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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  Love My Elite - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Franco Lionetti - September 27 - 6:40 pm

  Upgraded from a 07 Rav4 Sport to the Pilot Elite. I started researching different SUVs over a year ago. Decided to get the Highlander, that is until the 2016 Pilot was announced. After the specs were released, I compared the Highlander and Pilot. On paper the Pilot edged out the Highlander enough where I decided to take a chance on a newly redesigned vehicle. To that end I got the extra warranty, just in case. Im glad I did. A week after I bought the Pilot my wife and I went on a camping trip. With my Rav4, after loading all the camping stuff, the cargo area ( with seats down) was stuffed to the point that I couldnt use my rear view mirror. Not so with the Pilot, plenty of room leftover and I could actually use the rear view mirror. The gape between the captain chairs made loading a little awkward, but we figured it out. The ride was comfortable and quiet. On the twisty roads the Pilot handled great once I learned its limitations and kept with in them. Its not sporty by any stretch, but its not sloutch either. After about 700 miles so far, Ive been averaging about 22 to 22.5 mpg in mixed driving, 26.2 in streight highway driving. Not bad for this size. The interior is clean and well laid out. Love the ventilated seats. The Garmin nav works great and the infotainment system in general is responsive and fairly easy to use. It didnt take me long to figure things out with the manual and just playing around on my own. The Honda Sense tech works well, the ACC is my favorite feature. One thing about the follow distance is even at the lowest setting its still pretty large. I think its set that way for safety, in case of a panic stop situation you still have enough room to break and maneuver. This doesnt bother me at all, but everyone is different. I also found that the engine shut off gets a little annoying for very short stops (like waiting for the garage door to open or stop signs), but in general its ok and if I need to I can turn it off. Lane keep does its job especially when Im tired after a long grave yard shift. blind Spot Monitoring also does its job. Collision avoidance has already paid off for me. The rear view camera has spoiled me. My only gripes are: Why doesnt a SUV, especially one thats $47k, come with a cargo cover, or power folding side mirrors. Also why doesnt Honda include the Blind Spot monitoring in the lower trims, at least as an option. Lastly, whats the deal with only getting the captain chairs in the Elite, why no bench as a option. I love my Pilot. The looks, ride, comfort, tech and mpg. If youre in the market for an SUV, you should really take a hard look at the new Pilot.

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  Great car, great price...and its cute! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By LT - September 27 - 3:16 pm

  We picked up our new car on Friday and I got to drive it off of the lot (I hate that part!) Driving home on the interstate, it hardly felt like I had to apply any pressure to the gas pedal. This car wanted to go! And it had no problems maintaining 70 mph going up a large, long hill! Very zippy and fun to drive. The seat fits me perfectly and its comfy! Im looking forward to the good gas mileage now that gas it topping $3.17 here. The ride is quiet; there is no rattling of any car parts. On the interior, everthing fits together perfectly.

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  Luv R Si Sedan - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tarnett - September 27 - 10:06 am

  Ive owned the car for a little over a month now and I love it. We also own a 02 Civic EX sedan and having gotten used to it over the past 6 years the Si is worlds ahead in terms of performance and handling. The exterior styling, IMHO, is the best looking Honda currently available. The dash, although large, makes me feel safer. 27 MPG average which is almost as high as the rated highway MPG. The engine and exhaust notes are addictive! It is quiet in normal driving but comes alive both in performance and aurally when you want it to. The car accommodates my family with ease and can also serve as my toy when I am alone. My only disappointment is that the plastics scratch. Get one youll love it

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  Great Car - 1998 Honda Accord
  By jkzn - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned in terms of reliability and build quality I just drove a new Taurus and my 6 year old Accord drives smoother and quieter.

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  Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Mary Hodges - September 27 - 2:00 am

  A very fun car to drive, plenty of pep. A real head turner. my 5th Honda

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  Oh what fun.... - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JordanO - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I never saw myself buying a small 2- seater until I saw my friends S2000. I went to the dealership and within 10 minutes of the drive, I fell in love with this car. The performance is amazing. The car handles/corners better then any vehicle I have ever driven. The best part about the engine is when it hits 6200 RPM and the VTEC kicks in. You get an addition boost into the seat and then the S2000 transforms into an F1 racer. The interior is fantastic. The leather smell and the aluminum panels really give this car a high dollar touch and feel. I really have no complaints about the S2000, I highly recommend this car!

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  My S2999 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By airmaxs11 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The S2000 is such a beautiful car I love it so much....it is fast and sporty and has a unique design. The only bad thing about the car is it sucks on gas

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  Just Keeps Going - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Marks - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car new. After 13 years and 120,000 miles, it still looks so good inside and out, and it still works so well, that we continue to postpone any thoughts of trading it in. We have replaced the timing belt and exhaust system twice. Those are the only major maintenance items so far. Other minor repairs have included the drivers door latch (twice), and the rear speakers (cones rotted out from age). Otherwise it just keep going and going. This has to be one of the best models Honda has produced.

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  Spiffy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Papa Z - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It is the quickest excelleration of any van I drove. It is sooo comfortable. It is the most solid by far. Great views. Back seat is pretty heavy.

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  Best decision weve made! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By SRoss454 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with this van. We were thinking about a sedan but decided to get the Odyssey lease instead. We have been very happy with the ride, its sedan like handling, comfortable interior and how sharp exterior styling. Weve been averaging 22 mpg around town and on our last road trip average 26-28 mpg through the mountains of PA. Better than the manufacturers 17/25 for sure! Have had no quality complaints. The ride is a little rough at times, but definitely nothing to complain about. Even my pregnant wife does not complain about the ride. Definitely give Honda a ride before making a minivan decision!