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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  I love my Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By SharonB - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love it.After driving small cars all of my life I found that the Pilot was roomier but still just as easy to drive. The interior is comfortable and the car is fun to take on trips.

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  Pilot performance exceeds expectations - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Craig Lindblad - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Square back design gives max. cargo area vs the "sloping" designs that are visually appealing but severely limit cargo area in other SUVs. Door openings are very good and, unlike most SUVs, I dont bump my head when trying to get into the Pilot. Power is adequate for vehicle itself, but one might find it under-powered when pulling a 4,500# load through hills and mountains.

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  Honda PIlot, the BEST!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By DNibling - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It is very roomy, drives very comfortable.

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  Pilot Wins - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By nzo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Best bang for your buck. Big n roomy for a midsize and very quiet and smooth thanks to the car based not truck based chassis.

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  Oil Leaks, Transmission Failures - 2000 Honda Accord
  By BobK - July 21 - 2:00 am

  At just over 100,000 miles the torque converter seal failed ($600.00), and now 4,000 miles later the transmission is sending fault code P0780 (Shift Malfunction), cost and cause as yet undetermined. 2000 Accord has 177 service bulletins issued, my 1994 Accord only has 66 service bulletins issued. I think the quality/reliability of the Honda Accord has slipped considerably over the years. I do not recommend buying another one.

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  Honda CRV 2002 - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By weber - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great handling,fuel efficent,& roomy cruises at 80mph very smoothly

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  I love my Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Nrthendgal - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My hybrid is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and has all the comforts of a Honda Civic EX. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking a comfortable sedan, with excellent pickup and is good for the environment. Dont forget, you get a $2,000 cash back from the IRS for the first year you own the vehicle. Also, if you live in Virginia, you can ride the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes with no additional passengers until July 2006. It makes getting to work a breeze.

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  My Best Honda Ever! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By sergio tovar - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many Hondas in my lifetime and this one takes the cake. I love this car without a doubt. Its fun to drive, comfortable, and most of all its affordable. The 6cyl is far more superior than the 4cyl I test drove. The leather interior is superb. I especially like the heated seats, XM radio, and all the new features in this new accord. I purchased this vehicle because HONDA cars are so reliable and these options and extras and a bonus for me.

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  Most wonderful car Ive ever had. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By linda - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I got the car 3/03 and it is absolutely perfect. The dealer was great, I got no bad surprises. It is beautiful, peppy, comfortable, did I mention beautiful? And reliable? I love it so much -- and so does everyone who sees it or rides in it.

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  ACCORDLX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By alone - July 21 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE AND HAS A GREAT EXTERIOR LOOK.