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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  Cavernous - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pcchr - April 4 - 10:00 am

  It has a very solid, if not heavy feel. It handles well for an SUV. A quiet, comfortable ride. The radio can be loud without being annoying. The fit and finish is perfect. A huge center console wont have you and your significant other jockeying for elbow space. The front seating is cavernous. More front space than the much larger Sequoia and maybe even the Tahoe. The car feels slightly underpowered, surprising at 240 HP. You can floor it for more power of course, but the transmission will not-so-seamlessly downshift and the engine will quietly yell at you. I just filled my first tank since the purchase and if I did the math correctly, I got 14.9 MPG city

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  Rally/Sport yet economical hatchback - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Richa - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Want a car thats fun to drive, but need a functional back seat? Youve found it! The new iVtec teamed with the close ratio 5 speed gearbox and the short throw shifter make an awsome combination. The tight European tuned suspension make the car highly responsive and agressive in the turns. Yet, besides myself, I can put 3 Lacrosse players and gear in this thing. The SI handles as well as the RSX Type S. If you must have the 200hp w/6 speed, buy the RSX, or keep the 3K or so and get the SI and get the added economy, Im getting around 29 mpg and Im certainly not light on the gas pedal.

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  1st time owner - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jenwill - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love it! I couldnt have chosen a better vehichle

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  The best car ever! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By TommyJoBomb - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my car.

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  2 1/2 Years and Counting! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SherylD - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the first new car I ever bought and I could not be more pleased! I got caught in a heavy snowstorm in Tulsa Christmas of 2000 and the way the CR-V handled was better than the 4X4 truck I had been driving. I watched Jeeps, Explorers, etc. slide everywhere but my Honda never missed a beat. Additionally, other than general maintenance, no work has been necessary. If and when my CR-V ever wears out, I will replace it with another. Im curious to se if they are really planning to produce a hybrid CR- V.

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  My first brand new Honda - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By My first new Honda - April 3 - 9:40 pm

  Owned a 2000 ody before buying this 06. Loved the 00 but wife wrecked. 06 is FA-BU-LOUS!!! I have to schedule time to drive it because it is always with the wife nice. Drove 2500 miles within the first month of owning the vehicle. Plan to do it again...

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  9000 mile summary - 2006 Honda Civic
  By John Marrs - April 3 - 9:30 pm

  The car averaged exactly 34.124 mpg in everyday driving for the first 5,000 miles, one trip of 640 miles revealed 36.47 mpg during the trip. It now has 9,000+ miles and seems to be getting better milage as it will now go 400 miles prior to fillups, approx 11 gallons. Lot of looks, lot of fun to drive, huge trunk, easy to clean, rides & handles better than expected, Quiet and comfortable. I rate it better than expected prior to purchase. Tried Prius, Corolla and found them lacking in some areas compared to Civic.

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  Good purchase - 2008 Honda Accord
  By LaShawn - April 3 - 5:33 pm

  This was an un-planned purchase. Id looked at the Mazda 3 and the Nissan Altima coupe. When I saw this in the Nighthawk Black Pearl I had to have it. I am coming out of a 2.8 VB Jetta so the 4-cyl is a little slow for me. Otherwise, its a great car. My only complaint is the seat is not comfortable for a long period of driving and if it is raining and you barely roll the window down uou will get soaked. This car is a real head turner. I get tons of compliments on it.

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  Simply great - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - April 3 - 4:13 pm

  This is my 8th Honda since 88 and have to say the "best" With gas prices going nowhere but up, mileage is great. 30 mpg average city wise, and 40 for highway, cant beat that. Looks inside and out a A+++. Quiet on the highway, just cant beat this car.

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  Love My Second Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - April 3 - 2:00 pm

  I still love my 2004 Pilot but the new one is even better, which I still have a hard time believing as I liked the old one so well and still drive. Have driven over 2,000 miles and as usual with Honda, do not have to take back to the dealer until st oil change. Honda has really improved storage and the rear entertainment system is fantastic for grandchildren.