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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  Great Northern Climate Vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Wayne Bahlieda - January 21 - 5:12 pm

  Probably the most practical vehicle on the road today. This is the first Honda that we have purchased and what a gem. In general it is practical, fun, gets good mileage and is great in snow and ice.

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  honda hype - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By mad in rincon - January 21 - 4:38 pm

  I have never owned a Honda before thisvan. I will never own another. Weve had the belt tensioner recalled, the transmission problem with the second gear fixed, a sliding door broken radio control on the steering fixed and now the warranty is up. 300 miles past and now the SRS system failed and we have to pay over $600 to fix it. Dropping the car off with a family of 5 and no courtesy car is a great inconvenience. Dont believe the Honda hype on this car!

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  WOW S2K - 2004 Honda S2000
  By slweinstein - January 21 - 3:42 pm

  As close to roadster perfection as you can get for under $60,000. Rarely does a sportscar outperform your initial expectations this one does!

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  Im Impressed!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By whampa - January 21 - 11:53 am

  This is a great vehicle. Honda did there homework with this car and let me tell you it lacks in no areas. This is a luxury vechicle all the way around. Honda even thought of having the steering wheel controls light up. The car rides great and just feels very refined. Ive owned alot of vehicles in my life and none had the whole package like this car does. Do yourself a favor and test drive this car before you buy anything else. I was blown away by just everything about this car.

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  Love my 2017 Pilot Touring - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Virginia Rathje - January 20 - 10:00 pm

  I bought the Touring model because the Elite model did not have the right side camera, only blind spot indicator in both mirrors. I would say the blind spot indicator in the left hand side would be handy, but prefer the camera on the right. There are so many things I love about this Pilot that I cant pick out one favorite. Engine Idle stop at a light is awesome. Push button shift is fabulous. Navigation takes some time to figure out the ins and outs, but it is great. Love the Adapative Cruise Control and Lane departure warning.

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  Absolutely love it! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Marleigh - January 20 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Pilot after researching it for a year. I am so impressed with the room inside. It is definitely more spacious inside than it looks outside. I really love how the middle row can seat three people comfortably, something you dont get with most SUVs. It rides great, and I love how nimble it is. It drives just like a car, and I can get in and out of parking decks and parking lots with no problems. It is great for my family, and I cant wait to take it on a long vacation. It will be me, my husband, my young son, and my parents. My son fits fine in the 3rd row and loves it back there.

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  Best Purchase EVER! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By PMW - January 20 - 7:56 pm

  I bought this car new and never knew it would last almost 15 years! It just died at 324,000 miles, but if I could fix it myself I would keep it! Unfortunately the repair would be more expensive than the car. I kept up all the general maintenance and no real problems. I never had to replace the clutch!! How many car manufacturers can do that?!? This car was the best investment I have ever made and would gladly do it again! I will own another Honda!!!

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  Best Civic Yet! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Kyle - January 20 - 4:56 pm

  All I can say is WOW! Best Civic yet! I have mine for a few days now and I cant stop driving it. The 5 speed transmission is a huge improvement over the pervious model, as well as the handling. The interior is comfortable and the ride is smooth. Drive one you will not be disappointed!

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  very good - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By muoi - January 20 - 4:36 pm

  Road test before try to make a good deal,

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  Chronic problems with BlueTooth and Audio System - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By K Curtiss - January 20 - 10:40 am

  I purchased my Honda Pilot brand new in January. Within two weeks I started getting error messages on the audio system and the bluetooth system does not work regularly - frequently I get a message saying the the car can not find a phone to connect to - even though the BlueTooth on my phone is turned on and the phone is plugged into the car. I have spent 7 months trying to get Honda to fix this but they can not seem to figure it out - they have told me that many Pilot owners are experiencing the same issue but they do not yet have a solution. I purchased this car for the Hands Free Technology and since it is not working regularly I am in the process of asking Honda to refund my car.