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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  Honda Orphaned my Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By ottok - March 9 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Honda 99 has been performing good. However, lateley (62K miles) it has been developing a hard shift into 2nd gear. The dealer diagnosed the problem and quoted me $5000 for an new transmission. Honda have extended the warranty to a select few VIN number. I who bought mine from Canada was excluded. Honda has pretty much orphaned its own product due to a technicality.

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  Great Little Car! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By weav727 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EX coupe brand new in June 2000, and it has been pretty much perfect. The paint remains glossy, and it drives like it did with 20 miles on it- I now have 76500 miles. I have replaced only brakes and tires. Once I started it and turned it off right away and the engine flooded. Apparently that is a Honda problem, they run rich right when they start up, so dont turn it on cold and then turn it off right away!

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  Not bad - 1999 Honda Passport
  By turbo911 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The biggest problem for Isuzu/Honda on this vehicle is the brakes and the ABS pump. I suggest you get an extended warrantee if you can. Another problem is the rear hatch and its constant rattling. The truck has enough space when the seats are stoed to move a kid to college and back. I will consider purchasing the Isuzu Rodeo in the future. Overall this is a good SUV.

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  practical fun - 1995 Honda Accord
  By mcgloin - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the second honda accord Ive owned. Ive owned many other cars like volvo, english ford,triumph,ranger, mustang, etc. and none can compare with the overall joy of owning one of these cars! Ive had no trouble with this car and for a front wheel drive car, it handles very well. Its a manual trans, (Ive never owned an automatic) and even with the miles and age, still shifts smooth and short. If I change, it will only be to a S2000.

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  We love it!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dmkdlk - March 8 - 2:00 am

  My husband says that this is the first car that he didnt minded paying for. It handles very well, has plently of room inside, is very attractive outside ( we bought the white one and added all the features). Our grandchildren love the DVd system--the grocery net actually works with ease. The third row seats go up and fold down effortlessly. We had a different SUV before the Honda Pilot and this car is in a different class. I have been driving it for almost 12 months and it still feels like a new car

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  Satisified Customer - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By klc1923 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for 6 weeks now and I love it. Pleasant buying experience and no regrets!

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  Awesome in all respects - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By golfer1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Did our research and it paid off. You cant beat the Pilots quality per dollar spent with any SUV on the road. 70+ percent of the vehicle is an Acura MDX at more than $10,000 less the price. Although the vehicle may not turn a lot of heads as you drive down the road, from the interior youll know you made the right decision. I dont ever remember driving a vehicle that feels more solid nor made me feel more safe.

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  GENERAL - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Beba - March 8 - 2:00 am

  VERY COMMFORTABLE, SPACIOUS, AND FUN FOR KIDS!

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  Great purchase! - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Edugatorlk - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought my CR-V in July after having a Saturn for 6 years. The CR-V kicks the Saturn out of this world ... I love it! Its sporty and lots of fun to drive. I recommend the EX, though, because I test drove the LX and found a big different in the two. I LOVE my CR- V!!

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  GOTTA LOVE HONDA MINIVANS - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HONDA MOM - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda minivan and my kids love it even more. It has a luxurious and smooth ride, power everything, even heated seats. It is the ultimate kid vehicle for comfort. They can sit in the back and recline their seats on long rides to sleep. They watch movies or listen to music on the headphones. I never hear a peep.