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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  Great SUV! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By ufgators - June 7 - 6:03 am

  Overall, this is a great car. The ride and acceleration are very smooth and it is particularly good on gas mileage for something this size. You really forget you are in an SUV. Good, useful features and alot of practicality in this vehicle. This is my first Honda and I see what I have been missing.

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  Me so happy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Mary M - June 7 - 3:46 am

  had been SUV shopping for 3+ months. I was so close to the Acadia...or the CX9...but just didnt like the eggs-why do all the SUVs have the same shape? It cuts down on visibility and limits the access to cargo. I also wanted the window in the hatch to open individually. No other vehicle had this option. I had a minivan and really considered myself a SUV kinda girl. When I saw the new redesign for the Pilot, I got excited and decided to wait until it came out before purchasing the other eggs. Drove it, got it, and love it, love it, love it! Handling is so responsive. Just driving it today and noticing how easy it is to maneuver. Much better than the van (urrgh!) and the other eggs.

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  Why pay more for an Acura? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ed - June 7 - 3:36 am

  I bought this car a little over 1 year ago and have already managed to put 27,000 miles on it. So far I have had exactly one problem that was covered under warranty. At about 10,000 miles the break rotors were warped rather badly, but the dealership resurfaced them and I have had no problems since. Gas mileage has ranged between 23 and 31 miles per gallon. Handling is much improved from the previous model (98-02), and the extra 40 horsepower makes a difference as well. The only reason I could think of for paying an extra $7 grand for an Acura TL is the styling and the 6-speed manual. The only thing this car needs is all wheel drive. Other than that, I would call it perfect.

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  Great car! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Jeremey - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car just last year and it had 93,000 miles on it. It now has 118,000 miles on it and i have done nothing but the usual maintenance. I am now trying to see it, but only because i am getting a Prelude. These cars are built very well and will last for a long time. I really like the alloy wheels, spoiler, and overall look of the accord. The sound system is actually decent for a 93 car. GREAT CAR!

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  Reliable Decent Transportation - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Snarks - June 7 - 2:00 am

  A great reliable car. A bit noisy especially in comparison to new cars. I bought it knowing it was reliable and it has remained to this point in time with 191,000 miles. Just regualar maintenance and wear items nothing unexpected or catastrophic failed. It does everything pretty adequately except accels in fuel economy and reliablity, I recommend this car. I plan on running into the ground hopefully it will carry me through 2-3 years of grad school.

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  Great runabout car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By CR-V Owner - June 6 - 11:56 pm

  2008 Cr-v is a great car. For the money I paid for it, I got much more than I have expected. People say the engine in the Cr-v is not powerful enough - thats simply not true. I find this car to have more than enough power for whatever my needs might be. Besides, it is fast, quiet, has virtually no blind spots, and handles really nice. Plus, it is hard to find an SUV in this price range that looks so good both inside and outside.

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  Be Your Own Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By PMS - June 6 - 9:06 pm

  The Pilot has it all...plenty of room, solid handling and great reliability. It handles just as easily as a car so those who dont like the typical truck handling of an SUV have nothing to worry about. It has met all of my expectations.

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  Wonderful Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By brodym - June 6 - 11:56 am

  I own a 2007 Honda Accord EX-L (I4). This is the best car I ever owned. The ride comfort is awesome!! Heated seats and mirrors. Automatic Dual-Zone climate control. Standard auto drivers seat. Standard power moonroof on my model.

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  97 Honda Accord - 1997 Honda Accord
  By wig - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, reliable vehicle. Fun to drive, comfortable. Everthing works.

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  97 Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Cyborg - June 6 - 10:00 am

  reliable transportation, adequate pep, very few mechanical problems.