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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  2 Pilots for me! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By NC Pilot - August 1 - 12:43 pm

  I have just purchases my second Pilot in two years. Last year I purchased an 04 EX with cloth seats. While I was very pleased with it overall, I was a little dissapointed to find that they offered a sunroof on the 05 models. I purchased the 05 with a sunroof and rear entertainment system. I am thrilled with it. The upgrades are well worth it. There is no other SUV with the number of options anywhere near the price. We are anxious to see the changes for the 06.

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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By nicholas - August 1 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I purchased our frist new car a 2004 Honda Pilot. At 19k miles, we had to have the block replaced due to a cracked block being installed at the factory. Now, Honda America is giving us the run around on the warranty...beware!

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  Ideal Companion - 2006 Honda Civic
  By hyampols - August 1 - 2:50 am

  After more than two years of ownership and more than 40k on the odometer, our 06 Civic EX w/Nav remains an ideal companion. The car offers sharp handling, hi-revving, if slightly underpowered engine, sharp hi-tech and roomy interior, comfortable, firm seats and superb navigation and voice recognition systems. Even after extensive and rather heavy use, the interior exudes a high-quality feel of a much more expensive sedan. The ride is European firm and the wind noise at high-way speeds is pronounced. Still, we are thrilled with our decision to have purchased a Civic. For a price of an econo-box, we received a sophisticated, sharp, reasonably sporty vehicle that continues to delight

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  Other things to consider - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Paul - August 1 - 2:13 am

  Did a lot of research before purchase & conclude this is the best value smaller sedan. I am coming from a 2002 Camry ELE and, except for the loss of electric seats and some space find the Civic drives just as comfortably. I have driven 1,300 miles and have several issues: 1) a lightly audible rattle in the left front dash; 2)local MPG that is only averaging 27 (driving fairly conservatively) all highway is 39 mpg; 3) and that the front end is fairly low - be carful going up modest driveway grades, I ended up having to take off the front mud flaps as they would occasionally scrape.

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  Pricy for a first year model - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MattaSA - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot and enjoy it as a very nice to drive vehicle from a company with a superior reputation. My buying expierence was not good and I wound up paying almost $4,000 over MSRP. My wife fell in love with the vehicle and it is such a pleasure to drive. The expected long term resale value and reliability history are the major reasons we bought this vehicle. It seems very powerful and handles very well. We have only driven our Pilot 200 miles and have the same things to praise and complain about. The engine is very smooth and powerful. The vehicle drives and looks nice. It does look kind of plain and everything extra costs $$$$$.

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  What a nice surprise! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By PortlandPilot - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Test drove Explorer 2002 and a number of vans but could not feel committed to spending 25K+ on any of them. Then saw the reviews for Honda and gave local portland dealer a call and he had an EX-L in Sandstone metallic! I had driven Odyssey and also knew all good MDX was, and once I test drove the Pilot I was sold within a few minutes. I liked how centered and precise the steering was for an 8 person vehicle. The ride was smooth and the driver position excellent. The ergonomics are nearly perfect and overall looks like a well thought out vehicle. Very satisfied but still miss the acceleration of my I30 and the BOSE. sigh....

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  Annoying Rattles and wind noise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By 1SmoothTE - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Let me first say that Hondas rock, however I should have known better to buy a 1st year Vehicle. We have a annoying rattle coming from the passenger front window as well as something rattling in the passenger side dashboard. It is going into the shop in 2 weeks. Gas mileage is okay and the 240 horsepower is nice, but the 03 Accord has the very same enginge! Why would you put the same engine in your SUV? It should have a 280+ HP enginve. Just my .02!

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  Get a stick, for better fuel economy - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Goldthumb - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall, my experience has been good. When I first bought the car, I there was a problem with the shifting. I was given a loaner, and since then it has been perfect. The dealership was very relaxing and professional. (I owned an Eclipse before, and Mitsubishi service is simply horrific.) I am happy to be driving one of the most reliable cars on the road.

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  Surprised and Pleased - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dtskiles - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Left work to test drive the 330i. Came home with an EX V6. Mileage is better, better interiour design, and the performance seemed better.

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  I didnt buy it to haul, push or pull - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gary Watts - July 31 - 11:36 pm

  I wanted a truck that drove like a car and would do the odd errand to Home Depot to pickup garden supplies or home renovation supplies, move the odd furniture and go camping. Its a quiet comfortable truck that really rides and feels like an expensive SUV.