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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  Simply the best - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By cone - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Drive it you will love it. SUV $10,000 more are not as good as this. All around a greay vehicle.

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  Honda CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jon0296 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for the money. Fun to drive and so far it has lived up to Hondas reputation of great reliability and value.

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  Good overall SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By xitrum - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive already put down the 2G for the MDX. When the Pilot came out and a friend working at a Honda dealership told me about a cancellation, I promptly snapped it up. I had a Chevy Blazer in the past and that was a nightmare. My wife and I took the Pilot up to Mackinac Island in Michigan over the Labor Day weekend. Its big enough that we didnt need to rent a motel. We got a campsite and didnt even pitch our tent. We simply folded down the seats and we got a queen-size bed. From Chicago, the trip is about 1000 miles (round trip) and we spent a less than $65 in gas. I guess we were averaging over 25 miles/gallon. Overall, I really like this vehicle.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Joe - May 28 - 7:26 pm

  This is a smooth car. I previously owned a 98 Avalon, and found the seats more comfortable than the Honda. The seats in the Honda are more firm. I found the Accord to handle better than the Camry. I test drove them back to back. I commute 25 miles to work, 90% highway, and average 24 to 27mpg depending how I drive. I recently drove 300 miles one way with my wife and 2 kids. The trunk was packed full of luggage. The cruise was set at 70 mph and got 31.3 mpg. I did not do as well on the way back because of Wisconsin cold weather and wind, but averaged 28 mpg over 600 miles including 50 miles driving around Milwaukee. The VCM works best with no hills, and I find it to be nearly seamless.

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  Top of the mid-size SUVs - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By scrabtree - May 28 - 6:56 pm

  Having owned my Pilot for about one month, no long term comments but so far I love it. My neighbors have BMWs and Lexus SUVs and the Pilot, at less cost, is (in my opinion) the better all around vehicle. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, controls are all appropriately placed, and ride & performance is commendable.

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  Excellent Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom M - May 28 - 11:33 am

  Does everything well. Sharp looking car at a reasonable price. Getting over 27 mpg in mostly highway use. Steering nice and tight, seats a little stiff but comfortable. Interior is very roomy, and I can sit comfortably in the rear seat at 62". Good trunk space, nice finish and materials in both the interior and exterior. Smooth ride, Have not noticed any excessive road noise on the highway as described by other buyers. Plenty of acceleration in the 190 hp version. Typical Honda, does many things well.

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  My Honda Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Ken - May 28 - 8:30 am

  The thought and planning that went into building the 2005 Honda Odyssey just staggers the imagination. The van is so well thought out with the consumer in mind. Conveniences are everywhere. The comfort of the driver and passengers is an obvious essential criteria for the designers.

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  Not Your Ordinary Economy Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Sam - May 27 - 11:20 pm

  At 17, this is the best birthday present one could ever ask for. I got to pick this car out and configure it with everything I wanted - and I couldnt think of a single thing to complain about. The car is fitted with aftermarket leather seats and it looks beautiful - the nav is fantastic. It doesnt get the promised mileage, but no car does... and I have a heavy foot. I average about 25 total but I have to idle in city rush hour traffic every morning... the highway mileage is excellent. Great car overall, stylish, fun to drive, SAFE SAFE SAFE! My friends think its the coolest thing ever, and so do I. Just remind me next time that black is not worth the time to keep it clean!

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  Great little car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By SCK - May 27 - 12:43 am

  When I was searching for a new car, I was trying to find the perfect synthesis of fuel economy, space, reliability and cost. I considered the Fod Escape Hybrid, but it was too expensive. So it came down to the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Rav4. The CR-V quickly impressed me with its spacious interior packed into a small exterior, the quality of the ride, the bang for the buck, and the other aesthetic and reliability ratings. Its a great commuter car, and serves my needs for space to load animals for rescue work quite well. Fabulous car. I love it, and Ive put over 11K miles on it in the 10 months Ive had it.

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  2008 Honda Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark S. - May 26 - 9:40 pm

  I have had my 2008 Accord EX-V6 for about 1 month. I have put about 1400 miles on it so far and I absolutely love it. It is my first Honda automobile and I dont think it will be my last unless this one lasts forever. It is getting better than 25 mpg combined highway/city driving. The styling inside and out is beautiful. The power of this V6 is incredible. I am 6-2" and I have plenty of leg & head room in the front & rear. To have this kind of power/fuel mileage/styling & comfort is unbelievable. I know the reliability will good because that is the reputation that Honda has always had. As far as I am concerned, Honda has hit a homerun with the new 2008 Accord.