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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  Enjoyable! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By BA - February 8 - 8:00 am

  I picked up my 07 Pilot today. This is my second Pilot. It is comfortable, stylish and responsive. I wish the mpg were better, but its a vast improvement over my old SUV, a 98 Range Rover!

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  Another great Honda Product - 2015 Honda Civic
  By everett melnick - February 8 - 7:34 am

  I have been buying & driving Hondas since the early 90s. Most of them are still on the road. Instead of trading them in, we have been giving them to our children & grandchildren. We have already given this Civic to our son & are looking to replace it with a new Pilot. In addition to fine automobiles, we also have Honda lawnmowers & Generators. Other than a rare recall, Ive never had to return to my dealer for any unscheduled repair. That is the best recommendation for a car regardless of its price.

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  Best Value for Money - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Sanjay - February 8 - 6:10 am

  CR-V is the best Small-SUV assuming you have the right expectations. CRV provides excellent AWD capability, convenience and reliability. I have read a lot of people complain about lack of horsepower or small interior. Personally I think it has adequate horsepower for all your day to day needs. Keeping in mind this cars is not intended for serious off- road or towing. The interior is comfortable and well designed.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Marcello - February 8 - 1:43 am

  Went from a 2003 Altima 4 cyl. to the 2007 6 cyl. Accord, so the comparison is a little unfair, but I have been very impressed with the Hondas power and handling. The fit, finish and build quality on the Honda are far superior to the Nissan--the Accord feels like a Mercedes Benz compared to the Altima!

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  Jax Coggin - I love my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By swensil - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I bet a lot of families like ours are choosing the Element due to the design features that are a perfect fit for the average family on the go. With the Element you do not worry about spills in the car, wet bottoms from the pool or sand from the beach, everything will wipe clean with the urethane coated floor and the waterproof fabric seats. Spacious, comfortable and versatile seating makes the Element perfect for long drives. And did I mention how much stuff it will hold. In one trip, you can start your shopping at the mall, visit the home and garden center, go clubbing a SamÂ’s and still have plenty of extra room for more stuff.

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  Honda 2002 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By danning - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The CRV is fun to drive and with the new motor for 2002, it drives more like a V6 than a V4. Four wheel drive system works great in the snow but itll effect gas usage.

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  Smooth and Sharp for less - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jaret - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride, Easy to handle for big and small people. You get a lot for your money. Easy to get in, w/o running board

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  Honda Accord is Great - 2000 Honda Accord
  By HOWARDCPA - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Honda Accord that I have owned since 1985. Its my first EX and from now on, thats all I will buy is the EX. It is a maual shift, 4- cyl, leather and its a great riding car. I have almost 50,000 miles on it since Dec 30, 1999 and its been absolutely reliable, confortable and economical.

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  One Fine Automobile - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Eugene G - February 7 - 10:00 am

  My previous Honda was a 1988 Accord LX with 165,000 miles. I looked at other vehicles in the same price range as the 2003 Accord, and found nothing else that came even close. I find myself wanting to take the long way to and from from work, just to drive it. It accelerates quite nicely when entering the highway, and passing is quite easily accomplished. I am sure the mileage will improve a bit once the engine gets past its break-in period, but it is quite good as it is. Drive it once, and you will compare every other vehicle to the 2003 Accord.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Shantanu - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an everyday car that is quiet, comfortable, good mileage, and stone-cold reliable. I like the outside. It is well done with clean lines.