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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  Excellent - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Nick_C - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my Prelude for the Accord, and actually liked the latter better. Its got a very comfortable leather interior (EX model), smooth changing of gears and acceleration. The satellite radio is a plus. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Honda does it again! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Lawrence - December 6 - 9:15 am

  Wonderful design, interior is classy, and the Navagation System is much improved. The 2016 Honda Pilot is a winner in every way. If you really want to enjoy this vehicle you should purchase the two top models Touring or Touring Elite....a little pricy but worth it with the upgrades.

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  Spectacular New Ride - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Maine Driver - December 5 - 11:13 pm

  Key features include the turbocharged engine and the six-speed manual - which is VERY hard to find in a non-stripped car! The interior quality, features, comfort and roominess are amazing. The car replaced a Lincoln MKZ: the tech in the Honda is superior, and the interior room is darned close. Mixed mileage is a bit above 40 mpg. Mostly highway drives are 45! Incredible mix of performance, pep and fuel economy. I looked at Lincolns, VWs, Mercedes, Mazdas, Volvos, etc., but the Honda Civic is the only car that matches the performance I wanted, and room for adults in the back seat... plus it offered a great-shifting six-speed manual! There are a couple of Accord manual options, but they are due to be replaced next year and cannot match the mileage of the new design Civic. Outstanding car; a thrill to drive!

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  One Major Complaint - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Betty - December 5 - 5:56 pm

  As an owner of 2 Honda Civics, one sporty and one hybrid I knew I wanted a Honda to replace my 6 year old Volvo. After researching the Accord sedan, CRV and Accord 2-dr coupe and then after driving them, the choice for comfort, features and function was the Accord 4 door sedan. Its a nice luxury car thats not stuffy. In a cost per feature comparison, it outdoes its counterparts the CRV and 2 door coupe. The first 3 days of ownership saw me driving in heavy rain and sleet. It was nice to have this car with its traction control just overall great handling. The only choice to be made on this car is which color to choose.. See my ONE complaint later in the review...

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  2002 Space Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David and Amanda - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As far as a Mini Van is concerned, this is the best. After all, it is a Honda. Need I say more?

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  4-Door Accord EX 6speed manual - 2013 Honda Accord
  By beanctr - December 3 - 10:33 pm

  Have just over 400 miles on my new Accord. The manual transmission is a joy to operate and is well matched to the engine. I am coming from an 04 G35, so I miss some of the extra HP, but the Accord is fairly peppy and the MPG improvement is outstanding. Not easy finding a manual transmission as dealer stated Honda doesnt allow you to order your vehicle. Seats are very comfortable and the dash layout is very nice. There are quality materials throughout and it doesnt feel like Honda was trying to cut cost on the interior.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - December 3 - 5:36 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Civic EX. I liked the car, but it unfortunately got totaled. Walked away without a scratch. Accordingly, I purchased another Civic as a replacement. I liked my 2001 Civic, but I LOVE this one! It is MUCH more refined, drives much better, is quieter, has more room, etc. MUCH better car!

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  Should be your first choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By NewDaddy - December 3 - 4:03 am

  So far the vehicle is fantastic. I bought it to replace an 04 F-150. The F- 150 has a lot of head room and space in the front row seats. I looked at Highlanders, 4-Runners, Explorers, PAthfinders, Muranos, and Outbacks. None have teh head room of the Pilot. The ride is very quiet and very smooth. The V-6 is peppier then I thought and the transmission tied to it is very smooth as well. The ownership, so far (2 weeks), has been great. I drove the vehicle to downtown the first day I had it and it handled the downtown driving with great ease. If you are looking for a practical, fun-to-drive SUV, with a lot of standard features and a comfortably smooth ride...look no further

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  Nice - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Barbara Barsamian - December 2 - 6:37 pm

  Warranty is more limited than the previous models

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  Civic Hybrid is a Winner !!! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Larry S.S. - December 2 - 12:03 am

  I love my Civic Hybrid. I am getting 47 MPG in mostly city driving. I commute about 20 minutes one way, all city streets, and it does great. Had it in Texas over the Holidays and it started without a problem at 15 degrees F, completely ignoring the cold. Good lights, great seats (easy to clean), good low end torque (can squeal the tires at startup). All in all, the Hybrid does everything any other Civic can do, just better (except for hot rodding.)