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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  Flawless - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By ByFord - June 30 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have owned this vehicle since October of 2002 and we still can not find any faults. I am so impressed with Hondas products and I look forward to my next purchase. The Acura TL is by far the best looking car on the road. Maybe if I buy my wife the Acura she will give me the Pilot and I can get rid of my piece of junk 2000 Ford Expedition.

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  second time around - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By 2timer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Just ordered my second Pilot this morning. Dealer is having difficulty finding color but no surprise there. This is a wonderful vehicle and, hands down, the best SUV value on the market. If someone takes the time to do the research and make comparisons, its likely that this one is the SUV that will be chosen. In my opinion,the styling is better than the MDX, not to mention the $6,000-$7,000 difference in purchase price, regular gas vs. premium gas and a considerably better ride with more room. This vehicle is as solid as the day is long and safe as a bank vault. If youre considering it, you have made a wise decision to this point.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By 01 Civic Racer - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for just over a year, i bought it used with 17000 miles. Ive had no probs. with the car. I love to drive it and love to add things too the car. Ive loved hondas since i had a 1989 accord with over 250000 miles and ran like a champ.

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  The small engine that could - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Tiana - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car! Couldnt ask for better

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  Great first car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By AndyHahn - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but good ties with this car. This is my first new car. I chose Honda becasue my dad always had great luck with them. This is a great car. It has a great new look, more room than previous models, and it handles amazingly. I highly recommend checking one out. You will have a hard time leaving the dealership!

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  Accord with Navigation - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Bereznak - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Top quality! Well built and fun to drive. The navigation package and voice commands will take a awhile to learn. Voice commands are "a little touchy". If you dont speak it just right, you may get the wrong results. The GPS guidance is amazing! It gives you plenty of warning of upcoming turns / exits and its amazing how quickly it will re-calculate your route if you miss a turn. Not all minor roads or housing developments are mapped correctly, but the off-road guidance vector gives you a good pointer to your destination. You always know exactly where you are.

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  Best Riding Truck Ever - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul - June 29 - 2:42 pm

  Have owned numerous pickups over the years. Most recently an 03 Tacoma for 14 years until totaled. New Tacomas are nice but the ride leaves a lot to be desired. After researching and test driving the Ridgeline I was sold. Bought it for $2874 under listwith only a CD player added. I would recommend buying the rubber mats on Amazon. Genuine Honda $68 less than dealer. 5 days after picking it up left on a trip from Ct to Sc. Total of 2200 miles driven, what a pleasure. My wife couldnt believe the ride quality. Averaged 24.6 combined for the trip. I know of the complaints about the premium info center but my model is older with knobs. Does everything I want. I never took the Tacoma off road nor towed with it. The Ridgeline is a perfect fit for what I need a pickup for. Weekly runs to the recycling center with occasional trips to HD or the garden center. This is the type of vehicle most pickup truck owners actually need.

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  Bilge rat - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Sid - June 29 - 11:51 am

  Bought car new and have had no mechanical issues. Car has been garaged since new and still looks new. Due to age I would like one more new car before my main transportation is wings. Sorry I put new Michelins on 3000 miles ago if I end up selling Nice car, dumb owner if I sell.

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  POCKET ROCKET - 2002 Honda S2000
  By colindowney - June 29 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS EXCITING TO DRIVE...A SPORTSBIKE WITH COMFORT.

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  They dont make them like this anymore. - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Robman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive always maintained this car perfectly. That said, this is a car that doesnt complain. Except for airbags, it has everything you need - down to the very nicely placed coin holder to the left of the steering wheel. Not once, regardless of how cold or how hot the weather was, has this car not sprung to life the first time I turned the key. A wonderful vehicle.