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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  My Sweet Honda - 1998 Honda Civic
  By courtneyjilll - January 27 - 8:50 pm

  This is the only car I have ever owned, and until I can save up to buy a new one with cash, it will be. This car had 72 miles on it when I got it 11 years ago, and has 236,000 today. Other than replacing the exhaust manifold and the blower motor on the air conditioner,it has only required regular maintenance. It gets good gas mileage, around 350 miles a tank. It is super reliable, and I dont think that I will ever love a car as much. If it breaks down tomorrow, it has been an excellent car!

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  2006 Honda Pilot EXL - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By dchonin - January 27 - 6:26 pm

  I have owned many vehicles in my days, and this is my absolute favorite. The ride is amazingly quite and smooth for a truck. Because the residual value is so high (61%) and the low money factor being offered by Honda (I think .00115) there are great lease deals. I looked at the new 2006 Explorer first and it cant hold a candle to the Pilot.

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  Im in love with my 2016 civic lx! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Haylie Henderson - January 27 - 11:47 am

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  Load It Up and Go! - 2003 Honda Element
  By kjfitzia - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. We loaded it to the hilt with gear for vacation (suitcases, cooler, and children. the surfboard and kayak fit nicely on top) and took off cross- country. It handled everything we asked it to. The excellent sound system made traveling a pleasure. Initial quality was great - Only time it been back to the dealership was for an oil change (current mileage 6,500) It still turns heads as we use for around town errands.

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  2000 honda civic - 2000 Honda Civic
  By butterfly - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is an excellent car

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  excellent - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By deo fernandez - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This being my first time to own a Honda in which Im so glad I did decide on this vehecle is that, the outside design is so simple yet pleasing to the eyes, roomy for 4 adults and still have room the the growing kids at the back and have room for picnic gears. The ride is comfortable, fuel is perfect for this size of a car for the family. Its great SUV.

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  The Greatest Vechicle Period!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pamansand - January 27 - 10:00 am

  The Honda Pilot is greayt we have been looking at it for about a month, before we bought it. We looked at all the other SUVS in its class. Including the other sizes. The only vehicle we saw that stood a chance against the Pilot was the Land Rover Range Rover, and it was to pricey. The Honda Pilot is well beyond its price and am suprised at its that cheap.

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  My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jeffjar - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot after a friend bought one, I researched a SUV for several months, looking at several vehicles and manufacturers, I settled with the Pilot because of the driver friendly cockpit and the design of the interior, the third row seat is a great place for the kids, the reliability of the name Honda is a added security feature I like, I never was one to purchase a forign make vehicle but the Pilot has changed my way of thinking and I am very happy with my decision.

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  honda pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kt - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this is one of the best suvs ever in the snow. i feel very safe when i am driving it. it is the most comfortable ride and features are good.

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  The Big 3 Dont Compare - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LLS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around for months. We looked at GMC, Chev, Dodge, Ford...all of them. We had owned a Honda Accord back in 1991 so luckily for us the Honda Pilot caught our eye. After a test drive, we were hooked. Everything we read, all of the research we did really didnt do this vehicle justice. The Fisher Price interiors of the Trailblazer, Envoy, Durango, Explorer have a lot of catching up to do...not to mention trying to match the Pilots performance!