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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  1 Week with the new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By myblackz - April 9 - 8:50 am

  A great little ride. Havent had any problems yet. Wind noise is a little bit more than used to especially with the roof open but not overly harsh. Fit and finish of the usual superb Honda quality. Love the way the dash looks at night....very informative. Respectable 24 MPG mainly city but hoping it will improve greatly as the car ages. Very comfortable driver and front passenger seat position. Dont know how I ever did without steering wheel radio and cruise controls. Car feels like its on rails and seems as if it can corner rather sharply in turns.

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  "My Response" - 2007 Honda Accord
  By dwood - April 9 - 8:10 am

  I have a 2001 EX 4cylinder manual, and it is a very good car with good acceleration. The purchase of the EX V6 manual is "my response" to those drivers who hate being passed and try to accelerate when they are being passed. The 6 speed is perfect for passing and provide smooth and quiet acceleration when zipping around those sour puss as they stomp the gas pedal. The car meets all my performance, safety and passenger needs. As stated before, I wish it had the MP3 jack instead of an IPOD adapter. And for the headlights not being HID...pay attention to the road and it will become unnecessary. The lights are bright enough, but I added brighter lights and adjusted aim and attention span.

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  I cant believe this is a Civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Michael - April 9 - 12:30 am

  I had a 97 Civic before I bought the 06 and in a space of nearly 10 years, its like driving two different types of cars. Honda has done an excellent job of evolving the Civic to a much smoother and enjoyable ride. This is the 1st Civic Ive ever seen that has some style to it and you dont feel like a penny pincher owning it. Ive received several compliments on the color (Galaxy Gray Metallic) and how comfortable it is for passengers in the back. I love my new Civic 06 and am ready for this one to last another 10 years.

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  By far my favorite car Ive owned - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tabby - April 8 - 10:36 pm

  My poor accord had its last ride 5 days ago. I got broadsided by a huge lifted Chevy Silverado truck on my drivers side door (the truck was going 60 mph on impact) and I walked away from the accident, and only ended up with some stitches (from the broken window glass) and a black eye. The police said theyd never seen a compact car hold up that well in that severe of a crash, and in most cars I would have been dead. And to top it off, the Chevy truck had minimal damage but wouldnt start, and my crushed Honda still started, drove, and all the electrical still worked. Furthermore, I have not had any problems ever with this car, nor had my mom who bought it new. Next car will be another Honda.

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  Honda engine issue - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Gloria - April 8 - 10:35 pm

  56,000 miles check engine light came on. Found codes P0301,302, and p1399. Search revealed Honda sb 03-038. Probable cause 1 or more cylinders have receded into the cylinder head. Corrective action-inspect the valve clearance, if necessary replace cylinder head. Car brought to fox Honda in auburn, NY they were unwilling to remove the cylinder head. Wanted to replace ignition coil and do tune up for $500.00+. Advised me I could continue driving until car wouldnt start without harming engine. At home removed cylinder head and found 2 valves out of adjustment. This is a documented problem w/these engines. Honda response - the dealer I went to made a mistake for $100 more I could have tried another...

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  Bad gas mileage - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Bad gas mileage - April 8 - 2:10 pm

  Been driving the 08 Pilot AWD for almost 3 months and City driving averages 13.2 mpg. Very disappointed.

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  What mileage? - 2005 Honda Civic
  By joefire - April 8 - 1:25 pm

  Bought this car for mileage. Told by dealer that it must be my driving. I have gotten as low as 16 mpg city and 23 highway. They told me it wasnt broken in yet. Kept driving hoping for an improvement. After 3 years my average city is 18 with highway going to about 28. Straight highway driving going 65 mph from one gas station to the next about 275 miles my best mileage was 38 mpg. That happened once. Most times it`s about 28. I dont speed or jackrabbit start. I never let it idle unless needed in traffic. I have gotten use to not using the AC to help. There is never extra weight kept in the car. On highway trips I am alone. Carrs honda has done all oil changes and required work. I was lied to.

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  The Eye Magnet - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lon777 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  When i first saw the Model X prototype, I couldnt care less if it went into production or not. Only when i started reading magazine reviews about it did i start becoming curious. Well, i went to the dealership; looked at it, test drove it and fell in love. This has been the most interesting car both i have ever owned. Who would have thought this little car gets more stares and comments than a Ferrari! I simply cant go anywhere without being stared at or somebody wanting to look at it. This car does everything right - steering, brakes, acceleration and load carrying. Fantastic investment for $19000.

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  Awesome! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bell - April 8 - 2:00 am

  My new Honda Pilot is wonderful - drives like a dream, plenty of power, and extremely comfortable. Many extra touches that make this a truly unique vehicle.

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  A - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By SavedFromDodge - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Thought I would never own a Minivan and purchased a Dodge Durango in 1999 for the 7 passenger seating. What a piece of garbage... I will NEVER buy another Dodge or domestic automobile. We own a 99 Accord V6 and now a 03 Odyssey with Entertainment and Leather. This VAN handles and performs very well, I think I am behind the wheel of our Accord. I drove em all (VANs) out there and nothing compared to the Odyssey. I got to sit in new Toyota Sienna at the local car show recently. Looks cheap and does not stand up to the Odyssey. The 3rd row seat is like 2 inches thick. Nice try Toyota ... but, not quite there yet.