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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  Honda in down the street! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Mike - July 17 - 5:25 am

  Well what can I say, I have owned a 91 GMC Jimmy, a 94 GMC Sanoma, a 02 Pontiac Firebird, and a 04 Ford Explorer! And this car has to be the best overall car I have owned. I bought it used with 72K Miles on it and it runs as if brand new. There are a lot of bumpy roads in my area and yes I still feel them but not that badly. There is a little bit of road noise too. Two small blind spots and a little slow off the line. But other than that I havent had any probs.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Walkers - July 17 - 4:30 am

  We purchased our Honda Pilot last week and so far we love it. The interior design is wonderful and there is plenty of room. The new exterior looks great. The quality of the leather and plastic are nice. So far we are averaging 17.3 miles, but we have only driven 200 miles and I am sure after the break in period our average should improve.

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  2017 Ridgeline - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Larry Dennis - July 17 - 2:21 am

  Consider the Ridgeline before buying a Tacoma or Frontier.

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  Good buy and economic to own - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Enid Deak - July 17 - 12:12 am

  I own a 2000 Honda CivicLX. I was broadsided in my previous ten yr. old Honda, which was still like new, & I got almost $6,000 from my insurance company for the totalled car. The Honda I now own is my third. I like the reliability of the car. When I bought my 2nd Honda it was sold to me by a woman and she said: "Really, other than regular maintenance, all you have to do is make sure you have gas in the tank." I have found that to be true if one follows the maintenance schedule. I consider the Honda Civic I own to be good looking, well designed, well built and economical, in spite of rising gas prices. I do not drive a lot of miles per year. To date my only expense has been a set of new tires

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  Finally bought one! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Silver Bullet - July 16 - 11:40 pm

  Ive been looking at Elements since they first hit the lots, and I finally bit and found an almost new 2004 EXS AWD offered by a private seller. So far, so good! You either "get" this vehicle or you dont, and I think I do - folks need to have open minds and accept the Element for what it is, and not wish for Honda to make it into something it isnt meant to be. Need to move people? Get a CR-V, Pilot, or Odyssey. If your list includes intriguing design, transportation for one or two people, the ability to carry lots of stuff "indoors", and reliability and decent fuel economy in a vehicle with a small "footprint" - look no further.

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  Drivers dream come true - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Darek - July 16 - 2:15 pm

  I own a 93 Honda Prelude VTEC, and I absolutely love it! I bought it with 103k miles on it back in 99 and canÂ’t stop redlining it every chance I get since then. The car has 160k and is 14 years old now so few things eventfully give up do to my rough driving habits: clutch, O2 sensor, exhaust flex pipe, hmmÂ… I canÂ’t think of anything moreÂ… the button for a hand brake is sticking once a week. Seats are so comfortable that it is hard to stay awake for long drives, but one push on the gas pedal and a sound of the VTEC engaging while you accelerate to 120mph on fairly sharp corner will send your hart rate sky rocking and will put a big smile on your face.

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  Reliable, Well Engineered, but boring - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Fred - July 16 - 1:45 pm

  I bought the Honda for the ability to car pool kids, take road trips, great value and to know that I have a very reliable vehicle that wont cost me much to maintain. I have not been disappointed. I knew that I was buying a boring SUV in terms of style and performance. Of course, I have typically owned BMWs but the X5 only seats 5. Plus, I would have had to buy a three year old X5 for the price of a new Pilot. A no brainer. I drive my 10 year old BMW 318 ic to work and for fun! The Pilot comes out on the weekends and the evenings when car pools are in order. I highly recommend the Pilot, but dont expect to take those corners at 80. PS:gas mileage has been disappointing 15-16 mixed

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  i thought hondas were built to last - 2001 Honda Civic
  By hilary - July 16 - 11:14 am

  This car is not very comfortable to drive. i bought it for its reliability. you can feel every bump on the road and it definately does not go fast. just at the 4 year mark and 45000 miles the air conditioner died. ive had many other cars that never needed a new air conditioner and were much older. after reading other reviews i decided to dump this car. leased a new vw and surprise the warranty is a whole year longer. it is no wonder honda warranty ends at 3 years. i am now a much happier driver and do not feel every bump. i now have a lot more features too.

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  Rock Solid Reliability - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Mark Springer - July 16 - 10:50 am

  In 2.5 years this car has been flawless in terms of reliability.

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  Long Term Tested - 2008 Honda Accord
  By SJP - July 16 - 2:50 am

  I am an avid car lover. Been researching cars for over 30-yrs. I did my homework before buying this car. Looked at everything: Camry, Altima, TSX, etc. This was the best value for the money, and thought that Hondas known reliability and resale would be a benefit. Went with the top- of-the line L, paid just under 30K. After over 30K miles not so pleased with my purchase. Brakes are the worst of any car I have owned, undersized and prone to excessive wear. Had to bring back to dealer for new Routers at 10K. Check engine light has come on twice already, each time resulting in a major repair. Fuel economy in the V- 6 is nowhere near the estimate on the sticker. Getting only 22 mpg. on average.