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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  ratings - 2004 Honda Civic
  By T. Cramer - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a superior vehicle for economy,convenience and style. It is pleasant on the eye in the interior and exterior. It is fun to drive and surprisingly roomy for a car of its size.

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  Just plain brilliant - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kalpesh - January 15 - 10:00 am

  When deciding what car to buy, there are lots factors to consider. Consider this: Spacious interior, sexy exterior, solid build quality, great performace, great gas mileage. Every which way you look, the Honda is a winner. This car is a pleasure to look at , and a thrill to drive. Boy racers and Sunday drivers alike will love this car, because this car performs when you want it to!

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  Honda does it again! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kjwpark - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Well let me say this is and extraordinary car,power,handling,stopping ability, not to mentionthe comfort. XM satillite radio is great. Rock solid, and quite.

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  fun ride - 2009 Honda Civic
  By First Honda - January 15 - 8:53 am

  Really fun and peppy ride. The only problem I have is with the drivers seat. Im 58" and find the seat extremely uncomfortable, digging into my leg underneath and my foot falls off the pedal to the right. To be expected for a compact car I guess. I wonder whether its just me or if others are having similar experiences with the car seat? Also, there is no visibility in the front or back. Parking not easy.

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  I Love My Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By kailove - January 15 - 2:23 am

  I bought my 05 Pilot to replace my two door Toyoya Solara, and I could not be happier. The SUV gives me the room and storage that me and my son need on a daily basis. The ride is smooth and I have never had an issue with it.I can haul a stroller and gorceries with no problems. I have driven it out of town a couple of times and it is a great road trip!!!

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  car great for my purposes - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By George Goodman - January 14 - 12:10 pm

  rear differential fluid needs to be changed much more than manual says accord to dealers . Had this vehicle and a 2004 one and had a problem with that one. The 2004 got me thru 24 " snow blizzard about 50 miles did it in a little over 11/4 hrs. blinded and just about no one on road. That had gr. clearence of 8" or more I believe this one ha s less. Always bought american now will never go back although some amer. has improved. wife is handicapped and get into other vehicle s too high to law cheap interiors or you name it . the short of it great car reliable will go thru anything I put it thru without a problem. hadnt severe snow but a few times. went over a few miles op iced up roadwys full of holes thoght ws never going to get out of it without breaking car came out unscathed.

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  The minivan. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By chunky - January 14 - 7:03 am

  Really, no other minivan has the same well balanced list of virtues. Easily the best handling minivan we test drove. Interior is well appointed with excellent build quality. The cabin abounds with thoughtful touches, such as the cabin view mirror built into the sunglass holder - allowing you to keep an eye on everyone in back without having to turn around. The engine is flawless, true to Hondas reputation. We went with the EX to get the standard 8th seat and dual power sliding doors. Unless you are looking for an ultra cheap, stripped down minivan, the Odyssey is the only minivan you need to consider.

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  Honda pilot, solid and reliable - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JP Madden - January 14 - 2:54 am

  Before buying we had test driven and seriously looked at the Toyota Highlander as an alternative. The Honda won out mainly because of the "Value for money" with the extras. The stereo with 6 in dash CD, the climate control, the leather. All of which were add-ons with the toyota unless you got the limited option. in the end we have had no regrets at all. One key difference is that the highlander is full time 4x4, pilot is a full time front wheel drive with 4x4 coming in when traction requires or in low gear and selected on. It sounds like a lesser option but believe me when you are in the highway you dont want to waste fuel econ. on 4x4. when you do need traction its there in spades!

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  Simply Outstanding - 2005 Honda S2000
  By George Liapis - January 12 - 11:56 am

  I have owned many automobiles in my life time, but none like my S2000. The novelty still has not worn off. Everytime I get behind the wheel I feel like its the first time Im driving it. The comfort is great and the response to acceleration is dramatic. My gas mileage is 25MPG, which is incredible for a vehicle like this. This is truley a "keeper", and if your in the market for an outstanding roadster you will not be dissapointed. I cant see spending the money for a Porsche, when you can get the same or better thrill with the S2000. Keep it up Honda, youll always be a winner in my book, as you have for the last 12 years of owning your products!

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  Purchase Experience - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Melan Hoang - January 12 - 9:26 am

  Its very stable driving my new CR-V and the seats are comfortable. I buy this new CR-V because I had a CR-V before. Honda vehicles are very reliable. This my third car that I bought from Honda.