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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  2006 Honda Civic Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John Quinlan - November 16 - 9:56 am

  Problems: Air bag light problem; light stays on when car is turned off for five minutes and then restarted. Need to replace module. Serious static from radio when rear window defroster is activated, unless radio station is very nearby. Hesitatioin when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Otherwise, love the car!

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  Satisfied Buyer - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Satisfied Buyer - November 16 - 7:03 am

  After looking at and test driving the Acadia, Outlook, Edge, CX-9, and Pathfinder, I was pleasantly surprised by the redesigned 2009 Pilot. The GM products were "cheap" looking on the inside, and the driving experience was average. The others lost out to either styling, or functionality. A family of four, two large dogs, and all the gear to go away for the weekend fit comfortably in the Pilot. All of the features are easy to operate, and convenient. I honestly could not be more pleased with the vehicle and enjoy driving it. I also found it to be priced significantly lower then its similarly equipped competitors.

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  second pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By akschaf - November 15 - 11:56 pm

  We traded our 2003 EX-L in for a 2005 EX -L-Nav. I very impressed with the improvements made, sunroof, more power, heated seats and heated mirrors along with other changes. The nav system works great. We had the 2003 for approximately 2 years 4 months and put on approx 33,000. We had some trouble under the warranty, I was never comfortable with the transmission and felt it was best to trade in. I would recommend to all.

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  20mpg on city - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jude - November 15 - 11:46 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda accord. I had a 2000 Accord which I bought brand new and I have no complaints thats why I bought the new 08 Accord. Ive had it for 3 months now and Ive had no complaints except for 1, the most MPG I get on city is only 20mpg, sometimes 17 which makes me hate their "goodbye to gasoline" ad because its not true. I dont drive aggressively, so I dont know if I got bad build or what.

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  Love It - 2013 Honda Accord
  By frqntbyr - November 15 - 7:19 pm

  I just picked it up yesterday, so I have to wait to judge the reliability, but I love what Ive seen so far. Drove Acura TSX, 2013 Altima, Rogue and CRV..this beats them all for features and value hands down. Very smooth ride..voice response system easy to learn...while interior not as luxurious as the Acura, the standard features are more numerous in the Accord. I will update this with actual MPG after a few tankfuls.

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  Those BLASTED tires! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Marianne - November 15 - 2:34 pm

  This is my 2nd Odyssey Ive purchased and overall I am very pleased. The navigation system is a pleasure to have but sometimes it does very dorky things like make stupid lengthy detours around established routes that make no sense. Also new establishments are not available to find. Now the tires are another matter. My previous odyssey needed new tires at ~65,000 miles for approx. $600 but my new one needs 4 new PAX tires now at 40,000 miles at a cost over $1000 which are difficult to find and install except at the dealership! Extremely frustrating and aggravating but otherwise I only brag about all its other good features.

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  Poor built quality - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By bb - November 15 - 12:26 pm

  Maybe because this is the first year for this updated model, but I noticed a lot of small fit and finish problems. Didnt expect this from Honda.

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  Solid car, check the brakes!! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Gregg - November 15 - 11:12 am

  These cars are all they are cracked up to be. Starts everytime. Change the oil and the engine will run 300,000+ miles. Do not be fooled into thinking you wont spend a dime on maintenence! Things do break like every other car. CV shafts, ball joints, brake rotors, etc. Which by the way, before buying this car (94-97 Accords) get the front rotors checked!! If they are bad (pulsation in the steering wheel) knock $400 right off the price of the car. Or ask that they be replaced before purchasing!

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  My Review - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By nicomp - November 15 - 6:21 am

  Runs well, always starts, easy to work on, drivers side window motor failed after a few years, otherwise no problems except the A/C compressor self-destructed this summer (2007) and contaminated the entire HVAC system. Dealer wants $3200 to replace everything. I disconnected the drive belt instead. We are seeing much better fuel mileage since then.

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  Element of Surprise - 2003 Honda Element
  By elementoffun - November 15 - 2:00 am

  It took me a while to warm up to the unique styling of the Element, but I must say I am very impressed! It is extremely roomy and comfortable; I would say moreso than many luxury full size sedans. I am so blown away with this Honda that I am replacing my other vehicle with an Accord. If you spill something , it cleans up easily. I strongly suggest getting the EX versus the DX. You get a lot more options for not much more money (awesome sound system, alloys, AC, waterproof seats).