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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  My New Car - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By CW - June 4 - 2:53 am

  Strong and sturdy ride, highly recommend it. I do hear some noise from the passenger door and IÂ’m considering taking it to the dealer for them to check out. The radio is a little far from the driver to adjust, but you do have controls on the steering wheel.

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  You get more than you pay for - 2008 Honda Civic
  By euphoric - June 3 - 5:23 am

  Good looking, comfortable, efficient solution to the urban driving problem.

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  Better than all the rest - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By George - June 2 - 12:23 pm

  I drove Toyota, Nissan, Chrysler, Ford, and Honda. I chose the Odyssey based on performance and price. The only problem I had is I had to wait 100 days for delivery after purchase.

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  my new civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nancy - June 2 - 6:40 am

  I drive 140 miles daily to and from work I feel the civic has enough pick up for highway driving and getting out of the way of the over the road truck drivers. I dont feel cramped in this car like some of the other compact cars I test drove. I like the fact the car comes with many safety features that the others dont. The only thing I would change is to be able to choose to have leather seats. Other than that I have truly enjoyed driving the civic to my surprise. I was looking for fuel efficiency and not comfort but I think I have received both for the most part.

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  Best Truck Ive Owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By David Swain - June 1 - 2:50 pm

  Ive been looking at this vehicle on the net for the past several months. I thought it was just what I needed and so far Ive not been disappointed. It drives like a car, very quiet, smooth, and no creaks, or rattles like some of my other trucks. The trunk is an excellent feature and after several washes and rain storms does not leak. The engine has plenty of power and doesnt boog down on hills. It has plenty of room inside and a ton of storage compartments. They bed is plenty big enough and will carry 4x8 plywood with no problem. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in a truck with plenty of passenger space as well as hauling capacity. Its the best truck Ive owned by far

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  Cool blue lady - 2007 Honda Accord
  By COOL BLUE LADY - June 1 - 12:33 pm

  Have less than 1,000 miles so far. Went from a 99 Chrysler Concord with 180,000 miles to my first-ever 4-cyl Accord. Like it much more than I thought I would. Gas mileage on first tank was 29.9, second was around 28. Currently on my third tank. Miss the trip computer, power driver seats, and automatic door locks from the Chrysler. Im enjoying it a lot so far. Love the cool blue color.

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  Shocked by sleak size, handling, & Fuel Econ - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Emily Dowd-Arrow - June 1 - 12:10 pm

  I was compelled to review our Pilot after reading the Edmunds 778 mile outcomes. We have 2 small children, a teenager, and two working adults in our family. My husband, a full time student, drives the Pilot to and from class and for daycare pick up and drop off. We use the Pilot for long trips, regular visits to family 500 miles away. Our average fuel combined is MPG is 21.6 - our lifetime is 21.6. We get 28-29 on the highway. The test group for Edmunds obviously drive the car without any attempt to drive responsibly; sorry, but thats my thought. We use the Econ mode, but otherwise drive like reasonable adults with a car full of car seats, strollers, and family stuff.

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  Two Women - 2004 Honda Element
  By Luck - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Car fits us like a glove. My sister is 5 and therefore we added the running boards, and Im 58" and need room for my long legs. Plenty of cargo room for shopping and trips. I do miss the side hooks for hanging clothes when coming from the cleaners, but with lots of leg room, ecconomy, cargo room and many safety devises, good service from my dealer, I guess the hooks arent that important. Highly recommended.

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  Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Wilson - S - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car that is everything that Honda said it is plus the versatility and huge space.

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  Honda the best - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Allymcbeer@aol.com - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I had to decide between Toyota and Honda an for the EX model I purchased with Honda I got a lot more features than I would have with Toyota