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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  2007 Ridgeline - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By PeterD - May 21 - 2:09 pm

  This is our second Honda. Wife has an 03 Pilot. Like all Hondas the quality, design and engineering are top notch. I am 68" and 300 lbs. Being comfortable is not easy in most cars or trucks. The Ridgeline is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Handles better than most cars. Independent suspension and long wheelbase make long highway cruises fun. Highway driving at 75-80 mph I get 22 mpg.

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  Economical, Sporty, and Reliable! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Zac - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My car; a 2000 Honda Civic HX coupe w/ CVT (Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission).--After more than 2 years I am still in love with this car! It handles great- quick and responsive! Excellent fuel economy- I average 37mpg! Good ergonomics- all the controls fall easily at hand. The CVT never searches or lurches, and its much more fun than a traditional automatic. Ive never had a single problem with this car!

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  Beware Electrical Problems - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ikiru - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Generally a very good car. BUT, beware because there is an electrical problem with accessory socket (former cigarette lighter). Honda acknowledges some sort of problem between this socket (which I use for a cell phone charger) and the Supplimental Restraint System (SRS system). Ive had to take it in 4 times so far to get it reset, because light is supposed to warn you of a potential problem with the airbags, etc.

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  Great car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By katlotlbra - May 21 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a great car without paying an arm or a leg. I would highly recommend the 2002 Honda Civic. The car is fun to drive and the engine is quiet.

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  Crv - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Richard Austin - May 21 - 7:59 am

  Air bag warning light my be under warranty check with Honda dealer

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  A Car Guys Review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rick - May 21 - 3:00 am

  Ok, I realize this is not a state of the art Porsche 911 Carrera 4, so all the ratings of 10 I gave it are within its class. Yes there are more powerful better handling, more comfortable cars sold. However, for what this car is designed to do, there is probably no better car avaiable. This car is put together very well, handles terrific and gets better gas mileage than any other non hybrid coupe for 2006. It is plenty fast for me and has plenty of room for my 61" body. The 5 speed shifts smoothly and all the controls are intuitive. If I had to find a complaint, it would be that Honda no longer offers the VP model which is what I would have prefered and their color options are limited. Shop several dealers, I had prices vary over a thousand dollars.

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  My Honda Pilot Experience - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Tad Deuel - May 21 - 2:16 am

  I was in the market for a mid-sized SUV and shopped online for either a Toyota Highlander or a Honda Pilot. I had purchased my Honda CR-V EX from Carbone Honda of Bennington, VT the last time I shopped for a vehicle and after a lot of online comparisons from multiple dealerships, I decided to try Carbone Honda in Bennington once again because I knew they were also a Toyota dealership so I could make side-by-side comparisons of the two vehicles. My salesperson, Rob Albreada was superb in describing the pros and cons of both vehicles. Because the Pilots interior was slightly larger than the Highlander (Rob actually measured both interiors with the rear seats folded down), I knew the reliability of Honda products, and the overall look and feel of the vehicle, I decided to purchase the Pilot. I have had two lengthy trips in the Pilot since buying it and have been extremely happy to have made the choice I did. The Pilot boasts of 18-26 with an average of 21 mpg but on each trip with the ECO Boost engaged I actually got 28.9 mpg. The Honda Lane Watch (passenger side camera) when passing vehicles makes it much safer to know its ok to pull back into the main traffic lane. The same goes for backing up in reverse with the rear camera. Overall, this was the right choice for me.

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  My new Spaceship - 2006 Honda Civic
  By monster - May 21 - 12:13 am

  I have done my research and it paid off. Everything about it is so different from any other car out there! Safety features are outstanding for a car in this class. I cant say enough about this car. I am 61 and fit in the car perfectly. as long as nobody plans to sit behind me.

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  Excellent Value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RLM - May 20 - 8:06 am

  Had a 2005 Honda Pilot EX which provided 15 MPG. With the price of gas going to over $3.00 per gallon I wanted something more fuel efficient but large enough to seat four adults comfortably and provide a sense of safety too. Honda always provided a quality product for the money so I drove a Civic EX sedan, the Accord EX sedan, and a CR-V. The Civic was too small. The CR-Vs engine felt like it needed more horsepower. The Accord was quiet, was easy to drive, seemed to be the right size, and would provide decent mileage. First two tankfulls delivered 20 MPG. Somewhat less than I was expecting but 33% better than the Pilot. I have the car on a three year lease and am pleased with it.

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  Love it...my 6th one!!! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By J. Taylor - May 20 - 7:38 am

  Shop around and get one with good mileage and well taken care of. It definitely pays off in the long run especially if you plan to keep it more than 4 or 5 years. Makes for a good trade-in on a NEW one!!