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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  Solid Vehicle - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By NWhondaFan - May 9 - 1:30 am

  I bought the Pilot for my wife after exhaustive research. In the running were the Highlander, Explorer and the new Subaru SUV. The Highlander was too bland and had one less seat. The Subaru was just too small and odd. And the Explorer was a non-starter with costly and complex features pricing and marginal reliability. What sealed the deal on the Pilot was driving it. Not only was it safe and reliable, it was very, very comfortable to drive. I have an 01 Accord, and the Pilot rides much better on all surfaces. It has gotten ok gas milage to this point - averaging around 18 in mixed driving.

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  Great suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By k tyer - May 8 - 9:13 pm

  This vehicle is the best suv weve owned. Have had suburbans and vans none can touch this. Fit and finish is superb. Only small complaint is gas mileage is not as good as advertised, as with all cars!! Tight fit for 7, but o.k. for 5 folks.

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  Grandpas S2000 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Bro Rod - May 8 - 8:19 pm

  I decided to have my midlife crisis at 50 years of age after all our kids were grown and gone. I leased the S2000 with no intent of keeping it more than four years. I bought out the lease this year. I canÂ’t think of a greater rush than 8,000 RPM shifts on freeway on-ramps and ground hugging performance on the mountain roads in San Bernardino County (CA). This is a wonderful car for an enthusiast on a budget. However, if you are looking for a smooth ride and a quiet cockpit, this is definitely not your car.

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  Amazing - 1992 Honda Civic
  By poland21489 - May 7 - 1:52 pm

  Obviously, the gas mileage is astounding. This car has been driven hard constantly, and its never given me a problem. Everything about driving it is reassuring, including clutch/shifter/sterring/suspension. Great car at 130k miles, hoping for another 100k

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  Love My CR-V - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kbrass - May 7 - 4:30 am

  Traded in 2005 Honda Odyssey. Love Honda reliability. First 3 tanks of gas avg 21.5, 20.5, 21.3 mpg, all city driving. Handles well and for a 4 cylinder it has some pep. Front seats are a little stiff, but mine started to loosen on the way home from the dealer and are now very comfortable. It is also very spacious on the interior. I am 6 ft tall and can sit in the back seat with 4-5 inches knee room to spare. My kids love riding in it. Cargo area holds quite a bit of stuff. Ride is a little bumpy on rough roads, but not any worst than my Odyssey. I really enjoy driving my CR-V and couldnt be happier with my purchase. If you dont need the fancy bells and whistles the LX is plenty.

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  Love my honda pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Moises - May 6 - 9:22 pm

  I got a pilot for the the third row seat, but after driving it, i knew it was the right pick. The way it drove it was awesome. Will buy another one in a heart beat. Might not have the looks but I love it the same. Once you drive it you see why it is the one for you.

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  Love the car! HATE the paint! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - May 6 - 2:13 pm

  I bought a black Honda Accord. Loved the look, Black on Black. I didnt have the car 6 mos & began to have paint troubles. The paint all over was chipping down to bare metal. Especially on the hood. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was an isolated incident. Yeah right! My car looks terrible.

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  2004 CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By jr - May 6 - 12:58 pm

  I traded in a Tahoe for the CR-V mostly for the better mileage. Im getting 21 in town and 27-28 on the highway. I plan to upgrade the standard cloth seats to leather because thats what I miss most about the Tahoe. Im impressed with the sportiness of the CR-V, and I like the ability to customize it with OEM and non-Honda parts.

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  joes CIVIC EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By joe - May 6 - 10:43 am

  This car has never left me stranded, or let me down in any way. Youll never understand how great the gas mileage is until you own a civic. My civic has 170,000 miles on it and it still runs like new. Im looking into buying a brand new civic while I restore my old one. A civic is so easy and affordable to upgrade. I currently have a full body-kit, carbon-fiber spoiler, rims, euro tail lights, projecter head lights, (blue) under body lights, kenwood amps, sony sub woofer, rockford speakers, kenwood CD changer, pioneer in-dash CD with flip out moniter, playstation 2, air intake, header, cat- back exaust, and many more upgrades. I plan to tear it down, and re-build it into a true show car.

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  Luv my Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By J.T.Wallace - May 6 - 8:39 am

  I like this vehicle better than any I have ever owned (I am age 62 and have driven or owned many vehicles). Fun to drive, loads of room and very practical... it is just me! Just as comfortable on long trips as running down to get a few groceries, click on cruise control and gas mileage is even better. Climbs mountains with ease and handles curves on switchback roads well. I have recommended it to others many times.