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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  Review after couple of long trips - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Tom in PA - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Had my Pilot for about 2 months and 4000 miles. Good ride, lots of room and good performance. Fuel economy has been good, about 18-19 mpg during drive to work and with bikes and cargo carrier attached, about 20 on long trips without extra stuff (not sure what other people expect from a 4400 lb SUV, better than I ever got with my Jeep). Good power and acceleration. Not flashy but good looking vehicle. Got fog lights, running boards, towing package, cross bars and rear mud flaps added and paid about $1200 over MSRP (about $2200 worth of extras).

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  Almost... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By bob@work - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for over a year now and at first I loved it. The longer I drove it the more I noticed one MAJOR flaw, the automatic transmission. The transmission shifts great during steady acceleration but thats all. When coming to a stop the transmission has a long delay before downshifting. When it finally decides to downshift it makes a humming noise, and then slams into gear. This is driving me nuts and the dealer says its normal. Slowing almost to a stop and then step on the gas, you get a few second delay while it looks for the gear it wants, then SLAM it shifts. Now Im stuck making payments on a car I hate. Thank you Honda.

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  I love my Civic! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By alpyl - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my Civic! I have had it for about 4 months and I would buy another one in a heartbeat. You cant ask for a better car when it comes to gas mileage. In the time I have had mine I cant find any major faults in it. Hagerstown Honda is a wonderful dealership to deal with. I couldnt have asked for a better experience.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Sockpuppet1969 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Bought it because we are having our first kid soon. Will make a great family car. Lots of room, drives great. Awesome gas mileage for such a roomy car. Fun to drive.

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  A truly great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MaxUse - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I like everything about this car. Its really easy and fun to drive. Handling is terrific and Im very satisfied with all measures of performance so far. I think the styling is great and Ive received lots of compliments on the appearance. The sound system rocks and the 6-CD changer is great.

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  Great Car - 1996 Honda Accord
  By lewdog444 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  Never had a problem, fun to drive...always

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  Insight Rocks! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By agroeros - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Only disadvantage is that it is hard to find a garage who will work on it other than your dealer.

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  Crotch Rocket - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Dabme - June 12 - 2:00 am

  For those looking for an upgrade in power and styling from the super fun Mazda Miata, the Honda S2000 will provide the boost. I felt like I moved from a go cart to a formula one, allowing me to make a move into traffic whenever I wanted to rather than have to yield for a large opening. The controls layout, handling and stability are superb.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By JMF7854 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  great car, fun on the back roads and It turns heads everytime I take it out. Great value and when It smokes cars more expensive by $20,000 you cant beat the feeling. It also seems to run better as It gets more miles on It

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  My Honda From Hell - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Blondie2 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Almost immediately after purchasing my car, I found that the car was not shifting correctly. The crack staff at Plaza Auto Mall which changes weekly decided that I needed a transmission. That was replaced and I am still not happy with the performance of the auto. I also have a problem with the gas pedal. It is very difficult to push down and there is not a smooth follow through. There are other problems that I have with the car but it would take too long to write about.