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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  Good all-around SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lyle - April 20 - 2:03 am

  A solid, reasonably comfortable, responsive SUV. Does what it is supposed to due and reasonably economical. 17-21 mpg. Changed out the factory tires (Goodyear Integrity) to Bridgestone REVOs and it made all the difference in the world in the snow and wet conditions. The Integritys were down right dangerous in the sleet and snow. Only problem is that now the Tire Pressure Monitoring System does not work. Dealer scratches head over this but will continue to try to solve problem. The heated seats take forever to warm up also. Lots of room and a comfortable and predictable vehicle in all weather conditons (with replacement tires). Column shifter is stiff.

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  Better than the Prius - 2010 Honda Insight
  By RandyL - April 19 - 10:03 pm

  I have owned my 2010 Honda Insight for about three months now. What a great car! I have been averaging 49.4 mpg. They need to redo the govt estimate. I would buy this car over the Prius any day. The car tells you how to drive more efficiently, great feedback.

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  Fantastic Vehicle!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By redaccord04 - April 19 - 9:29 pm

  Ive owned this car for about 6 months. It had 35,450 miles on it when i bought it. I now have 45,400 and still purrs like the day she rolled off the lot. Great gas mileage on trips, and surprisingly driving all around town gas mileage is exceptional for a V6. Tight build quality, some minor rattles but people must remember, Hondas are tight cars with a lot of hard plastic. With rough pavement its hard to be surprised. Turn the radio up and enjoy!!!

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  best car ever - 2005 Honda Accord
  By love4car - April 19 - 7:36 am

  My 2005 Honda Accord is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The Honda Accord EX-V6 with leather is more than just a car. No words could explain the Accord. All I can say is drive one. Im not a big fan of imports but i test drove just about everything before i purchased my Accord and i never ever even considered purchasing one but I was there so i said let me drive it... SOLD!

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  2009 Honda Pilot Touring - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By me - April 19 - 5:20 am

  The fuel economy is a farce plain and simple. We have had the car for 1500 miles and have not averaged over 14.5 mpg. Not to mention that you canÂ’t drive this vehicle over 75 as the body roll is unsafe. Other items to be aware of, the cargo area slope is a really bad idea. The remote locking system must be unlocked again to open hatch and cant click to lock if any door is still open. The lack of adjustment in the passengerÂ’s seat as well as heat only on the seat not the back of the passenger seat. Not the easiest to get into the 3rd row. The noise at highway speed. Park sensors that arenÂ’t on the front of the front bumper so you could pull into something straight on without warning.

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  Love the Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By yam - April 19 - 5:07 am

  I just bought a used Honda Accord EX. The car was flawless when bought,even though it had some high miles,other than that it still driving very strong. I had another Accord previously,1997 loved it but the car was totaled due to a stupid driver, but safe! That is why I saw one at the dealership, I had the technicians look it over, it was excellently maintained. Hope to get another 2-3 yrs usage out of it. Great ride for awesome price, and the dealership took car of me well at Infiniti of Charlotte! Ask for mo he will take care of all your car buying needs!

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Kimberly - April 18 - 7:45 pm

  Started with a Civic .. put 100,000 miles on it in a little over 2 years with absolutely no problems.. traded it in and upgraded to the Accord fully loaded. Love my car at 35,000 miles absolutely nothing has gone wrong. The ride is smooth .. there is a little road noise but is completely covered by light radio.. Love my XM and the voice activated navigation. Put tints on it and its a head turner.. Could get better leather though.. LOVE IT ..

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  replaced rear brakes - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Tom Z. - April 18 - 7:16 pm

  Fun to drive but has corrosion problems. First, the alloy wheels corroded and pitted within six months. My sons Toyota wheels are like new 9 years later. Also, one of the four bolts that hold the air filter housing on was so corroded it broke upon removal as all four were seized. And finally, I had to replace the rear brakes at a cost from the dealer of almost $500. Front brakes are still fine. My wife and I have driven several Mazdas longer and for more miles and have never had the rear brakes so corroded and bound up that replacement was necessary after just 5 years.

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  belt noise revisited - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By pdoff - April 18 - 2:23 pm

  Still too early to report on gas mileage. Wrote partial review earlier about belt/pulley noise. Third time was a charm, dealership stepped up and replaced my Pilot. I picked out another EX-L off the lot and started fresh. Great customer service. Much nicer experience. Fun to drive? Come on its a nice sedate transporter. Hopefully this time it will be Honda quiet and reliable. Like a great minivan without all the room and stereotype.

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  Element Toaster - 2003 Honda Element
  By Charles Gilbert - April 18 - 9:47 am

  Great handling and economy for an SUV. Parking is never a problem and the Element turns on a dime. Performance is adequate and it runs as smooth as a sewing machine. We can haul our two dogs with ease and the cargo area is very versatile.