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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  Fan fricking tastic car. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jeremy - February 20 - 8:26 pm

  Best bang for the buck currently on the market plus Hondas lease deals leave you scratching your head wondering how the company is making any money at all. I cant say enough good things about this car and its hard to criticize much of anything. The good. Honda hit a home run IMO when it comes to styling, comfort, and just being a darn fun car to drive. Oh. Its cheap too. Fuel economy is through the roof. The CVT is just fine, it shifts the car better than you can. Acceleration is more than pleasant, bordering on giggly fun. If you want brutal youre gonna have to go buy a Charger Hellcat or similar. Dont expect a Civic to compete with that. My gripes are few. Two to be exact. Visibility out the rear window could be a little better (but its still not too bad) and the GUI for the touch screen radio .... interface .... thing was apparently designed by an engineer and not a normal, ya know, person. Good luck finding a radio station. Or the radio for that matter. The volume knob is actually for climate control. huh. ok. The steering wheel mounted buttons work far better and are easy to use thankfully.

• 

  Fan fricking tastic car. - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jeremy - February 20 - 8:26 pm

  Best bang for the buck currently on the market plus Hondas lease deals leave you scratching your head wondering how the company is making any money at all. I cant say enough good things about this car and its hard to criticize much of anything. The good. Honda hit a home run IMO when it comes to styling, comfort, and just being a darn fun car to drive. Oh. Its cheap too. Fuel economy is through the roof. The CVT is just fine, it shifts the car better than you can. Acceleration is more than pleasant, bordering on giggly fun. If you want brutal youre gonna have to go buy a Charger Hellcat or similar. Dont expect a Civic to compete with that. My gripes are few. Two to be exact. Visibility out the rear window could be a little better (but its still not too bad) and the GUI for the touch screen radio .... interface .... thing was apparently designed by an engineer and not a normal, ya know, person. Good luck finding a radio station. Or the radio for that matter. The volume knob is actually for climate control. huh. ok. The steering wheel mounted buttons work far better and are easy to use thankfully.

• 

  pulling to the right - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By roberts - February 20 - 7:26 pm

  My CRV pulls to the right and sometimes the left. It is not consistent so the dealership says it will be "hard to find". They also said Hondas are built to pull to the right in case you fall asleep at the wheel! I find it very annoying. I also dont like that you cant lock the doors before you get out and shut the door. And as a minor irritant, the door locks situated so that my husband and I always think its the window control. I think it should also have daytime running lights. I intend to trade this vehicle in next fall. I owned a CRX for 8 years and totally loved it. Again, these are just my complaints Hondas overall, I believe, are great vehicles.

• 

  Pilot I - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Rick - February 20 - 5:23 pm

  Tight SUV that has an unexpected feel of luxury. I was expecting a functional wel designed car that you always get form Honda. But the added luxury was a surprise

• 

  Couldnt be more pleased! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By LarryJoe - February 20 - 6:43 am

  This is typical Honda at a great price! The ride and steering are tight- -just what one would expect with a Honda. It drives as good as my Accord. The cabin room is very accommodating considering this is tagged as a "mini- SUV". The 5-speed transmission shifts very smoothly and although this is just a 4-cyl 160hp engine, it has more than enough pep. The ability to adjust the rear seats fore and aft is a nice touch. The main factor in considering this vehicle was addition of the SE trim level(has leather seats)--I wouldnt have considered the CR-V, otherwise, and would have purchased a V- 6 EX Accord.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By NEOhioBuyer - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Just took delivery of my new 2004 Pilot EX-L w/ DVD to replace a 2003 Explorer. This vehicle is great, plus I got it for a great price (less than TMV - $400 over invoice). Very pleased so far even though Ive only put about 50 miles on it.

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  THE PERFECT SUV!! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By VA Happy Buyer - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I did a ton of research on SUVs before I bought this one--it was between this and the Toyota Highlander. However, it gets better crash scores and mileage than the Highlander!!

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  2004 EX-V6 - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jimbo2215 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Beat car I ever owned

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  Going great at 120K miles! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By V_R - February 20 - 1:42 am

  This car used to have some alignment problems in the first 3 years after I bought it new . After that , no repairs except for scheduled maintenance. Recently put in new drive belt and hoses (recommended after 100k). Runs great. planning to keep it forever !

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  Not Great, just Good - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By morgan007 - February 19 - 7:19 pm

  Dont get me wrong, the Pilot is an excellent vehicle. This is my 6th Honda product and could be the best to date. At the top of the list of attributes is value. You get more for your money and you know its a reliable vehicle. When I place the key in the ignition it will start. Sounds simple, but that doesnt happen with all vehicles. I owned a Ford before and it left me stranded on more than one occasion. We added an aftermarket hitch and hauled a trailer with no problem. The plastics are a little hard and the leather isnt the softest, but still a very good grade on the interior. A big minus is gas mileage and style. Im considering the GMC Arcadia, but I love Honda value.