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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  Fun but expensive, and truck like - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By patmac - April 10 - 2:43 am

  Just bought 2010 Pilot EXL 4x4 found my old 2004 Pilot EXL built better and more miles per gallon. Their 22/18 is way off this time. I drive 90% on eco drive to save gas and get nowhere near mileage advertised. Should give you roof rack bars why an extra? Drive and handles bumps like a truck wish I had my 2004 Pilot, pulls to right thought it was just me but everyone is complaining of this. Cheaper mats and extras but I paid $5,000.00 more than 2004. Inflation i guess? But test drive and shop for best price dont pay sticker and buy no extras. I found cheaper online and mailed to me in 2-3 days saved over 50% from dealers price. Cross bars, bumper guards, floor mats, dual head rest dvd 75% saved.

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  Mower POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Xsight - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I received my 2000 Honda Insight as an early Christmas present and I simply love it! The Insight is a great little performer with potential to be the next type of car to tune-up. Ive had my Insight up to 90MPH and it felt nice and solid at that speed! The Insight is a great-looking futuristic machine with loads of possibilities.

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  My 4th Honda, not my last!!!! =O) - 1993 Honda Civic
  By CivicboyOKC - April 10 - 2:00 am

  My 93 civic sedan is my fourth honda and i love it! My last one i put 238K miles on it, this one has 163K and still runs great! Unlike ANY DOMESTIC vehicle, this car still has no squeeks, rattles or odd end broken stuff. My mom and 2 sisters have hondas now due to how well mine have lasted. Honda is ALL i will EVER drive!

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  Best Car Period - 1995 Honda Accord
  By CA Hondadude - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have owned several makes and models of different classes(American, Japanese, German)and this car is the best value for your money. You get a pleasurable driving experience, adequate luxury without getting the gadgety garbage you never use on other makes, and most important a car that simpley wont break down.

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  Loaded with safety features and loving it! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By RichNYC07 - April 9 - 9:35 pm

  Owned my 2017 CR-V EX for about 2 months now and been really happy with it so far. Got over 3,300 miles on it with no issues. Fuel economy has been great so far and the cap-less gas tank is really convenient. I had to replace my 2012 Acura MDX after an accident and was worried that I would miss the larger and more powerful vehicle but after driving the CR-V, I was very happy with the performance. I also currently own a 2010 CRV and the 2017 is a huge improvement over the older models. If youre looking for advanced safety features, then be sure to give the CRV a try.

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  Best - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Michele - April 9 - 8:23 pm

  We look and drove them all. The Odyessy by far was the best minivan on the market: Safty, Fuel Economy, Functionality, Reliabilty, Price. We have taken two long road trips so far and this is the only way to travel.

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  Best Civic Coupe ever - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Samuel Newman - April 9 - 10:37 am

  Pros: - great MPG, mine average is 37 for NYC-NJ-LI; - coupe looks very good - people are still staring and asking about the car; - acceleration, especially in Sport mode; - fun to drive. Cons: - constant issues with Android Auto on Samsung Galaxy Note 4 - Im an IT guy and still cant make it work properly. - CVT is not smooth. When I slow down fast almost to stop and then release brake (mostly in traffic) - feels like stroke in CVT. Audis 1.8T 2004 CVT feels much better that Civic 1.5T 2016 - manual front seats for EX-L? come on, its 2016

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  Best Mid Sized SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Gerry Z - April 9 - 8:40 am

  Had a 2002 Envoy prior to the Pilot. No comparison. The Honda is quieter, smoother riding, more spacious and comfortable interior. 10K trouble free miles so far far and has not been back to the dealer for anything.

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  Not what we expected. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By We hate this van - April 9 - 2:00 am

  The van starts up when you want it to and takes you where you want to go, but that is about it. The rear wiper arm stopped working twice, the windshield wiper wash stopped working, the sliding doors stopped working two or three times, two seat arms collapsed, noises came out of the front wheel wells when backing up the vehicle,etc. I am so tired of going to the dealership for service.

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  Good all around car - 2004 Honda Element
  By SHARKBAIT - April 8 - 7:46 pm

  I bought the Element because of its versatile interior and waterproof qualities. It drives well for its height, not too much body roll. Wind is not as bad on the highway as you might think. It cruises easily at 75- 80, though the engine revs higher at this speed then some other cars Ive driven. I have had 28mpg highway, and average above 20mpg for mixed driving. The plastic panels are easy and relatively cheap to replace if they get scratched or damaged.