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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  Beautiful!! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Tarun - March 18 - 12:00 am

  The best car anyone can have for such a price! The handling is great and so is the hp. I would recommend this baby to anyone.

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  This Pilot was worth the wait.... - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Scott T. - March 17 - 10:22 pm

  I was driving a Toyota Highlander and loved that car, sorry Toyota but after driving the new Pilot I had to make the switch. I learned a lot about this SUV through Youtube.com, from the amateur reviewer to the professional I learned what made this SUV a future leader in this segment. I also read reviews on this website and feel that some of the reviewers had issues and I dont doubt that but dont make a decision based on a couple of unfortunate few. In the end it is a Honda and I have been an owner of an Acura in the past and was very impressed with the service that came with the vehicle.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Susie - March 17 - 4:13 pm

  This car is by far the best value for the money. Very quiet and smooth ride, plenty of acceleration, excellent gas mileage, and extremely comfortable. This Honda is amazing!

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  Best of the Sub Compacts - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dsano - March 17 - 3:23 pm

  Not in the class of my wifes Acura TL, but just as fun to drive, and much more economical!

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  pocket Rocket - 1999 Honda Civic
  By djbango - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, still turns heads. The owners of the new Si, deep down wish the yhad the 99-2000 model

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  great suv - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By luis42 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Plenty of horsepower with v6 engine and good on fuel. The kids love the entertainment system and comfort.

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  Love my Pilot!!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Susan Mary - March 17 - 2:00 am

  When the lease was up on my 98 Toyota 4Runner, I knew I wanted another SUV but one with more seats. The Honda Pilot was a perfect choice! It is not too much larger but it seems so much more spacious. The interior is designed with a lot of thought put into it. It is so quiet and such a very smooth ride. I bought the car on a Saturday and on Monday had the cross bars installed and was I surprised!! The whistling noise was horrible, the service men had installed them incorrectly. They switched them around and it was instantly quiet again. I recommend the car to everyone, especially my friends with kids. Thanks, Honda!

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  Moved from Mercedes, but not down. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Poughkeepsie Family - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2001 Mercedes ML-320 that was plagued with problems from the very beginning. We bought the Pilot largely based on Hondas high reliability ratings. The car is well designed, handsome we feel, and a pleasure to drive. The third row seats couldnt be easier to use; this was not the case with the Mercedes third row which was too cumbersome for my wife to fold up on her own. We got it with the entertainment system. I was ambivallent about it, my wife wanted it. She won. After one three hour drive during wich the kids quietly watched a movie while we sat in the front enjoying our own separate music, Im a convert.

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  A vehicle to be proud of! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot 101 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  The Pilot has met or exceeded all of our wants and needs. A perfect minivan replacement with 4 wheel drive. Getting a great price is stil not posible. The pilot has made it easy for my 5ft wife and me with our 1yr old daughter. The second row seat should be adjustable, seeing the seat slides on track already. This is our second Honda vehicle.

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  Sports Car of the 21st Century - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NormanU - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded up from my 3rd van, wanting something with a little pizazz but still utilitarian. I tried all the mid- sized SUVs, not wanting something trucky. Narrowed it down to the Highlander and Pilot but overall the Pilot is just head and shoulders above the Highlander.