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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  gutless roadnoise - 1999 Honda Accord
  By r. louder - January 6 - 10:00 am

  interior functionality wonderful, exterior appearance fine, driveability deplorable. Extremely underpowered, intense road noise, you have to scream to talk and turn the radio full volume to hear anything AM. I have already replaced the battery which was not warranty-every other car has a 3-36,000 includes batteries? I had to buy mine!

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  great mini-van - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kev - January 6 - 10:00 am

  its a great minivan, with all-wheel drive to boot. Its great for car- pooling to soccer practice, famiy trips and holds tons of groceries in the back.

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  Worth the Wait - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bytrain - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Honda hit a home run. Wed been on a waiting list for this vehicle, and it was worth the wait. Classic Honda design with lots of included bells & whistles. Feels more like a car than an SUV - smooth ride, no tippiness, and very solid.

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  Civics rock - 2001 Honda Civic
  By anne337 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car -- by performance and looks -- for the price. Great gas mileage, gets a lot of looks, and the easiest to customize.

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  great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By ewaf@vdf.com - January 6 - 10:00 am

  great car and good gas mileage.

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  Accord LX 2003 Review - 2003 Honda Accord
  By toddchitt - January 6 - 7:20 am

  Ive been incredibly lucky, or just another extermely satisfied customer. Ive only needed to change the oil, rotate tires, and perform the manufacturers recalls. Well, that and some very bad luck with getting nails in my tires (I live near a construction area). The exterior back end is a bit basic, but the trunk is enormous, and more than ample for the size of the car, but with the backseats folding down - you basically have a wagon-sized back space. The drivers seat is comfortable, and the controls are easy to reach and very simple and elegant. Additionally, I am getting better gas milage than is EPA estimated. This is my first Honda, and I will be a repeat customer.

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  loved honda before this vehicle! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Deb - January 6 - 7:12 am

  I bought this van expecting my usual honda experience, lots of miles, low maintenance needs..the upfront expense was always worth it in the end because I didnt lose time with my vehicle in the shop. We have had to replace the transmission (yes, they covered it, but I was still in a rental for almost a week). The check engine light is on more than off to the point even the dealers in two states said ignore it unless something else is going wrong. The slider doors have had multiple problems, everything from replacing the door sensors to the door "deprogramming" itself. The door will close on you hard before it catches that theres something in the way, always a worry with toddlers.

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  Sound system and Honda sensing - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By S-Cha - January 6 - 3:05 am

  Overall performance and ride comfort is great, sound system not good as expected. Honda sensing a waste of money

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  Last Honda?? - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By John Anonymoose - January 5 - 5:25 pm

  Performance and fuel mileage with the engine/automatic transmission are sub par. At 68,000 miles the cylinder head needs to be replaced, according to the dealer, who will pay for the parts, but refuses to pay for the labor, estimated at over $1200. I have owned Hondas since 1978, but the dealer and American Hondas unwillingness to accept responsibility for this very common problem will terminate this relationship.

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  Not made in Japan save your money - 2004 Honda Civic
  By R Williams - January 5 - 12:40 pm

  After looking at cars for about one year we have now purchased a 2005 Civic EX. After a few days of ownership I noticed the paint overspray where the fog lights go on the front air dam. The gas milage is a joke from what the window and government say 31 city and 38 highway. Try about 31 and my 1997 Lincoln towncar gets 23 average? I really like the car but not worth the extra money. I wanted a Japan car not a Canada made car or I would have bought another UAW made car. The Quality is not there like the old days. We have five Honda ATV,s and Two off road motorcyles and they are built good. Brand name means nothing now days, I do like it still.