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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  Best for the price - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By FLinFL - October 7 - 5:33 pm

  2wd with Variable Cylinder Management gave us 24 mpg avg on 2500 mile trip.Plenty of power and quiet at the same time. Had dealer install better tires(Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas). What a differance in ride,handling and quiet.Great driver.Great build quality.Check out the headliner!

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  Excellent Versatility - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - October 7 - 4:30 pm

  Have had the CR-V for almost 2 years now, and am still thrilled with it. Comfortable daily driver and can fit just about anything into it. Some wind noise from the A pillar. Im 510" and wouldnt mind an extra inch of leg room up front. Rear seats are cavernous. Have driven 5 adults buckeled in quite comfortably. Better gas mileage than most SUVs. Have seen as high as 26 mpg on a highway trip, as low as 20 mpg around town. Average about 23 mpg combined. AWD feature has activated in snow and heavy rains. Sound system is great. I would buy another CR-V in a heartbeat and would recommend it to anyone wanting a versatile vehicle that gets decent gas mileage and doesnt need to tow anything.

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  Pilot 04 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By pilot0508 - October 7 - 1:42 pm

  The Pilot drives like the Accord. It is easy to handle, and has a smooth ride (not bouncy like other SUVs). Weve purchased other SUVs in the past that were difficult to drive over 60 on the interstate. The Pilot manages easy and is enjoyable to drive.

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  Mid-life crisis cure! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Gary - October 7 - 12:20 pm

  More than 30 years after my first roadster I bought an S2000. It was worth the wait! Friends have suggested calling it the Honda MLC (for Mid-Life Crisis!) The handling is superb! The engine revs to 8200 so quickly that it scares you the first time you floor it. Everything you read about its performance is true. I feel Im driving a formula 1 race car. The seats are extremely supportive and comfortable. My wife and I are looking forward to our first long road trip. A sports car is meant to be fun to drive and the S2000 succeeds beautifully in accomplishing this mission ! I live in Wisconsin and will drive it daily - except in snow! This car will make your driving dreams come true!

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  Reliable Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Norman Matoza - October 6 - 4:50 pm

  I just bought recently my 2008 Honda Civic LXi 1.8 just one week. The best qualities that I like on this car is fuel cunsumption, space, comfort, and the power of the engine is like 2.0 liter.

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  45+ MPG HWY - 2007 Honda Civic
  By FLKeysFishing - October 6 - 12:50 pm

  This is a great little car, and when traveling across the state of Florida, I always get at least 45 MPG, sometimes even slightly better than that. Its also sharp-looking for a Civic. Im happy with my purchase.

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  Feel bad when bought , no regret now - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Sarar - October 6 - 11:53 am

  Bought in Sep 1999, manual has 85K and in 6 years put 100K on it. Still running great. Wish to drive another 70K and make it 250,000 even without working on clutch work.

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  Fun little truck - 2004 Honda Element
  By rainEdriver - October 6 - 2:21 am

  Im a cheap-skate. I wanted a small, thrifty truck, but it seems nobody makes em anymore...so I went with Hondas Element. This thing is a hoot to drive. Im no racer, so maybe I dont expect too much but I find this little box hustles. Id have been happy with less given ever-rising gas prices, I want even more than the about 29 mpg its averaged over the first 15,000 miles. I leave my back seats in the garage, and treat it as a 2-seater. No, you cant hose it out, but otherwise it is extremely durable and versatile for light hauling, camping or grocery-getting.

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  Another great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord
  By highdraw - October 5 - 9:10 pm

  Really happy with my new EX-L Accord. Great build quality as in my 02 and 07. I drive a lot of miles and really appreciate the quality feel of the Accord interior.

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  Honda van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ozdoggie - October 5 - 4:43 pm

  This van is great: large, comfortable and reliable. Better gas mileage than the small Dodge Caravan I owned. Easy to handle and amazing to park for a big vehicle.