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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  hot hatch - 2004 Honda Civic
  By campos2g - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car, no longer a top nae in the sport compact markt, needs mre power to compete with similarly priced dodge srt-4, and svt focus

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  My favorite car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jann - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go! The navigation system is excellent. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is the best driving car I have owned.

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  the best van i have ever had - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By csantini - December 23 - 2:20 pm

  this is the best van i have ever owned. i had a mazda and this honda is ten times better it is quieter, smoother, more powerful, better made, and fun to drive I have five kids and they love it and fit very comfortably

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  Love it - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Coop - December 23 - 11:10 am

  The Pilot doesnt disappoint. We test drove the Veracruz and Traverse and found the Pilot the best of everything for the money. We dont agree with Edmunds assessment. The options and luxury for the price is not comparable with the Chevy and the Hyandai. Weve already taken a road trip with three kids and two grandparents and the Pilot performed better than we could have hoped. The ride is great and it handles very well.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Karla - December 23 - 1:56 am

  I took one look at the workmanship in a 2006 Toyota Highlander and it didnt compare to the excellent workmanship in the Pilot.

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  Great Car So Far - 2010 Honda Insight
  By shlomo875 - December 23 - 1:16 am

  I have driven my Insight about 250 miles in Los Angeles (combined city/highway, hills, etc) and so far have averaged about 37 mpg. Not too bad at all. Its a pretty smooth ride, though I wasnt prepared for how much the Econ feature would take away from my A/C when I was stopped at a light and it was about 98 degrees outside (thats the price paid for running on battery power alone, which is what happens when you stop with the Econ on). Getting on the highway is a strain, but of course that is little surprise for this size engine. The instrument console is the least satisfying aspect of the vehicle, but the positive aspects make it well worth it.

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  Rides Great - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Ruchy - December 22 - 7:27 pm

  Okay I just bought this van, aka station wagon on steroids, and I already love it. Domestic van had nothing on it, this vehicle was almost 10 yrs. more advanced than the competition. It has 256k on it and was just driven to PA from TX. I drove it home and it rides great just like my accord, which has plenty of power. Drive it, youll see what Im talking about.

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  Honda Pilot saved our lives - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jen - December 22 - 3:51 pm

  My two sons and I hit a tree going 60 mph on 684 in Westchester County, NY. We all walked away the inside of the car stayed intact even though the front was demolished. I cannot say enough about the car.

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  Wow!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By CTDriver - December 22 - 3:06 pm

  Nice solid vehicle. Love the new styling and interior design. Great handling and smooth ride. Interior is quiet and well designed (for the most part). Mileage is fair for the first 3,000 miles (32/gal.) in mixed situations. Would highly recommend this vehicle. Agree with many reviews that the LX model should have a 60/40 split and cup holders in the back. Stereo sounds great but would like the 350 Watt option available on LX (volume is great with windows closed). This care is definitely one you should test drive if you are looking for a stylish and reliable vehicle in this class. Atomic Blue Metallic color was worth the wait.

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  Best SUV EVER - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Hoghead85 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I was going to buy an Acura MDX until I drove the Honda Pilot. You get almost everything an MDX has for thousands less. The ride is wonderful and it looks great. Im sure this SUV will take over once people start seeing it on the roads. Better put in your order now.