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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  another great accord! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lovetheaccord - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I researched extensively in this class (altima,camry,passat),owned 92 accord EX-absolutely no problems, liked the new accord for price and options etc. Great ride, powerful engine, smooth ride, joy to drive (passengers tell me very smooth too), nice and roomy, controls very easy to control, instrument panel is nice & easy to read as well. I am very happy and will love it for another 10 yrs. Highly recommed this vehicle!

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  What a Car for the Money!!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Nancy in N.C. - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I was unsure whether to trade my 1998 Vovlo S70 with 90,000 miles, but after driving and researching the Honda EX V- 6 the decision was made! This model offers many standard features that my Volvo had, and more, like 240 vs. 190 hspower; a 6-disc CD in dash; auto down windows from remote; telescoping steering wheel; and side curtain airbags; and lower maintenance bills! The Honda drives and handles much better, and when I went to Edmunds to compare the value of my 98 Volvo to a 98 Honda, the Honda was worth $2,000 more!!! That did it! I bought the Honda and got a great price from Vann York Honda in High Point. A great car!

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  No Brainer! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Lubey Do - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After much homework, it was a no brainer to buy this car. Ive had my EX-V6 for 4 months now and its powerful, comfortable, quiet and feels like Im driving in my sisters Lexus. I spent a lot less than she did and got more car for the money. I test drove the Passat, Infinit G35, Lexus ES300 and none of them could give me what I got with my EX-V6 for the money. Like I said, it was a no brainer. Also, considering the gas prices in California, I love the fact that I can use regular fuel, not premium. And when I need to pass someone, watch out!!

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  My 2nd Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By georgecat - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After my experience with my 1992 Honda Accord I knew my replacement had to be a new Accord. I have a 2003 Accord EX V6 coupe. It is fun to drive, I have gotten many positive comments from strangers at gas stations about the design of the car. The car is fun, it feels safe, reliable, its a Honda. Average 28mpg average driving, as high as 31mpg all highway driving.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - April 1 - 6:10 am

  I debated between purchasing a Highlander and the Pilot and I am glad I chose the Pilot. The Pilot comes standard with a trailer hitch and a comparably equipped Highlander is about $3-$4K more and Toyota charges $600 over and above for a hitch. The Pilot is smooth in its acceleration and ride. The interior design is extremely well thought out and has tons of storage. The new design is much beefier/heavier/more masculine looking, which I love. You get a lot of great features for your money with this vehicle.

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  Explorer V8 to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By William Patterson - April 1 - 4:16 am

  I had an Explorer V8 and loved it, however, it was always a gas hog. My CRV not only delivers on gas mileage which half the Explorer thirst but give a better ride and great manueverability. My big dislike is the dealer not disclosing the SE version which I could have purchased a couple months later and the excessive wind and road noise. Other than that its been a great vehicle.

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  Honda CRV Special Edition AWD - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By BeckaSN - April 1 - 1:06 am

  I have recently traded in my gas guzzling Ford Explorer for the Honda CRV. I am already satisfied with the comfort, gas mileage, and peace of mind with a better safety rating. I love this new vehicle and would encourage anyone to go out and test drive one. You basically get more for your money.

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  NOT fun to drive - 2013 Honda Fit
  By Bert fromm - March 31 - 5:12 pm

  I read lots of reviews saying its fun to drive. Reality check: Its not. Mine just lagged off the line with the manual tranny. I wanted to have spirited acceleration, but this 1.5 L engine has no power at low revs: thats how they say it has great gas mileage: no power means low gas consumption You need to rev the engine to get power. It has spongy suspension and leans heavily in turns. It has no tech features. No bluetooth, no phone connection other that usb for charging. It does have good cargo room, though. Big bonus. I got rid of it after three years because other competitors have more options. I just bought a Chevy Spark EV for a change. I didnt like the way the dealer said that 2013 was such a good design, they decided not to make any changes for 2014. I didnt like the way the dealer handled my purchase.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Michael T. - March 31 - 2:20 pm

  I just bought the Pilot 2 days ago. We replaced a 98 Ford Explorer that was rolled in an ice storm. We looked at the Pathfinder and 4-Runner, but the Pilot had more for the money. It rides more solid and does not have so much of that SUV tilt in the curves. It has a very smooth ride and we love all the features.

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  good but not great - 2003 Honda Accord
  By msp - March 31 - 4:13 am

  Generally, this is a very good car with many good attributes. However, my experience has been a disappointment. For a V6, the car exhibits significant idle shake resulting in an annoying vibration in the steering wheel. Unfortunately, this is not unique to this car. An identical vehicle was tested and had the same symptoms. No known fix is currently available. The outcome is that I will sell the vehicle.