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 - 1996 Honda Accord
  By gmiami - August 6 - 9:35 pm

  Ive owned this car for 6 years now and have about 87k miles on it. I have put the standard upkeep into the car such as brakes, a new muffler, air filter, and soon a new timing belt. The only recent problem has been the drivers side airbag needing to be replaced. I absolutely love this car - my previous one was a 1990 Taurus that needed two transmissions in ten years. I can get about 30 mpg on the highway with the ac cranked up. This car is comfortable and fun to drive. The dashboard is well layed out. I plan on owning this car for several more years before I move on to a newer model. What amazes me is that this car is 11 years old and does not look out of style.

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  Simply, The Best - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Lew - August 6 - 8:14 pm

  The smoothness of the ride and quietness of the Pilot is more than we ever expected. The interior has so much room and its exactly what we wished for, for retirement. Seats are perfect for us, handling is perfect. Fuel mileage is very good for a SUV. Vision is forever...engine is quiet...all the power needed when you ask for it...the 5 star safety rating is a tremendous selling point. We love the look of the Pilot. The controls for air conditioning and heating in the rear seat area are great. My wife and her girl friend normally use the heat while her husband and I use the air conditioning up front...no more, honey would you turn the air down, its cold in here, lol... Thanks Honda!

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  Honda Civic EX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By pjclaire - August 6 - 6:56 am

  As a prior honda owner (2000 Civic DX, 2002 Civic EX) I couldnt wait for the next generation honda. I purchased early. The design and function of the vehicle took some time to become accustomed to but my first three months of ownership caused some concern. I received a recall for the passenger side airbag. In my prior Honda experience, never a recall. Gas mileage was and still is a dissapointment. My 2000 and 2002 came "out of the box" with an average of 35 MPG. With any luck the most I acheived to date is 31 MPG. With all the hype about improvements, I was expecting much more than 31 MPG. Let me note that my style of driving has not changed. My next purchase may NOT be a honda.

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  A great ride! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Tmoneytheman - August 6 - 1:11 am

  First off, for all of you complaining about the gas mileage, youre nuts. I have a Dodge Durango and the Pilot. There is no comparison whatsoever. For the 3k miles we have put on it, we are averaging about 21 mpg. Now if you have the 4x4 version, I can see a decrease. But all you others probably just have a lead foot! There are only two negatives that I have with the Pilot. First, the front driver side leg room is not what I would like it to be. Second, the back door is a pain in the rear to close sometimes. I wish they would have made it about 1/2 a foot longer, then a tall guy like me would not have any issues up front! If you buy one, you will fall in love with it!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By ErinMN - August 5 - 9:40 pm

  This is our first SUV and I couldnt be happier. We wanted a vehicle large enough for our family of four to travel comfortably on road trips, but not too big that we would spend a fortune on gas. We contemplated a mini van but wanted something more sporty without sacrificing interior room. The Pilot is perfect for us! Its fun to drive, comfortable and looks great. I highly recommend this vehicle!

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Nishbot - August 5 - 9:19 pm

  I love my CRV. Every time I turn my key, I know the car will start. Bought the car at 40000mi, now has 100000mi. Not one problem since I owned it (hope I dont jinx it now). A great value. Typical Honda reliability/fuel economy. Highly recommend w/o hesitation.

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  Sweet ride - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Dan - August 5 - 4:45 pm

  Love the CR-V, for the money it cant be beat. Hope the reliability of the turbo gets an A+ time will tell. They could have done a better job on the design of the wheels but thats the only thing I dont care for looking at after market.... Update: The navigation is getting a bad rap but Ill tell you what, I just returned from a trip to Nashville and surroundings the nav was spot on, it would have been difficult without it....

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Andrea - August 5 - 4:40 pm

  I love my 2016 Honda Civic LX! It drives great and it has everything I wanted in a car. It gets 41 mpg and I love the way it drives. The only thing I dont like is that the passenger seat is so low and cant be raised. The driver seat has a pump that raises it up and down but the passenger side doesnt.

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  Look no further - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Dave - August 5 - 2:40 pm

  Finally Honda found all the right pieces to add to their unmatched reliability and durability.

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  Great for the Money - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By tmqn - August 5 - 9:31 am

  This is my wifes SUV replaced an Oddy (bad trans, bad cat converter at 112K). Have nearly 40K miles in 1.5 years back/forth to a lake house we have. Also do a lot of antiquing/hauling. Looked at everything before buying, and very happy with purchase. I see the suggested improvements on the review boards, but we have had no real issues and its the best deal for the money, hands-down. Little noisy on the highway, really does better with high test gas, but overall we really like the overall quality and reliability (with my wife on the road alone a lot). BTW: we get about 22/18 mpg.