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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  2006 Honda Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By bwhartley - April 30 - 7:40 am

  This is my wifes commuter vehicle. She is a speech language pathologist and must shift a large amount of equipment from site to site. The seats configure easily to allow her to fit anything she needs. At the end of the day she picks up 3 teenage boys and voila, the vehicle configures in less than one minute. Great vehicle!!!!

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  Pilot EX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - April 30 - 3:13 am

  Wonderful truck, no problems.

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  You can trust Honda - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dallas Driver - April 29 - 11:10 pm

  Great acceleration for an SUV. I traded in a G35 and this has been a great vehicle so far. 90 miles driven and the fuel gauge still hasnt dropped from the full tank mark! Buy the 2WD EX-L - excellent features.

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  Great Mini-Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Randy Tibbs - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  We previously had another minivan, 2001. We gave it to our daughter and son-in-law for their growing family, but found we really liked having a van. After much research we decided to buy the Honda Odyssey, EXL. We took it on a trip with two other adults, about 500 miles. We got 28 MPG and the room and ride were excellent. This vehicle has plenty of power and I especially like the fuel efficiency, even with a 255 HP motor. Like other Hondas we have owned, the workmanship is excellent. Honda is very thoughtful in how they build and design a vehicle. Thanks Honda, another "Home-Run"

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  Good Car so Far - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - April 29 - 3:50 pm

  Bought my Honda in November 2007. This is my second Honda Accord and so far I have not been disappointed. My previous Honda Accord was a 1996 and it is still going strong. I hope to have the same success out of the 2008 model. I was looking for a new sedan that would have plenty of leg room for my two sons and so far I have been pleased. I compared it to the Nissan Altima which came in a close second but the Accord had better safety features and the insurance is cheaper. I have been disappointed with fuel economy. 75% of my driving is state highways and I only get about 26-27 miles/gal. which is less than my previous 12 yr. old Accord.

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  Well Rounded - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Chris - April 29 - 2:56 pm

  Three months, NO REGRETS. Great balance of performance and amenities for the price. Smooth transmission and seemingly power in all gears. Form and function in one slick car.

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  In My Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By FRL Hammer - April 29 - 2:40 pm

  This vehicle is every reson to own a Honda. It is a solid well built car. It is compact on the outside. Huge well designed hauling space on the inside. Seats are wide and comfortable. The engine is a bit under powered. Fuel economey is a true 23 mpg

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  Excellent automobile - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Cheryl - April 29 - 6:53 am

  This is definitely one of the best automobiles Ive ever owned. The smooth ride and roominess is such a pleasure for a small suv. Excellent gas mileage. You can even feel how solidly made it is just by shutting the door.

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  New Pilot owner... LOVE this car! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jennifer W - April 28 - 11:09 pm

  Ive only had my Pilot for 3 days, but I am absolutely sold on Honda now! We looked at all of the midsize SUVs and for the money, this was the best value hands down. I love the fact that all side curtain airbags come standard, and that shoulder belts are available for all passengers, even in the 3rd row. There is virtually no road noise, and it rides like a dream. I just love everything about this vehicle so far! Just waiting to check the mileage... hoping it gets what the sticker says it will. I feel great about having this as our family car - I was sold as soon as I saw the safety ratings. If you are looking for a lot of bang for your buck, test drive the Pilot!

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  first van other than ford or or chevy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ed - April 28 - 2:00 pm

  This van has been a pleasure. Enjoy the maintenance reminder. The quietness and the comfort.The tires that give you the extra mileage when you have a flat tire. The heated seats, (great for arthritus).Do not use the xtra storage area as it is not that accesible. Glove compartment are on the small side. But the under seat draw seems to compensate for that. The min complaint is the magaine holer on the back of front seats, very flimsy.