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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  Worth The Wait - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Beantowner - January 24 - 10:00 am

  After almost purchasing a Toyota Highlander last year, I held out waiting for the Pilot. Boy, am I glad I did! I have driven a CR-V since 1998, and this is by far an unbelievable change. Some local dealers were charging MSRP plus forced options packages with a dealer markup of over 300% over Hondas suggested installed prices! I shopped around and found a dealer that would let me actually "choose" the options I wanted and they didnt inflate the price. (Honda North in Danvers, MA)

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  All thehype was soooooo truee!!!!!!!! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By RON - January 23 - 5:34 am

  This car is amazing! I am and have been a Mercedes owner for the past 5 years and I wanted to get a fun car that was at a reasonable price not Mb style. Well my GF pointed this car out and I knew all the awards this car has won, but never really considered it. Well we did not even test drive the car and we leased it. I practically had to re-learn how to drive manual and taught my GF. SHE/I love it! We fight for it all the time. Especially in the summer time. Winter-time is a different story>>> will need winter tires or second car definietly. But man the looks, the people trying to race you! I feel like a celebrity! LOL! 2cars almost had accidents tryin 2look at it!. Itslikeahotchick!!

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  2006 S2000 - 2006 Honda S2000
  By DC707 - January 23 - 2:55 am

  I just picked up my 2006 S2000 four days ago and I finally just now pried myself out of it. It absolutely fits the bill for what I was looking for. Really fast, fun, ergonomic interior designed to keep your hands on the wheel. Driving it is more fun than should be legal. No doubt about the cars racing heritage. If you want a "Lexus ride" this is not the car for you. ITS A SPORTS CAR. Everything you have already read in all the magazines is true. Razor sharp stearing, great high RPM performance, improved lower RPM performance. Definately comfortable enough for a daily driver. Unfortunately I wont be driving it daily but I would love to.

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  2006 Accord EX V-6 6-Speed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rajan - January 23 - 2:53 am

  The 6-Speed is awesome plus there hardly any on the road that are like this. Gives people a shock when they find out its a 6-Speed.

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  Love this car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Hondalover - January 22 - 7:12 pm

  I bought this car used with 89k miles a year and a half ago after totaling my 2004 Sunfire and I must say that this is probably the best car Ive ever owned. Sleek styling, smooth ride, excellent gas mileage, and very reliable. It now has 136k miles and the only thing Ive had to replace was a faulty starter at 119k miles, and a front bumper and fender after a collision at 125k. Repairs are rare but costly when needed. Car still looks and drives like new (no squeaks or rattles and everything still works) even after 136k miles and being wrecked, which says a lot about Honda products. If this car ever quits on me, which I doubt will be any time soon, I will definitely own another Honda.

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  188,000 and time to retire - 1997 Honda Civic
  By DaveInPhoenix - January 22 - 11:58 am

  I bought this car used with 125k mi. in 2001. I immediately recognized the potential for how fun this car would be with some modifications. I put 17" wheels on (best performance mod, BTW) and a 1.5" lower suspension. This car handles like its on rails. Every time I drive this car its like Im racing on Mazda Speedway. Much fun! Mileage is great with average 30mpg considering my driving habits. I grenaded the motor at 150k mi and the transmission is now in need of replacement, but I bear full responsibility for these things because of my driving style. The rest of the car is tip-top and would probably last another 200k mi. My only ongoing complaint has been effectiveness of A/C.

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  Great car so far - 2004 Honda Element
  By mjones - January 22 - 7:07 am

  For a 4 banger it moves! This is a very practical SUV with ok gas mileage. My son and I camp in it every summer and have plenty of room and plenty of fun. After driving Subarus for over 20 years switching to the element was the perfect choice. I feel this is a very well engineered and reliable vehicle that I fell is going to be the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  sweet - 1992 Honda Accord
  By ivo - January 22 - 2:49 am

  recently underwent a financial reckoning and got rid of payments and paid $1500 for this little honda with 176k mi. didnt expect much, but it has been unbelievable in the 6 months i owned it. doesnt burn a drop of oil (even though seller told me he thought it may burn some - but this guy just fixed something on the engine and resold it to me), and has been much more dependable than my wifes 01 jetta. gas mileage is still 30 mpg+ and almost everything works (except for cig. lighter and windshield washer fluid). even though i saved up, i cant justify spending $15k on newer car. i keep thinking - for that money I can buy me 10 of these that do the same thing perfectly fine! KICK 4SS HONDA!!!

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  happy owner - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By John Burkholder - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  This vehicle is great for my family of five. The fuel efficiency and ease of entry/exit for my children (aged 3-5) helped us choose this one over an SUV. The car has been very reliable, with no out of pocket expenses other than oil changes for the past 2 years.

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  A Perfect Match - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tpitty - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I found the car to be easy to handle and very user friendly-especially if you actually listen to the dealer when you are being shown the car. Our salesman (George)was very professional and did not do any of that "let me talk to my manager" bull. He fielded all questions very knowledgably and priced the car extremely competitive. We were impressed with him and are impressed with the car. You cant beat the resale or the satisfaction of reliability.