 6% to 8% for 15 to 20 mile distances. My highway to city driving ratio is 80%/20% respectively. With these two factors, I am getting 40 to 44 MPG (consistently). My worst tank full was 37 MPG. However, I am using fuel saving measure when I commute. This car is more comfortable than I ever thought it would be. However, there is to much road noise. I recommend the Civic as a commuter.

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  Just the facts 01 - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By racetrek17 - December 29 - 9:50 pm

  Ok, bought it on 7 Dec, PH-Day, EX-L RES Silver Pilot. Drives nice, 60 miles, round trip every day. As of 9 Dec 05, 159 miles, 19.27 MPG. More updates to follow. Almost went with the 06 Sienna Limited and Sub B9 7 pas Limited. Needed a good Trooper Limited replacement. Pilot won, looks like SUV, drive like car, FWD so still good in the snow.