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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  Nice Car for Trips - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By The coop - November 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car to drive our growing family (grandchildren) and the three rows of seats do that very well. It has an excellent ride on the freeway, is very comfortable, and gets comparitively good gas mileage (25 mpg on highway). Pulls our camping trailer very nicely as well.

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  Excellent Compact SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By The coop - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is an excellent compact SUV. Everything about the car shouts quality. The transmission shift, the steering, the ride, everything is smooth and well thought out. After the first 5,000 miles break-in, the gas mileage improved gradually and I am very pleased.

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  kudos to Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  For the money, the Accord coupe with the silky smooth V6 is the best car anyone can get. I love this car. I drove about every car in its class and nothing could come close. You have to go a couple steps up to a BMW or Mercedes to get this kind of ride. I highly recommend it to everyone wanting a coupe. My friends who own BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes cars like my Accord as much or better than theirs; no joke.

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  So far, so good.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By QonoS - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I only have 700 miles on this car and am a bit concerned about complaints on this board re build quality and rattles. Ill post an update after a few thousand miles. But so far, its been great. Fit/finish seem perfect so far, *great* power for a 4, the tranny is plenty slick for me (but I wouldnt mind the short throw 6 speed.)

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  Pleasantly surprised! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By jocool459 - November 17 - 3:26 pm

  When my daughter told me she wanted this car for her 16th birthday, I thought "surely you can do better than a Civic". My opinion of the previous Civics was not very high. I researched it and was impressed with what I found, so I was game. Then I test drove it! We bought it that night! I love, love, love this car! It handles well, is easy to drive, has power when you want/need it, it feels good and sounds good! It has standard features you would normally find in a luxury car...radio controls at your fingertips, moon roof, premium sound. I just wish we would have ordered one with the navigation system. Its compactness sometimes makes it hard to "fold" into/out of this car!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Rebecca - November 17 - 11:13 am

  Granted, Ive only owned three cars but this is the best, and Im torn what to do at the end of my lease because I LOVE this car! The 4 cylinder 166 HP gives plenty of zoom (for a 4 cylinder anyway, it really has plenty of "get up and go" - my last 2 cars were American 4 cylinders that I had to fight with to go forward). Its comfortable for road trips and much more spacious than my last two cars. Gas mileage is not as great as my last car which got around 30 mpg city, BUT, I will say the sticker said 24 city/34 highway, and I always exceed that - usually 25-26 city, and last road trip I got about 36 highway - cant complain about that.

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  100% Satisfied so far! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By vishrit - November 17 - 12:30 am

  Purchased the CRV on October 22nd 2009. The SUV replaced a 2005 Toyota Matrix for my wife. She loves this vehicle even though it is much bigger than the Matrix. She is completely satisfied with her new ride and loves the higher viewpoint she gets of the road. High quality interiors coupled with some really cool features and a nice sound system and a moonroof makes this a wonderful vehicle to drive!

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  the pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By atony - November 16 - 10:00 am

  rides, drives and handles very well. comfortable seating,no bone jarring experiences like we have endured with other suvs. sits up high, great view.only vehicle i have just enjoyed driving in a long time.

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  Wonderful to Drive!! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By sperlsco - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my pilot for a little more than a month now. I compared it to the Pathfinder, Highlander, Expedition, and Mountaineer. The Honda offered the best combination of size, looks, ride quality, and reliability. Most of all, it offered the best value. I actually purchased mine for $500 under sticker. I miss some of the bells and whistles from my Jeep Grand Cherokee (auto lights, auto-mirror, auto door-locks, memory seats, heated seats, awesome sound system), but the ride of the Honda more than makes up for it. I hope to love my Honda enough to be a life-long convert.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mgmahaley - November 16 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased this wonderful vehicle in anticipation of our new child. We currently have a 3 year old. We had to look around for someone who would negotiate with us and we found one ($2000 less than MSRP, with mud guards). We almost gave up and purchased a Toyota Sienna. Since I purchased this vehicle, I find myself wanting to drive longer distances.