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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  another great accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lovetheaccord - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I researched extensively in this class (altima,camry,passat),owned 92 accord EX-absolutely no problems, liked the new accord for price and options etc. Great ride, powerful engine, smooth ride, joy to drive (passengers tell me very smooth too), nice and roomy, controls very easy to control, instrument panel is nice & easy to read as well. I am very happy and will love it for another 10 yrs. Highly recommed this vehicle!

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  What a Car for the Money!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nancy in N.C. - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I was unsure whether to trade my 1998 Vovlo S70 with 90,000 miles, but after driving and researching the Honda EX V- 6 the decision was made! This model offers many standard features that my Volvo had, and more, like 240 vs. 190 hspower; a 6-disc CD in dash; auto down windows from remote; telescoping steering wheel; and side curtain airbags; and lower maintenance bills! The Honda drives and handles much better, and when I went to Edmunds to compare the value of my 98 Volvo to a 98 Honda, the Honda was worth $2,000 more!!! That did it! I bought the Honda and got a great price from Vann York Honda in High Point. A great car!

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  No Brainer! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lubey Do - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After much homework, it was a no brainer to buy this car. Ive had my EX-V6 for 4 months now and its powerful, comfortable, quiet and feels like Im driving in my sisters Lexus. I spent a lot less than she did and got more car for the money. I test drove the Passat, Infinit G35, Lexus ES300 and none of them could give me what I got with my EX-V6 for the money. Like I said, it was a no brainer. Also, considering the gas prices in California, I love the fact that I can use regular fuel, not premium. And when I need to pass someone, watch out!!

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  Great SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - April 1 - 6:10 am

  I debated between purchasing a Highlander and the Pilot and I am glad I chose the Pilot. The Pilot comes standard with a trailer hitch and a comparably equipped Highlander is about $3-$4K more and Toyota charges $600 over and above for a hitch. The Pilot is smooth in its acceleration and ride. The interior design is extremely well thought out and has tons of storage. The new design is much beefier/heavier/more masculine looking, which I love. You get a lot of great features for your money with this vehicle.

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  Honda CRV Special Edition AWD - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BeckaSN - April 1 - 1:06 am

  I have recently traded in my gas guzzling Ford Explorer for the Honda CRV. I am already satisfied with the comfort, gas mileage, and peace of mind with a better safety rating. I love this new vehicle and would encourage anyone to go out and test drive one. You basically get more for your money.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Michael T. - March 31 - 2:20 pm

  I just bought the Pilot 2 days ago. We replaced a 98 Ford Explorer that was rolled in an ice storm. We looked at the Pathfinder and 4-Runner, but the Pilot had more for the money. It rides more solid and does not have so much of that SUV tilt in the curves. It has a very smooth ride and we love all the features.

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  Excellent overall 7-seat SUV - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By languer - March 30 - 10:44 am

  The 2017 Pilot EX-L is overall an excellent 7-seat SUV. We researched several ones including Pathfinder, Explorer, Highlander, Traverse. One of our main needs was the third row seating. Overall the value of the Pilot is excellent. The performance is excellent, the quality is well known, and it has everything a family may need; from extra USB ports, to three-way climate control, to blind spot monitoring, to many other features that are all standard in the Pilot.

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  Honda Odyssey - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By julesagain - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this van and I will drive it until it dies. I test drove every minivan and SUV before buying this one. It drives the most like a Honda car - good suspension, tight steering, confident feel in traffic. I drive over 25K miles per year in the worst traffic in the US. This van has been a champ and has never left me stranded. If you have resisted minivans because you love your sports car, this one is the least painless if you need the space. I really love it and resist driving our other vehicles now.

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  Great people mover - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By RaymondK - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best minivan Ive ever owned. Theres no engine noise on the freeway, period. The folding third row seat desing is also great. Adding the optional subwoofer makes the stock CD player more enjoyable.

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  Are we sure this is a VAN?? - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hondatogo - March 29 - 11:46 pm

  It drives, handles and performs better than many of the sedans out there on the streets. What a beauty! The 240 horses give you a sense of power, but during normal driving conditions, you cant tell the difference between this and the previous years. If you can get one in less than 90 days on the waiting list, more power to you. I was lucky that they actually had one sitting in the lot...