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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  Great car but two gotchas - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Timo - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  Great car, very tight build, very quiet. But the gas mileage so far is 15-16 in town, and 22-24 on the highway. Far from what the window sticker says. Coupled with a fairly small gas tank for a van and it means that the range is not very good. And while there are about a hundred cupholders, none of them work very well. Youll be chasing bottles of water after every turn.

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  Only Honda could build this awesome car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Gowron - January 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a street-legal pure-bred race car. It has no negative features. Period. The engine is superb, perhaps the best 4 cylinder engine ever produced. The chassis is incredibly stiff. Handling and road manners are those that one would associate with sports cars that cost 3 or 4 times more. The car is not for everybody: if you do not enjoy shifting constantly and revving the engine this car is not for you (or rather, you are not in this cars league).

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  Dafunk - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dafunk - January 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is very solid, ride is firm, handling is very good, comfort is great, the ergonomics are very good. Acceleration is acceptable as well as the mileage. Unseen items such as traction control, 4 wheel disc brakes, courtain air bags and crumpling front and rear ends, provide a great degree of secutity.

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  best car i have driven - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bill ebel - January 28 - 10:00 am

  the honda pilot ex is the best car i have driven. it has all the the things you want in a suv. horsepower, smooth ride quite interior and reliability. great great vehicle.

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  Love the Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dizzie27 - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I used to have an Explorer, I enjoyed driving it while everything worked liked it was supposed to. However, I absolutely LOVE driving my Pilot. Love it, love it, love it.

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  PERFECT - 2001 Honda Accord
  By KEVINJOHNSOH - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Great gas mileage, very reliable, brillaint design in and out, its a masterpiece.

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  EX V-6 Auto - 2005 Honda Accord
  By ponypwr - January 28 - 8:00 am

  New purchase after looking at coupes and sedans from all the major players. This car really moves with the 240HP V- 6 and its a great compromise with performance, size and cost. With Accord clearance, I paid over a grand less than TMV price for coupe in Boston area. Just wish I could have found a V 6 MT at that price. All in all, a great car for the money.

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  On my second and would go for a third - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Lovemy Pilot - January 28 - 7:09 am

  I just traded my 04 Pilot in for a new one. They gave me 20k for my 04 with 52K on it. They are aggressively pricing these whick is why I bought a new one now. More importantly you cannot find a better built, more reliable, reasonably priced vehicle on the market today. It is the best of all worlds. Part mini-van, suv, 4 wheel drive vehicle with good gas mileage. If you are looking for a family car, look no further. This is one of the best cars on the market and their price hasnt changed much since I bought mine previous one on 04.

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  A little piece of Awesomeness! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By livin_in_the_stix - January 28 - 5:36 am

  I love love love this car! Ive had the car for almost 3 months and am still in awe. I love the way it handles, the comfort of the interior all the bells and whistles, and the overall look of the car. Its a mean piece of machinery. Kudos to Honda for making such a great vehicle!

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  Easy in and out! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Kelly Martin - January 28 - 3:43 am

  Our new CRV is the easiest to get in and out of. Do to two replacement knees and two back fushions surgeries I needed to have a vehicle that was easy to get in and out of. The head and leg room was also needed for me and I got exactly what I was looking for in a new vehicle.