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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  Underrated Hybrid - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Skylane95 - April 27 - 12:20 am

  Just over 1100 miles-averaging 47 mpg in a 70/30 highway/city mix. Much quieter than my 2003 Jetta TDI. I cruise @ 65 mph on the highway-impressive economy,reasonable pick-up, fun to drive. Drivers seat is excellent. Well finished. Smoother than the TDI. Lacks the incredible road feel of the VW, but has its own distinct quality-not as direct/secure, but very confident. Was going to buy a Prius(a much more sophisticated engineering marvel), but did not like being insulated from the driving experience.

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  alarm dont work - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By frank - April 26 - 4:56 pm

  My pilot just got broken into and my gps was stolen. The thief break the passenger window and unlock the door and then came to the driver side door and open to get the GPS, the alarm dose not trigger. All my other car trigger when arm if any door is being open from the inside. So I thing that Honda owner should be aware of this problems and take it to the dealer ASAP.

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  Not bad but not ideal - 2009 Honda Civic
  By djo - April 26 - 4:54 pm

  After 6 months the Civic is almost exactly as expected. Reliable, great mileage, solid build. There are a few things that will drive you nuts. If you are tall, the parking brake handle sticks up and you will whack your leg. It is impossible to see any part of the outside of the car from the inside so for a small car it is more difficult to park then you would expect. The rear seat is not divided so you have to fold down the whole seat - a difficult task with the release mounted in the trunk. The key has become the joke of my department at work. It is huge (gold plate it and it could be the key to the city). It also costs over $100 to duplicate. So solid car with some design issues.

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  un to drive - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By ivan - April 25 - 11:51 pm

  I just traded my 2009 highlander to a 2010 pilot EXL. The Highlander has better exterior and softer ride but overall I like the pilot better. It has bigger and better interior. It is fun to drive and better handling. It has enough power and fuel economy is not that bad. I get the same fuel economy with my 4 cylinder Highlander. I have test driven BMW x3, MB glk350, and Nissan Armada. I finally chose the pilot for overall performance

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  I love this car!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By dani - April 25 - 10:39 pm

  I just got my Honda Civic and i love it! my mother-in-law has the 2 dr version and she loves it she has had it since 2006 and has only had to change the battery on it! plus the gas mileage is amazing!

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  fun w/ 5spd but a dog on the HWY - 2005 Honda Civic
  By mkm230 - April 24 - 6:49 pm

  Bought this car a year ago to replace an aging 1993 Accord ex. Loved the build quality, comfort, and the moonroof that the Accord had. Given my history with Honda, I wanted to stick with them. So far, the 05 Civic has been a great car. Higher than average gas mileage for its class, comfortable seats, fun to shift through the gears w/ the 5spd. However, on the highway the noise level gets a little tiring after an hour or so. Doesnt have much power on hills, but keep in mind its no v6. Had no problems as far as maintenance goes. Just change the oil and go. Just do the normal 105,000 service and youre good for another 105!

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  Original Owner - 13 years and still goin - 1997 Honda Accord
  By melachuri - April 24 - 9:41 am

  Great Car. Replaced A/C evaporator at 70k and radiator at 100k. Other than that did all needed maintenance - CV joints, Timing belt, etc.

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  Superb Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By BG - April 23 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this vehicle new in 01. It has been nothing short of outstanding. Incredibly reliable, versatile and safe. With almost 150,000 miles, I wouldnt hesitate to take it on another cross country trip. Great in the snow and comfortable for all occupants. Fantastic storage, still very good acceleration and handles like a car. Also decent mileage for a large vehicle (21 city, 27 hwy) Id love to get a new vehicle but the wife absolutely loves it, so why spend the $$. Roll on Ody, roll on!

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  Great Car So Far - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 23 - 12:49 pm

  We bought the EX-L Coupe in May 2008, our first Honda. We purchased this car for its sporty looks and Hondas reputation for quality and I must say so far we havent been disappointed. At nearly 34K miles in less than two years we have not had the car to the dealer for anything, period. So far weve had no issues whatsoever including not having had any issues with the rear brakes that a lot of folks have had. Read somewhere that is as much an issue with the front/rear braking ratio, if you have that issue get that checked. 25 mpg general use, 31 mpg highway on long trips. Im fairly tall at 63" and I have plenty of leg room, no room or comfort issues at all.

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  38,000 miles - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Whitlock - April 23 - 1:11 am

  Really enjoy this van. It drives good, it is easy to get in and out of for all seats. Forward and side vision is very good, rear vision is good. Radio and cd is very good. Good engine power. Engine sounds good when driven hard. Gas mileage is 20 to 25 mph on open road. Plenty of power. Real good head lights. Seats are comfortable when driven 700 miles per day. Styling inside and out is real good.