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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  Cant wait to buy a new one! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Peyton - November 1 - 11:44 am

  My family and I absolutely LOVE this SUV! Its affordable and reliable, which is what I need with two young children. I bought my Pilot used, but in my opinion, Hondas dont start running good until they reach 60 k miles! One more year and I will trade my old Pilot in for an 07. I cant wait! It has plenty of room to haul my kids friends around in, plus some. It travels good, rides great, and I just love it! I would highly recommend the Pilot to anyone with a small or large family. Its just the right size no matter what youre doing.

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  S2000 Experience - 2003 Honda S2000
  By DNAB - November 1 - 10:00 am

  This is one kick butt car. Ive owned corvette, infiniti but this car is by far better looking, performance, and quality. Its a corvette killer and funner to drive.

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  Ultimate Family Car/Suv/Van - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Vikas - November 1 - 10:00 am

  After looking almost all kind of SUV in particular Acura MDX, ML320, X5 we finally decided for Pilot. Of course my first choice was Acura MDX but was too expensive, and luckily I got all standard features in Pilot with $10,000- 00 less. . During heavy snow this year in NY< I was driving all time and did not even had to lock differential. I even drove intentionally to parking lots that were not cleaned afer heavy snow, and due to my surprise did not stuck anywhere. Also after rigrous negotiation did not pay SINGLE dollar extra. Let me know if you are looking for right price and I will give you name of sales person at Planet Honda in NJ.

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  Who could ask for anything more? - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Davis - November 1 - 10:00 am

  First off, I dont off road so I dont need a rugged SUV. I needed something my wife could be comfortable with and get around in bad weather. As the title says, who could ask for anything more. It has a good price for all you get. We compared it to an X-terra, (my wifes favorite at the time) and there was no comparison. When we sat down and compared, the Honda won hands down. Now she it glad she got the Honda!

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  Sweet Deal....Worth every penny.... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By ANi4ANeye - November 1 - 10:00 am

  this car is cherry. I picked it up on monday (5/19/03) and i couldnt wait to leave work so i can just drive it on the freeway. i noticed that it makes a lot of peoples heads turn. This car is soooooo fast. I blow by everyone on the freeway. All my friends envy me. Its so smooth and light on its toes. Very flexible on price, purchased $700 under invoice. Dealer Bob Mattes is awesome.

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  Have both honda & camry - 2003 Honda Accord
  By stevenokc - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife has a 2002 camry 4 cyl xle and I recently purchased the 6 cyl accord. The 4 cyl camry is better than the 4 cyl accord but the 6 cyl accord is better than the 4 cyl camry and is priced the same. I love my new honda. Dont EVER drive the 6 cyl unless you want to buy it because the 4 cyl will always seem underpowered. The accord has numerous features standard the camry either does not have or you have to pay extra for such as heated seats, 8 airbags, TCS traction, electronic throttle control and stainless steel interior as oppossed to fake wood. The seats are far superior in the honda.

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  nice, but...... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By george - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I opted for 4 cylinder, 5 speed EX, with leather upholstery. My idea of the best value, great fuel economy, agile spirited performance and real creature comforts. Like some others, I am less than excited by the weak rear-end styling, interior needs lighted buttons on steering wheel, and I would prefer seek./scan function on steering wheel rather than programmed stations. Really sorry to learn that Canada Accord has heated side mirrors which arent available in USA. Also wish side curtain airbags were available on 4 cylinder model--not just 6 cylinder w./automatic transmission.

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  Best Sedan on Earth - 2005 Honda Accord
  By VT - October 31 - 7:10 pm

  Honda Accord is no doubt the best sedan on earth. When I was looking for a car, I researched several similar sedans and Honda Accord come out as a winner. Camary looks too sloppy, though its a nice car but the new design is way inferior.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Jesse - October 31 - 6:40 pm

  This has been a fun car to drive. It handles better than any car I have ever driven and it can move pretty quick for a 2.2 L engine.

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  Top-of-the-line Model w/ Navigation - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Glenn - October 31 - 6:23 pm

  Overall excellent vehicle. Honda attention to design and reliability is well-known. My only concern with a design flaw is in regard to the optional roof rack (see my note below for suggested improvement). MPG tends to vary from manufacturer ratings. Inner city = 14-15 mpg; suburban city = 20-21 (rated at 20); highway = 30-33 (rated at 27). I was pleasantly surprised with a maximum of 33 MPG highway (60-65 mph) for Interstate driving; I recommend the high-end EX-L w/ Navigation, as well as optional fog lamps, mud flaps, all-weather & cargo mats; body-side molding; & Remote starter. Avoid the base model, as it wont hold resale value - opt for the EX with leather and/or navigation.