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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  BEST IN CLASS - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By JOHN CARROLL - May 22 - 2:00 am

  WE TRADED A 2001 VOLVO CROSS COUNTRY V- 70 FOR OUR PILOT. WE HAVE FOUND THE PILOT TO BE SUPERIOR IN EVERY WAY TO THE VOLVO. THE COMFORT, HANDLING AND SUPERIOR QUALITY FEATURES TO BE ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE OVER THE VOLVO. WE HAVE HAD MERCEDES IN THE PAST AND HAVE FOUND THE PILOT TO COMPARE IN MANY WAY TO THE QUALITY OF THOSE CARS. WE CAN PULL IT BEHIND OUR MOTORHOME TOO.

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  GREAT FAMILY VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ajbax - May 22 - 2:00 am

  VERY VERSITALE AND GREAT RIDE. AS ALWAYS HONDA RELIABILITY IS GREAT AND QUALITY IS TOP NOTCH. GOT THIS EARLY IN YEAR SO DEALER HAD UPPER HAND IN PRICE HAGGLING.....

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  I like it a lot. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SandraP - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned it since January 2003. I purchased it when I found out I was pregnant with my first child. It is very comfortable in traveling with people and children. I test drove every SUV in its class and this one was the roomiest. I recommend it.

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  Love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Morrison - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I searched for two years for a new car. After researching on the web, I was convinced Honda Pilot was the one for me. They are sharp looking and easy to handle. The dealership was great to work with. I went to three different Honda dealerships and negotiated the best price. This is the first Honda I have owned.

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  uncomfortable seats - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By lindo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  like the car in many ways, but I find the seats hit me mid leg and cause worse leg fatigue. the center console being open catches way to many things and is sloppy. The performance of the car is reliable, one of the best I drove when I was looking.the navigational system is wrong often.and the voice is annoying.the seats dont fold down flat.seats are not heated..

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  I love my CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By lovemycrv - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Living in Erie, PA, where the weather changes every two minutes, this car has totally stood up to all my needs!

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  Exceptional Value - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Impressed1960 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional value is this cars best feature. Nothing comes close for the money. This car is FAST! The handling could be sharper, but this would compromise ride quality. Interior is top notch, both in materials and layout. Exterior styling is growing on me, still not real fond of the rear end. Fuel economy has been 23 Mpg in mostly city driving. Performance, comfort, reliability, safety, economy... what else could you want!

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  Better than Civics of 2007 - 1998 Honda Civic
  By tokyojonny - May 21 - 8:44 pm

  What can I say? I bought this car in October of 1998, it spent two years on a trickle charger while I was stationed overseas from 2001-2003, and then started up like I never left when I got back to the U.S. Aside from the A/C that imploded last summer at 100,000 miles (~1800 bucks to replace the whole system--yikes!) and an exhaust leak noticed at 80,000 (no need to replace), I have had absolutely no problems with this car. Take it in for scheduled maintainance and forget your worries.

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  White Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Dadbo - May 21 - 5:09 pm

  We are Honda family and the Pilot is my 4th. I purchased it for towing my 3500 lbs boat and it does a great job. The height and width of the vehicle is great larger than I expected. If I can keep it on "ECO" it will do fine.

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  Impressed - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Blue - May 21 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought the ridgeline RTL with Moonroof. First Impression, impressed. To me it is the best blend of sedan, suv and truck. I submit that if you have to buy only one vehicle for all applications, this would be the one.You can take this one vacation, tow a 5000 load, go skiing, go pick up the 4x8 at home depot . The only limitation is carry more than 5 people.