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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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Pat - February 21 - 5:55 pm

  I wanted a small vehicle with plenty of room for cargo and low gas mileage. This FITS the bill.

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  Smooth car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Z_pilot - February 21 - 6:59 am

  Almost too smooth and too well isolated, not much different when going from 30 miles/hr to 75, barely could hear engine roar. Very quiet and comfy even at EX trim without acoustic glass or windshield. Night and day in terms of noise reduction and comfort level compared to 2007 pilot traded, to the level you could barely sense the road condition. Much increased torque allows it to make a tight and precise U-turn and during parallel parking despite much bigger than its older ones. Well improved knee and leg room for front seats, remote start is a plus for EX. No auto passenger seat still sucks for such a pricy ride. Hard to come by a car with color or trim you want, so most dealers wont have any discount. Even luck me got the actual out of door of EX $8000 more than the 2007 EX-L because of its low production, high demand and inflation etc. Supposed styling and comfort are worth all of it. Sound system is fabulous if you play HQ or original song/tracks off the phone, no CD changer taxes the phone too much. Sound setting does not change the track characteristics too much. FM radio is easily the worst among any cars I ever drove in last 25+ years, specially the music ones. It is either a very lousy antenna or as if someone intentionally did that to steer you away from conventional FM.

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  Cant go wrong with a Pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Lovin Our Pilot - February 21 - 5:43 am

  We just got our of our 2004 Explorer. The Explorer is not even close to being on the same level!! Our kids love the DVD and my wife and I enjoy the XM radio. I dont know that we will ever own any other make of vehicle. The price is close to any comparable vehicle. Its really fun to drive and ride in.

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  V6 6spd is lots of fun! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By dan421i - February 21 - 4:10 am

  The V6 Accord 6 speed is the best Honda ever! The power from this car just keeps pulling you back into your seat. The car is wonderful to drive and has a beautiful fit and finish both inside and out. I lack the ability to articulate just how much I really love this car!

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  Reliable Fun to Drive Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By mjhamm - February 20 - 9:43 pm

  Great all around car. Very reliable, did not need anything other than scheduled maintenance...ever. Highly recommended.

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  Not Just Another Cube - 2006 Honda Element
  By Gaspar - February 20 - 6:06 pm

  Comfortable, quiet enough and smooth ride has made this car fun to drive on trips. Four passenger seats has its drawbacks. Acceleration adequate for city driving, but a bit restrained during highway maneuvers. Typical of SUV style, the visibility is less than youd get in your regular car, and something other users have mentioned. Seat fabric is not easily cleaned as youd imagine from its hype. I enjoy the look and easily recognizable factor at the Mall.

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  Very good, but has its flaws - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Matt - February 20 - 12:53 pm

  The concept of this car is perfect. Hatch, small, efficient, stability control. My main complaint is that the suspension is way too harsh. Not firm, which is OK, but harsh. You feel EVERY road flaw. The MPG is averaging 30, mediocre for a car with this modest level of power and performance. The transmission constantly shifts on even small grades, annoying. Handling is excellent. Very roomy and versatile. Excellent interior. My VW pickup rides better. Dont buy one until you put on 50 continuous miles on a concrete highway and broken city streets. If you can live with the incessant jittery ride and average MPG, very strong in other areas. Ill be trading on a Civic or Mazda 3 soon.

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  The S2 Experience - 2003 Honda S2000
  By JEN - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The car performs like a sports car should. While it is very docile around town you can rev the engine and go when ever you are ready. The suspension keeps body roll to zero and the tires firmly on the ground around corners. The 6 speed transmission is smooth and shifting down or up is like cutting butter.

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  third row seats - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By grannyg - February 20 - 10:00 am

  The ONLY thing I would change about my Pilot is the second and third row seats. If the second row was adjustable then the third row would be more usable. Fr large adults, the second row center can become uncomfortable after riding a while because it is not as padded as the rest of the second row seating positions. I have been impressed by the quality of the interior. Nothing was fixed except a fuse and one dome light which did not work correctly. I would buy it again. I hope if they fix the second seat to be adjustable that they offer the "fix to present car owners.

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  Civic EX-fun - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Marcus667 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I find the Honda Civic EX to be well- made, with only minor electrical problems so far--a burned-out electric window switch. The pickup is fairly decent, although the handling isnt awfully forgiving of emergency maneuvers. Overall a fun drive.