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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  Zero Lumbar Support - Front Seats - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Tom - September 21 - 12:39 am

  Test drives arent sufficient to determine this. My back is killing me. It took me a while to figure out the cause.

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  Great mileage cruising in carpool lanes - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Tim Sakach - September 20 - 11:00 pm

  I recently obtained a "clean vehicle" sticker in California that allows the use of carpool lanes with only one person in the car. It just doesnt seem fair to get great mileage while cruising past stopped traffic on the freeway. It is normal to get at least 500 miles per tank, so you dont need to fill it up very often, and it doesnt cost very much at that. Compared to what I was driving before, the savings in fuel costs alone is enough to cover payments. It is amazing that it performs the way it does with only a 1000cc engine, which is smaller than many motorcycles.

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  Reliable Car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By gyori - September 20 - 8:57 pm

  I was looking to buy a reliable car. I did my research and the Accord seemed like a good bet. I was right. So far, the only problem Ive had is the alternator went bad. I change the oil every 3K miles and the car performs well. The leather interior is very comfortable. The auto temp air conditioner is great and very cold. Unlike, most cars Ive had, this car hasnt had the "little" problems (interior falling apart) that come with time. Everything is where its supposed to be. The handling could be better, but it is a family sedan after all. Overall, Im very happy with the car.

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  My Best Vehicle Yet! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By Jorene Slowinsk - September 20 - 7:18 pm

  My Honda CR-V works for me. I do a lot of yard sales and often need to transport large items. The back seats are so easy to fold down, that I dont hesitate to make the adjustment at a whims notice. My family was here on vacation this summer. They drove up in a full size mini-van. With the way gas prices were increasing daily, we opted to use my CR-V. My son and his family will be in need of a replacement vehicle very soon and Im planning on giving them my 2000 CR-V and purchasing a new one for myself.

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  The Good and The Bad - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By EA Williams - September 20 - 11:20 am

  This is a great town car with lots of pluses and a few minuses.

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  upset mom - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By upset mom - September 20 - 7:10 am

  When buying the car we were told it was a EX with leather with all of the options, but instead they just added the leather seats and entertainment system to trick us. Horrible gas milage, we wanted space in the car, but without spending so much time at the pump filling up the tank. Other than the major upset of not having the right engine, the car makes life much easier to haul things from place to place.

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  04 Pilot worth waiting for - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By redrider03 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Features added to the 04 Pilot were well worth the wait. Adjustable second row seat, really like the heated seats and heated mirrors are a plus. Looked at Highlander & Explorer. Highlander too small inside, fuel economy looked better but required premium fuel. Explorer was not up to fit & finish or the handling & was noisy to drive. Pilot, an EX-L with DVD, was less than Highlander or Explorer even with dealer discounts. Reviews had us concerned about fuel economy. Initial results are good: combined driving 19.8 mpg; 3rd tank ski trip, 5 passengers, skis & boards on roof with 200 miles of snow, 22.9 mpg (reg fuel).Kids & us love the DVD.

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  Paid $34,097 out the door on 12/22/03 - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By FlyAG4 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Settled on this vehicle beause of interior volume and the fact that we did not truly need the off road capability of the 4runner.Toyotas with Navigation were priced quite a bit higher. Honda is a quality product: good fit and finish, nice dash layout and solid feel on dry pavement and on snow. We took it to Inlcine Village during the storm on 12/27. 12in. on streets.Solid handling with 3 & average baggage.Predictable & fun in the loose stuff. 4 wheel drive kicks in flawlessly and without fanfare. Perfect for the 460 mile round trip from Bay area.

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  2003 Honda CR-V - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By banehawi - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder for the CR-V, and Ive been quite happy. CR-V is very agile and peppy to drive. Mileage is not as good as I would have expected, but much better than the Pathfinder. It is surprisingly roomy, with much more useable interior space than the Pathfinder. Stock tires were Brigdestone Dueller H/T, which I found so noisy that I replaced them after 3000 Km with Yokahama Avid, - much smoother, quieter and better grip in the wet.

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  Good Car -- Bad Dealter - 2000 Honda Accord
  By LeoTexas - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Havent had any major probelm with it. Dashboard can be more elegant. Terrible dealer (Lute Riley Honda, Plano, Texas): Sales/maintainance and management.