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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  Less Than Expected - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Dubs - November 17 - 5:05 am

  This is the first Honda vehicle I have owned. I previously had an Acura, which I enjoyed other than a dashboard rattle that the dealer could never find and, thus, never eradicate. After some research, it seemed as though the Pilot Elite would essentially get me an Acura MDX while saving some money. Not so fast, as I am finding out. I am not having problems with the 9 speed transmission as others have, and mechanically, everything seems to be okay. However, the interior is not comparable to an Acura, in my opinion. The leather isnt as soft and the dash and door panels, while not plastic, arent as "cushy" as the Acura. I didnt buy an Acura, so I accept these downgrades. This car reminds me in some ways of the stuff old Detroit (the "Big 3") used to put out. Some things were okay, some not so much. My Elite rattles and vibrates even on pavement with only slight imperfections. Some of the body parts needed aligned. The fan circulating the air for heat and defrost sounds like it has a bad bearing as it squeals when it runs. The dealer wont replace it since it still "works". The navigation unit is weak - it tells the driver to make a turn when the car has already passed the turning point. It seems to be off by about 75 feet. The parking sensors are next to useless and the auto braking for collision avoidance activates for no reason at times. As I said, this is my first Honda and most likely will be my last. I may even trade the car in soon and take the "loss". I traded an Infiniti in on the Elite after being less than overwhelmed with the performance of the Infiniti. I have to say that even "stepping down" from a luxury model to the Honda, the Elite is much less than I expected it to be. And, I dont consider myself all that demanding. Just give me value commensurate with the money I am spending. Unfortunately, this Elite isnt doing that!

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  2007 Honda Accord EX-L 4dr automatic - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Linda - November 9 - 4:36 pm

  Have been driving the car for a month. Seats are not comfortable, a lot of wind and road noise. The dash has a consistent rattle which Honda has worked on twice. Rep from company is coming this week. Well see what happens. Honda makes their cars so that they have a slight pull to the right which I do not like. This feature doesnt make the car fun to drive.Only the drivers seat has automatic seat adjustments and the lumbar control is on a different side of the seat.

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  Do not get the CVT - 2016 Honda Accord
  By HB - November 7 - 7:46 am

  Bought a 2016 Acord early this year. In less than 6 months it has to go back to the dealer for some CVT software fix. And the dealer closes by 4 so have to take it on the weekend. Did not plan pn spending my weekends at the dealer when I bought this car!

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  Gripes - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Hybrid Honey - November 2 - 3:33 am

  When we went to look at the Honda Accord Hybrid car, the salesperson did tell us that it is not a true hybrid, that the mileage is not what it states on the sticker. It has great pick-up when needed to accelerate. The dashboard lights are great! Highway ride is a bit rough and the interior noise is noticeable. On occasions we have experienced some blind spots while driving,warrenting a sudden correction . Do not like the spare-tire feature, very dumb. We feel good about driving a clean car but wish it could give us better mileage!

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  A car for those who dont really care. - 2001 Honda Civic
  By ziks30 - October 31 - 10:16 am

  High quality appliance. Gets you from point A to Point B very reliably. About as much fun as an elevator ride.

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  Not Happy - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Disappointed - October 30 - 9:18 am

  In the short time I have owned the 2006 Pilot I have to say I am very disappointed. The vehicle has a defective ECM chip that causes great distortion in the radio. At the time of this review Honda does not have a fix for this problem. There is a strong wind noise when you roll down one or more windows. The air actually vibrates and flutters causing your ears to hurt. After buying a third Honda in just over two years this could be my last. If you are thinking of buying this vehicle, be sure you know what you will be getting into.

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  unable to fix noise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By W. H. McCullough,M.D - October 27 - 10:00 am

  My Pilot has a "clanking" noise in the right rear wheel area when on rough roads. I have taken it to both the local dealers. One replaced the right rear drive shaft, to no avail. The other dealer also documented the noise and called Honda. He was told that "all Pilots make this noise." It is in the trailing arm, they say. I wish one of their higher-ups could drive it! I would certainly be surprised, if they all made this noise!

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  2002 Civic Complaint - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Judith Tillmon - October 24 - 10:36 pm

  We did not purchase the extended warranty at time of purchase the reason is I spoke to past customer and did research and I was comfortible with my finding. Current I am very disappointed the clutch has burned out in the tranmission. The mechanic stated this in a common problem with Honda Civic and he currently have two in his shop with the same problem. This seems to be a hardship and Honda need to evaluate this closely.

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  A Potentially Great Car, But Flaws - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Craig - October 24 - 2:16 pm

  Yes, the automatic shifts smoothly when accelerating normally, but if you accelerate slowly it shifts into top gear at 37 mph and groans like a cow if you then try to push it. Agree with others the head rest is too far forward and my head bounces off it on medium to large bumps. Trunk space has shrunk from 2005 and it was noticeable once I tried to move stuff to it from my old compact. Gas mileage so far (1200 miles) is no better than the old compact (about 31 mpg avg). Wiper on passenger side clears an annoyingly small space to see (due to large window). If youre over six feet, check your head room with the sun roof as it lowers the ceiling. Speakers are good but expected better with six!

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  Who gave it a minivan of the year title? - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By MP - October 19 - 7:13 am

  I was so impressed with my 2001 Odyssey that I was pretty much predetermined to replace it with 2005 model when the time came. After considering other minivans and even SUVs we decided to go back the newer version of our beloved minivan... . What a mistake... . Compared to 2001 model not too many IMPROVEMENTS were made. Leather became standard, seats got heated, sunroof built in, third row is split. Spare tire moved in the third row taking up seating space, gear shift went right into the way for the dashboard controls, so much cheap plastic used this car can be nicknamed Trabant. But the biggest problem of all-assembly quality. Gas consumption consistently stays at 18-20mpg after 10K miles.