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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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vidro - June 11 - 9:53 am

  After nine days driving this car, the experience has surpassed the expectations. The only way to describe my experiences is just plain AWESOME. This car is turns heads everywhere I drive like an expensive luxury car

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  Great all around van - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Rudy Gadziala - June 11 - 4:50 am

  Great vehicle, so far no problems. Excellent gas mileage for a van, avg. 17.5 city and just got 25 on the highway during a recent trip. A little road noise on some pavement. Excellent handling, much more agile than the Sienna.

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  Awesome Family Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tammy - June 11 - 1:46 am

  I love my honda Pilot. We shopped every SUV on the market and can be particular. The Pilot fit all our needs--good car for the $, reliable, good size, and stylish. Prior to the Pilot, I had a Nissan Pathfinder SUV, then a Toyota Camry, then a mini-van. I have now found my dream car! It is great for young children. The 3rd row is small, however, no smaller than the mini-vans 3rd row. Its awesome that the all rows fold flat--unlike the van. It is a very powerful car, hugs the road well,and great in the snow. I feel safe in this car and it feels good to know I am investing in a car that has a great safety rating, is realiable, and roomy enough for a young and growing family. Way to go Honda

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  So Long VW! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Chris - June 11 - 1:33 am

  Unlike some of the folks on here, I actually traded up from my old 2001 Jetta and purchased the 08 CRV as my first "new" car purchase. I have to say that I am ecstatic! It has incredible handling, sleek style (Ive been drooling over it for the past year), and a quality build. My mpg hasnt been the best so far (avg of 18-19), but Ive literally only driven in stop and go city traffic, so I have patience. Also, the center "shelf" leaves some room for improvement. Overall, though, I am in new car heaven and I would... hands down... recommend this car to anyone. Honest.

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  LOVE my CR-V!!! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Laguna Mom - June 10 - 7:23 pm

  Ive only had it for a week, but its wonderful and I love it. Its my first non-minivan in over 20 years. I was worried about giving up the seating, but no problem. The back storage area is great. I like that the car is higher up than my Odyssey and the cargo area is easily accessible plus the horizontal divider has been a great plus. I maxed out with an EX-L with navigation so I also have XM radio, backup camera and moonroof. The interior materials are very nice and the drivers seat is very comfortable.

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  Honda S2000 in LA - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Ken - June 10 - 5:13 pm

  This 2005 is my 4th S2000, I had a 2001, 2002 and 2003. The 2005 appears essentially unchanged from 2004 when the front end styling was improved, 17 inch wheels and wider tires were added and the engine displacement bumped and red line lowered. The handling on the 2005 is significantly better than the 2003, thanks to the tires and wheels. I liked the old 9000 rpm red line but the added low end torque is worth the trade off. This is a great car for blasting winding roads and doubles as a reasonable commuter. Plus it gets great mileage, mid to high 20s, and maintenance is at Honda prices.

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  Better than ever! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Russ Vitaliano - June 10 - 1:14 pm

  This is my second S 2000. I had the 2003 model that had the 9000 RPM red line. That car was a scream. Now with the new 8200 redline, I have to be aware of the redline otherwise the fuel cutoff kicks in and you will bog out until the next higher gear is shifted. This will take a little adjusting. The 17" new wheels and spoke design are a plus, and the new headlamp and tailight configuration are very nice. The oval exhaust pipes look fatter and give it a better look. The new drink holders are very cool. This is still the best 2DR Roadster for the money, and when they stop production for the new prelude, it will go up even more in value. Great car!

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  Element- great car - 2004 Honda Element
  By Jessamyn - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Well thought out design- very useful with kid and dog!

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  Honda Oddysey EX with RET - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By DPEB - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall this car is awesome. Smooth ride, great options and superb interior design.

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  Still Please after 4 accords - 2003 Honda Accord
  By happy honda owner - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth accord our family has owned and all have been very reliable. In fact, our last accord went 150,000 (prior to selling) without any problems. Probably what inspired our purchase of the 2003 model. Im a little concerned about all the negative reviews but Honda hasnt failed us yet and Im hoping these are minority of the 2003 models with these problems. All is all we have been very happy with performance, price, reliability and 35 MPG. I certainly cant understand how someone is claiming to get between 15-25mpg.