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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  proud to own one - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Natwalt - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I live my life on the road with 4 active children. The versatility and power, combined with the seating capacity is the best value for your money. On long trips with my family it feels as comfortable as being in our living room. I previously owned the Honda Odessey and traded that van in for the versatility of the all wheel drive. Although the van offered more spacious comfort while seating 7, the Pilot, which can seat up to eight, can take me more places using the same gas milage. Being able to put the back seating down and use as cargo is like having a truck. Very durable with luxurious comfort. Its a big hit with my family.

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  great family van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By harry007 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  we had this van for less than 3 months.we love everything about this van.

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  Accord is #1 - 1993 Honda Accord
  By doofus - September 20 - 8:33 pm

  Ive had my Accord since I bought it new in 1993. It is ultra-reliable. Ive replaced only tires, brakes, and exhaust in 15 years of ownership. I plan to sell it in the next month or so. Having bought the car for $13,000 and considering its resale value of about $2000 there is no better value in the automotive industry. Cant wait to get my hands on the 2009!

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Finnie - September 20 - 2:52 pm

  We bought the Fit due to the great gas mileage and the design of the folding back sit. It works great! It is a very versatile car. The back holds a lot more than it appears to be able to hold. The gas mileage is between 27 with mostly city driving to 41 with all highway driving. It has a good average of 30 to 32 MPG combo. The only thing I wish it would redesign is that the gas tank hold more than 10.8 gal. It seems to go through gas faster that way. A 12 to 13 would be great. I average about 280 to 400 miles per fill up. This car is a great buy. Plus another added feature is it shows percent of oil life so it takes the guess work out of when to change the oil. AC works great too.

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  Love mine - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Karl - September 18 - 11:12 am

  I love my 2002 CR-V. Anyone who wishes a quiet and more comfortable ride try the Goodyear Assurance Comfort Tread Tires. These tires are quiet. And they are not called comfort tread for nothing. My wife and I both notice a difference in the ride and handling.

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  Road Noise - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Vee - September 17 - 11:07 pm

  August 27th, 2008, I took my 2001 4Runner Limited to trade for 2008 Pilot AWD w/entertainment. I need more than five seats and like Pilot appealing. I have a big disappointment, ROAD NOISE! Here is my two cents for potential buyer, test drives on freeway, drive on a road with speed 40 mph or more and try to open back windows. It could break your EARDRUM. I learned how to overcome the road noise by turning on radio as loud as I can take every time I get on freeway.

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  overall good trade - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By rob - September 17 - 8:53 pm

  traded 2005 sienna xle due to uncomfortable seats. Once Honda offered $5400 went for it. Comfortable seats, good power, easy controls. I like the dvd controls and insert in front with young kids. got 27 mpg on 500 mile hwy trip at 68 mph with air on. Though around town stop and go 16.5 mpg. wish that was better. with 3500 miles noticed wind noise in around pass front window above 65 mph. dealer seen before change out blk plastic trim piece, poor design. One blemish in paint from factory but living with it. Scary to hear issues with rattles, brakes, tranny etc. guess when you sell 125k vans some might have issues. Miss my easy to clean 17 wheels and power lift gate. Though Touring over price

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  2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe - 2009 Honda Civic
  By JG - September 17 - 10:53 am

  The 2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe is a real bargain for an under $25,000 car. I never tire from driving it. The seats are pleasing to look at; however, I sometimes have a difficult time finding a comfortable seating position. Below 5,800 rpms there is not much power. I usually reach i-VTEC in first and second gear, but that is usually it unless I want to obtain a speeding ticket. On the streets I have only been able to redline the car in first gear because it already brings me to 55 mph. Honda should increase the power, so it can be accessible earlier. The transmission is smooth, and I am able to shift the gears effortlessly although fifth and sixth gears are mostly useless.

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  2006 honda Element 5 speed 4wd - 2006 Honda Element
  By Christina - September 17 - 10:34 am

  I really loved my 2006 Element until gas prices started to go up and the 2007 models came out with the seat belt attached to the seat instead of the back door. How ever I love the honeycomb grill on mine compared to the newer models and the ease of cleaning the interior.

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  Almost 4 yrs later and going strong. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By michelleinmo - September 17 - 8:23 am

  Have leased this vehicle for nearly 4 yrs now and its been pretty good! No mechanical issues or anything and at 42K miles its still going strong. We are upgrading to a new 2009 Pilot and Ill miss the zippiness of my CR- V! What I wont miss is the discomfort of the drivers seat. I cant get any lumbar support and the seats just seem small. My son sits in his car seat forward facing in the back passenger side and therefore the passenger seat needs to be nearly all the way forward in the front, total pain. Love all the cargo space!