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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  I love this suv like I do my Ford 350SD - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Beth - April 14 - 7:42 pm

  I put a dvd/game player in the back with 4 headsets etc. The family loves it. I love the nav. I get 19 miles a gal. This has been my favorite next to my Ford 350SD diesel dully truck. It drives great. Ive had it a year. I am always in a hurry, so it is easy to drive. My daughter has learned to drive in it. I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart. I cant say that about many cars Ive had over the years. I hall 4 kids and groceries around and still have room. It is smaller than our conv. van and trucks but it is nice for my life style. I love this SUV. Its a keeper.

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  Honda did it right - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Larry - April 14 - 10:41 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive, very stylish, roomy and confortable. It has excellent view from all sides. Good mileage on the open road. Very spacious inside, and the trunk is large enough to handle large suitcases. Only one computer chip problem in nearly eight years, that the dealer was able to fix.

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  Great Choice - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Jamie - April 14 - 9:36 am

  Looking for more space and knew I liked my moms 2006 Pilot as well as Hondas great reputation. Also was considering the new Ford Flex b/c my husband works for Ford, and although it drove well, I decided to go with the Pilot and couldnt be happier. Space is phenomenal and I like the new interior styling much better than previous models, especially the shifter on the dash, storage cubbies, and blue convenience lighting. Dont think theres another SUV in this class with so many standard features for price, like backup camera, leather, sunroof, and RES. Comfy drive and tight handling and I dont hear the gas sloshing like others mentioned. Neg: headrests tilt forward and some road noise.

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  2007 Honda Pilot EX-L - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By GaryB - April 13 - 5:11 pm

  Feels more powerful than a v-6. Mpg slightly less than advertised. Pleny of room for 5. Front cup holders awkward to reach. Some road noise but should be expected w/ suv.

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  2nd Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By rob - April 13 - 4:07 pm

  This is my second Honda and second pilot. I traded my 2004 for this 2007. I love the dependability and workmanship. Rides great. 3rd seat best value of any I have been in.

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  Great little SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By warner - April 12 - 6:42 pm

  Overall, I love this SUV. I was worried going from a V6 to a 4 cylinder, but Im actually surprised at the pick-up this car has. The AWD has been a huge help in the snow and dirt even though it isnt a true 4x4. It is comfortable and has plenty of space and I like the interior layout. I have had a problem with the glove box not completely closing and was told by honda that it is a frequent problem and that they just replace it. It also makes a clanking sound when you first start to drive, but I was told by Honda that it was the rear ABS activating. It worried me at first, but I guess its ok.

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  Quality and Affordability - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By raf23 - April 12 - 9:28 am

  Ive had my Pilot for 3 years and my wife and I couldnt be happier with it. It has never been serviced for anything other than scheduled maintenance. Plenty of passenger and cargo room. We drove it to Maine the first year we had it, which was a 10 hour drive. I drove almost the whole way and I have never been more comfortable in a vehicle than with the Pilot. Im very impressed with the quality of this vehicle, with ample features for around $30k brand new.

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  Hard to beat! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Fitting in NC - April 12 - 7:20 am

  I bought this car coming down from an 02 CR-V, and I must say I do not miss it. I have just as much space and functionality with MUCH better gas mileage and just as nice appointments. I love that I can fit (theres that word again...) my whole family in the car and still have space! I have taken my daughter (in a car seat), sister, her wheelchair, her service dog AND a cartload from Costco with two dog beds, and no one was cramped. I love having the MP3 jack and the sound is good. My one complaint is that the A/C just SUCKS the gas out of the car, as well as draining power. If you live in a hot climate, consider this carefully.

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  My First Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By My First Accord - April 11 - 5:56 pm

  My first new car purchased and after five months of driving couldnt be happier with it. Overall its a solid car. Plenty of luxury for a nonluxury nameplate car. I decided to get the 6 cycl to be comparable to the power of my previous car a 93 Chrysler Concorde, but also for the better look of dual exhausts and stability control not offered in the 4 cycl. Love the driver friendly interior layout, from the white lighted dashboard to the intuitive controls. Folding down rear seats is rather cumbersome.

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  07 Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By JEFF - April 11 - 11:55 am

  Excellent ride, solid quality feel. Great engine, intake, and exhaust sound. Throaty V-8 sound. Fuel mileage is on the low side, but dealer says it will improve around 10,000 miles.