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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  2002 Honda CR-V Ownership Is Bliss - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Fanatic - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove it with two friends down to Daytona Beach, Florida, for a reptile expo/show - not an easy drive. Were were all impressed as to how well the CR-V handled, even at 95mph! It handles a lot like a car, very sporty and comfortable in any seat. I also drove it up to the Northern Georgia mountains, called Flat Top Mountain. One of the trails up to the hiking area is called a "jeep trail" (steep inclines, narrow paths, water bogs, loose wet/moldy rocks and fallen tree limbs). Believe it or not, the CR-V made it up and down this 1.65 mile jeep trail (each way) like a complete champ. I just popped into low gear and it was unstoppable.

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  Very happy with new Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey - Ft. Worth - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with our new Odyssey. Just back from a trip with our almost 2 year old and parents to visit some family. 23 MPG highway, 75 mph, both ACs blowing cold (it is August in Texas you know...). Comfortable for all travelers.

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  Try the best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By racokid - March 12 - 10:00 am

  We have had 7 vans over the years (6kids) and continue to buy them after we retired. Love them for travel. This is our second Honda van, the first was traded after 139,000 miles, because we wanted leather seats. Our old one still going strong at almost 200,000 miles with new owner. We have had all the vans, by big three, our town and country was the best until the Honda.

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  Get One - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Mark99 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This is definately a Honda. Perfection all the way through.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Steve Wolfe - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Good ride, better gas mileage than comparable SUVs and Honda reliability make it a winner.

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  youll love it! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By catbert - March 12 - 10:00 am

  My first SUV. Lots of room, comfortable 1st & 2nd row seats (havent tried 3rd row yet), lots of leg room, easy to see out sides/back when turning/backing/changing lanes. Not as sporty as MDX (my initial first choice), but I am definitely pleased with my purchase. DONT pay over MSRP. You just need to call around, but you can find one for sticker! Did I mention comfortable?! Kids will love DVD and plugging in their PS2 or other game system. I have a recently built Pilot (mid-Aug), and it seems the problems earlier owners were having are being corrected immediately on the line. So far, no problems here!

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  love the car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dmkr - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car in June 2002 and really love the space, fits and finishes and handling. Feels inside like a very big car but the footprint for parking and driving is mid-size. Quiet driving too.

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  First SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Al - March 12 - 4:50 am

  First SUV and overall am pleased by performance and design. EX-L came with a lot of features. Mileage on highway is 31 mpg and overall 27 mpg. Surprised that overall length is shorter than it looks.

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  Sweet 1998 Honda CR-V at home in small town. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Susanna Wassill - March 11 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this vehicle sight unseen after reading carfaxs, user reviews, user problems, etc. I had to drive to Chicago to pick it up which was horrible experience after almost getting hit twice due to others speeding. The ABS brake light was on and the salesman at the dealership said it was because the brakes had been changed and the code not reset. Not a problem, right? The car was really clean inside and out - no accidents. My brother drives it home for me while I lead with no problems. The next day when I get up to go to work, the engine light, the brake light, and the ABS brake light are all on. The tailgate handle is seized up. I decide to take it to our local Honda dealership service department. The ABS light is on because the rear wheels need new sensors - $500. The engine light because it needs a new distributor cap. Oil was leaking because it needed a new cam bolt. The red brake light I think because it was below zero. I pulled the parking brake all the way up and put it back down and it went out. When they said it was finished I made arrangements to pick it up after hours and the engine light was flashing still. I called them, got it back in, and 3 cylinders were tight. They also unseized the tailgate handle and got it to latch. The tailgate handle is a $185 repair through them. This summer I believe thanks to u-tube my brother and I can replace this ourselves. Also, the horn is not working and neither is the interior clock. All in all, I put in an additional $1010. I love how the vehicle drives. It has its squeaks and such, but for a 17 yr old Chicago SUV that has moved to a small town - it is a dream. I was surprised about my first gas mileage check of 25 mpg. I thought that was pretty good. Oh, the speakers are great! I purchased the car for $3000 and put a little over $3000 into mostly because of labor. I drove it down to Florida this summer 2017 and I heard some noises when turning and such that I decided to trade it in if I found something. I loved the design of 1998, but I moved up to a 2006 one owner CRV LX with only 72,400 miles on it. So far it has much more power.

• 

  Sweet 1998 Honda CR-V at home in small town. - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Susanna Wassill - March 11 - 3:31 pm

  I bought this vehicle sight unseen after reading carfaxs, user reviews, user problems, etc. I had to drive to Chicago to pick it up which was horrible experience after almost getting hit twice due to others speeding. The ABS brake light was on and the salesman at the dealership said it was because the brakes had been changed and the code not reset. Not a problem, right? The car was really clean inside and out - no accidents. My brother drives it home for me while I lead with no problems. The next day when I get up to go to work, the engine light, the brake light, and the ABS brake light are all on. The tailgate handle is seized up. I decide to take it to our local Honda dealership service department. The ABS light is on because the rear wheels need new sensors - $500. The engine light because it needs a new distributor cap. Oil was leaking because it needed a new cam bolt. The red brake light I think because it was below zero. I pulled the parking brake all the way up and put it back down and it went out. When they said it was finished I made arrangements to pick it up after hours and the engine light was flashing still. I called them, got it back in, and 3 cylinders were tight. They also unseized the tailgate handle and got it to latch. The tailgate handle is a $185 repair through them. This summer I believe thanks to u-tube my brother and I can replace this ourselves. Also, the horn is not working and neither is the interior clock. All in all, I put in an additional $1010. I love how the vehicle drives. It has its squeaks and such, but for a 17 yr old Chicago SUV that has moved to a small town - it is a dream. I was surprised about my first gas mileage check of 25 mpg. I thought that was pretty good. Oh, the speakers are great! I purchased the car for $3000 and put a little over $3000 into mostly because of labor. I drove it down to Florida this summer 2017 and I heard some noises when turning and such that I decided to trade it in if I found something. I loved the design of 1998, but I moved up to a 2006 one owner CRV LX with only 72,400 miles on it. So far it has much more power.