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 review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By leonard - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love it! It was worth waiting almost 30 yrs for Honda to build their own V6 SUV........ Im glad I only had to pay MSRP for It. I hear many dealers are charging 2-3% over sticker.

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  breaking in a new vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kevy - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I waited 1 year for this SUV and i think it was well worth it. It drives like a "moms car"; soft, quiet, etc and has all the utility features of a minivan. im not sure about reliability because, right off the lot, rear heating didnt work and one of the front vent broke off. other than than, i get the feeling that the car is well built all around, typical of honda. my thumb is up and we(my relatives) are getting 3 more of these suvs.

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  COOL Car!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Martin4s - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like the Car so far. I even did the Touch of Class option for the interior and exterior because I am impressed. 2000 dollar Fed. tax write off. It has a good take off punch (gets out of any intersection dilemas). Great Mileage. Is it reliable? Time will tell.. My first impressions are that it has Honda integrity. I am a previous Honda Owner as well.

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  Very Disappointed - 2002 Honda Accord
  By TPKEARNEY@aol.com - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Accords for 21 years. THIS WILL BE MY LAST ONE! Ive had the driver seat replaced 3 times. The cushion becomes crushed and leans to left. Honda refuses to fix it anymore. The drivers seat doesnt go back far enough, Im only 510". What happened to your quality? Now small things are going. For example, overhead light doesnt come on when door opens, headlight warning buzzer and key alarm doesnt work either. The gas peddle is too high above the floor; very dangerous. Overall driver comfort/room is awful i.e. too narrow & arm resting on door lock knob(why the design change? That was dumb.) Im already talking to the Camry salesman & will buy one.

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  honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By CLEVELANDEX - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Boring as it may be, the reliability, quality, and smoothness for the value is unmatched. The 2003 looks like a true winner. The 03 rear looks like the Benz, and the front looks like the acura CL with the overall body shape of the Nissan Altima. The new V6 is 240HP. You want excitement from an Accord? the 03 is the closest youll get from a midsize.

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  Why this is my all-time favorite car - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Marilyn Voorhies - December 30 - 9:58 am

  My Insight is by far the best car Ive ever owned and if I buy another car, it is sure to be an Insight. Yes, it only holds two people, but 95% of my driving doesnt require a larger capacity. If it does, I borrow my husbands 5-passenger car. The Insights reliability is perfect in my 20,000 miles of driving I have yet to have anything fail I get raves from just about everyone who sees the car. Its performance is flawless.

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  WOW! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Honda Civic Lover - December 30 - 9:22 am

  Perfect first car. Reliable, cute, and fuel efficient. Highly recommend.

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  I love hondas - 2017 Honda Accord
  By PSG - December 30 - 12:55 am

  This is the 4th Honda ive bought. im very satisfied with its performance, low maintenance & overall good looks.

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  Best Small SUV for the Price - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Dave - December 29 - 11:40 pm

  Afer 6 months of research and several weeks of dealer haggling, I brought home my CR-V this week. This car is tight and handles like a sedan. The saftey rating is exceptional. I now own 3 Hondas because of the exceptional performance and dealer support.

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  2016 CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dan Mahoney - December 29 - 11:15 pm

  Research the trim levels, ask multiple dealers for quotes in writing.