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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  Honey of a honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Norm raush - March 9 - 10:06 pm

  After 265000 miles car runs like new, engine terrific, trans repaired at 230,000 miles , still quite rattle free, fun to drive ultra reliable.

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  Out of control Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JD - March 9 - 8:16 pm

  Ive had my Pilot EX for almost three years. Overall Ive been very happy with it but Ive had two unexpected problems within the past couple months. The starter died and was luckily covered by Honda of America and most recently when I was driving on the interstate doing around 50MPH on dry pavement, the vehicle lost control after I switched lanes to avoid a car that cut in front of me. This resulted in a crash off the road. I have no idea what caused this crash. Maybe ESC would have prevented this incident. The vehicle didnt roll and unfortunately it wasnt a total loss. Once a car is taken apart, its never the same.

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  Ridgeline Needs a couple of changes - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Madjd - March 9 - 11:20 am

  We just purchased a 2007 RTL with Nav. And we had to make a trip from Montana to California, the Navigation was great, wont buy another vehicle without it, Everything is great about this vehicle except for the front seats, they are way too hard for long trips, we just couldnt get comfortable(we had to buy cushions to put on the seats)Honda Company should consider putting Acura MDX seats in this truck and make the steering column telescopic. I had trouble getting close enough for the steering without my knees hitting the dashboard, and Im only 55". If those two things were corrected this truck would be a definite 10 all the way!

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  BEST CAR EVER BOUGHT - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MikeE - March 9 - 10:00 am

  What other car do you know which an electronic control panel that redlines at 8300 rpms? When you get to 7000 rpms and you feel the VTEC kick in, this car makes you feel like the pilot of an F- 15 fighter plane, the interior helps too. Everything you need to control is right at reach. The only problem I had was with my 2000 S2000 it doesnt have the option of coming with a clock, and the plastic back windshield that turns white. But that has all changed for 2002 with the addition of a clock and a glass back windshield. I get 31 mpg on average and am still putting out 280 horse! (with some mods of course)The car even has stock headers that are massive.

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  own one and youll understand - 2002 Honda Civic
  By redronin22 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I got my Si in august and its been a blast to drive since. It handles nice and when you gun it it moves quick. Everyone always comments on the interior and it looks unique from the outside ( guinea pig comments)Over all its a great car.

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  Good not Great - 2010 Honda Accord
  By EH - March 9 - 12:00 am

  Have owned two Accord Sedans - 1994 LX and 2002 EX V6. No problems with either, great cars. Looked at MB E350, BMW 535, Acura TL & RL, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G37. For the money and lack of problems Honda has them all beat. Two issues: 1) Headrests are not comfortable - would be concerned about long trips. Fortunately I mainly commute. 2) With the VCM/ECO mode - the engine shuts down from 6 to 4 to 3 cylinders. It is too aggressive - in its zeal to conserve fuel as soon as you ease off the accelerator it switches to ECO mode and then the engine seems "confused" as to how many cylinders it should use 3 or 4 and the engine seems to "pulse" - speeding up and slowing down. Very annoying.

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  Best family vehicle we have ever owned - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By DRK - March 8 - 12:00 pm

  I cannot say enough positive about the Honda Pilot. We are a family of four, with two dogs and have never felt more safe in a vehicle. The ride is fabulous and sure. Lots of room. Seats 8 if needed, otherwise lots of storage room in the back. The best of all in its class.

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  Great car except for the gas mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By mspringeril - March 8 - 5:26 am

  The car has been flawless in the 11 months Ive had it. It accelerates very well and handles great. I enjoy leaving other cars in the dust with my family sedan. The other drivers always seem surprised for some reason. So far all the car has needed has been an oil change and tire rotation.

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  Converted Honda fan - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jeffislouie - March 8 - 2:19 am

  Ive never owned a Honda before this. My previous cars were all fast, fun and sporty. When my last car began having serious problems, I decided to take a look at the Accord. The 4 cylinder model isnt a road racer, but Ive found that this car as a whole is one of the finest overall I have ever driven. Agile, light, and confortable, my problem free Accord has been nothing short of trustworthy, fun, frugal, and perfect. Would I like a big horsepower car? Sure. Would I give up my Accord in a Chicago winter? Nope. Im keeping mine for a long time. This will eventually become my winter car that I will use to supplement the sports car. Even still, my Accord drives great and is perfect.

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  Love to drive - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ss789 - March 7 - 10:40 pm

  Short, turning radius. Drives like car, but has the roominess of a larger vehicle. Quick acceleration.