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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  Leather interior - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gopilot - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Hi do not have my pilot yet, but getting one this month.. ordered the EX-L and wondering how everyones leather is holding up? heard that it could be saggy or strechy? most people say its not to bad, but wondering if it is worth taking it in under warrenty.. thanks for the info rob

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  From a truck-based to a car-based SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By gogo - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Having driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for three years, the transition to the Pilot was easy and welcome. The ride is much more comfortable and the cabin noise is considerably less and the pick-up is great. The cargo space is far superior and since I dont tow a boat, the comparison to US SUVs puts the Pilot ahead in my case.

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  The Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Kmorton122 - May 19 - 7:13 am

  I love my Honda Pilot! It rides nice and smooth like a car. I love everything about it. The only negative I have to say is that it doesnt get the best gas mileage and that the stereo system could be better, but its comparable to most SUVs. I will definitely buy another. I LOVE IT!

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  I love my lude! - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By 94PreludeSR-V - May 19 - 2:00 am

  the car is amazing, powerful, nice handling, pretty good factory speakers, nice shifting, looks damn beautiful cant say enuf about the car, ill never sell it unless its an NSX i am buying haha

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  Extraordinary Van - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Yuanshou - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied with almost every aspect of this great van. the only pity is lack of acceleration. reliability is superior to any other brands in the market. my friend has a 1995 one, so far the mileage is 400,000 miles, no problems at all. Its your lifetime transportation tool if you own one.

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  Gotta Love It... - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Desert Boy - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Have owned car less than 6 months & it has already saved me over $300 in fuel expenses. As gas prices continue to soar, the savings margin also grows. On daily commute of over 56 miles one way I have been averaging between 80 & 85 mpg & have twice attained 91 mpg (!). My record for a shorter 17 mile trip is 100 mpg. This is a truly awesome vehicle. Of course, achieving these kind of figures requires adopting new, more fuel efficient driving habits. But even when in a hurry, one can easily get 50-60 mpg without even thinking. So, depending on driving conditions and locale you can get 600-900 miles of driving from a single tank. How do you like that, OPEC ?!!!

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  The Honda CRV AWD 2016 - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Omar G. - May 18 - 2:29 pm

  Gas mileage is not what expected. Mostly hwy and 29 average not 31. Had higher expectations for mpg especially with the eco button. Other than that car drives great, handles good, and very responsive. Wish they had a 2.0 Turbo version.

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  Safety Features - best in show! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Laura - May 18 - 12:55 pm

  I shopped and helped my 97yo grandfather a vehicle with safety features. This car had the best active safety features for under $30k. It will help you stay in your lane (steers you toward the center of the lane). Subaru/Toyota didnt have this feature. The only thing needs improvement is the volume of the beep for blind spot needs to have even louder setting option.

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  Extremely quality built auto for less $. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By George E Roberts - May 18 - 9:16 am

  Very good value with good residual trade value. V-6 has adequate power, but could use 15 hp more too put in a class by itself. Satellite radio is poor quality, as Ive had several problems. Leather appointments and interior design is above average. Rather than a unitized bumper, I think the auto would be a good example for a separate ionized bumper to increase crash residence and increase safety. It may enhance the auto roof to be extended over passenger compartment, like Nissan Maxima. The pass thru rear seat entry should be larger, rear seats should fold flat.

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  All around, excellent car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - May 18 - 6:20 am

  Bought new in December, and have over 22 000 kms on it now and have no real big issues with it. This is a super easy 6 speed to drive and turns and stops on a dime. Its also a very safe car with front and side airbags, 6 all together I think. Its pretty awesome, a blast to drive and sure gets a lot of looks. I have the Habanero red pearl Si.