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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  2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chris - November 4 - 12:10 am

  Perhaps a little expensive for a Civic, but once you drive it, you completely forget. Its a super fun to drive pocket rocket that looks awesome and works great as a daily driver.

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  Love that Honda is concerned with safety! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Ohio Momma - November 3 - 3:57 pm

  We love our Pilot! It is sporty and stylish. If comparing it to our 2012 Honda Odyssey, it has less leg room in each row and less cargo room in the back. I am short and can easily climb into the back of the Odyssey to get an item that has rolled (b/c our 3rd row is folded) to right behind the 2nd row. With the Pilot, I have to get a running start and jump into the back of it b/c it sits so much higher. Compared to other SUVs on the market (in its class) there is no comparison. The Pilot is the best! We also considered a GMC Terrian or Acadia, but the safety features on the Pilot (with Honda Sensing) pulled us away from those options. The Acadia wasnt even "small overlap" crash tested!... This momma isnt going there... if you arent crash testing, I am not buying! The Toyota Highlander looks nice also as well as the Nissian options, but we felt the Pilot was for us! We love our Honda Odyssey, so that probably aided in our decision. Pros- -Roomy front seats -lots of small areas for storage and cup holders -love the body style -Love the Touring details... like that the car knows where I want my seat. I am 5 ft tall and my hubby is 61", so we are constantly trying to find that sweet spot, where the seat is in just the right place, so I love that with my key the car knows its me and puts the seat right back where I like it!! Cons- -One of my biggest complaints would be that compared to our Honda Odyssey, there are very few air vents in the 2nd and 3rd rows. On a hot summer day those little, sweaty peeps back there want some air pouring on them! My poor baby, who is rear facing, gets no air vents pointed in his direction due to where they are located. -When "Eco" is on the pick-up from stopped to going is SOOOO slow! Dont pull out unless you have a lot of time to get moving. BUT, if you turn "Eco" off the pick-up is GREAT!

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  Audio system is a nightmare - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By shanacoker@hotmail.com - November 3 - 3:08 pm

  I purchased a used 2016 pilot touring AWD from our local Toyota dealer- it had everything I was looking for in a Highlander, but was a cheaper option. Got an extended (expensive) warranty, thank goodness. The Bluetooth has never worked. It has been in the shop 6 days. So frustrated. They replaced the audio unit which they said was 1,000 bucks. It didnt fix the problem, now its actually worse. The radio will just start skipping around and has frozen twice- I had to shut it off completely. Cant talk on the phone hands-free, which is a terrible problem for me. I love the car, but I cant keep it if the infotainment system does not work. So frustrated and just sad.

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  I Bought One - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By IOWNIT - November 3 - 2:16 pm

  I have had this Crosstour for a month now and have no huge complaints. Smooth ride, quiet, slick, looks great, plenty of room, back seats great, good factory tires, great headlights for night driving, molding and seams fit very well, and love the hatchback. Kinda funny how many folks have not liked the pictures and I have to agree it looks much better in my garage! Dont waste your money on AWD if you live a warmer climate due to less fuel mileage. So far, I would buy this car again.

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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill Trail - November 3 - 2:10 pm

  Drive it gently and hold your speed down to never more than 65 on any roadway including interstates (hard to do) and you will see mileage in the 60s and occasionally even slightly over 70. Honda, you did a wonderful job with this vehicle - but many are complaining about low mileage because they drive it like an Acura TL. I like to call my new driving style "Priest in a Funeral" - or PIF for short. Im a happy camper. Design flaws? 1. Emergency brake handle placement 2. Sun visors that wont slide when moved to the side. 3. Gas overflow that spills directly on the left rear tire

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  Great Value - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By hondasrgreat - November 3 - 2:00 am

  We needed a larger vehicle for our 2 small children when commuting and for vacations and the CR-V fits perfectly. Great ergonomics (except for window switches), gas milage, and storage capacity.

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  2000 Honda Odyssey EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By briguy5254 - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Great van. Handles well for a minivan. Comfortable, roomy, reliable (aka. Honda!). Engine is one of the smoothest and quietest made. Our one gripe is with the power sliding doors. Although they are a great feature, we have had more than our share of problems with them not working. Weve had to have them repaired a half a dozen times or so (Ive lost track!). Our van may be the exception. Otherwise, a great minivan.

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  reliable econo-car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By rh&sw - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for over 6 years now. Bought it new. The car is very reliable. It gets decent mileage. Avg about 27MPG in mixed city/hwy. The only problem was the battery failed at about 5 years. This is normal I suppose.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  This SUV has it all! Great gas mileage (24 city/30 hwy MPG), sleek and roomy interior, and classy yet sporty exterior. Materials are of high quality. Safety comes standard with dual front airbags and side and curtain airbags throughout, along with 4 wheel ABS. All at a reasonable price for a car known to maintain more of its value over other manufacturers. You wont regret it!

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  2008 SI 4dr - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Curt - November 2 - 6:30 pm

  The SI is all that I hoped for. Its fun, its practical, and best of all, it sounds orgasmic when you fondle the accelerator in any gear. Even cruising around town you hear the moan of the Farrier sounding exhaust. Some may ask if its worth the extra cost than the EX, the answer is yes. You do have to rev it to get all the HP out of it, but the car sounds like it has no problem going to 8000rpm. Even in the low rpms its peppy and pleasing. Its roomy enough to fit my 65" frame. You will not find a better value in this class than the SI.