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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  irritating details - 1995 Honda Accord
  By qwerty - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I expected more from Honda. Frozen brake calipers cost approx 600 to fix dealership told me it was a abs problem and quoted 1700 for the fix. Midas fixed it and told me that honda keeps remanufactured calipers in stock because this happens a lot. Happened to my 95 legend and buddies 97 accord too. I think honda should have recalled the car because of this. Decent car but will not buy a honda/acura again because of long term repair issues

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  Average - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By CoolDude - December 4 - 10:00 am

  1. There is not enough legroom for the third seat. Even the second row does not move forward so to adjust the legrooms between 2nd and third seats 2. The wheel base is not so wide which is essential for SUVs whose Center of gravity is generally eccentric. 3. There should be heated seats 4. Front passanger seat should be automatic 5. The vehicle should have Trip computer 6. Very very expensive (Dealer was asking $500.00 more than MSRP) 7. Dealer negotiatation is a pain. It is too much for a new SUV which is yet to prove itself on the SUV race. 8. The left foot rest location is under the parking brake making you

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  2002 Space Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By David and Amanda - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As far as a Mini Van is concerned, this is the best. After all, it is a Honda. Need I say more?

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  Loud ride - 2002 Honda Civic
  By lindsay - December 4 - 10:00 am

  When looking for an affordable, fun to drive car that gets great mileage, this is your car. Ive put 18000 miles on in 8 months commuting to work with no problems. Although I do like this LX, I find it clunky going through the gears and lacking the kind of power I enjoy off the line. There is alot of road noise and ticking sounds coming from behind the dash and God knows where else. Honda should pay more attention to making a tight car.

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  4-Door Accord EX 6speed manual - 2013 Honda Accord
  By beanctr - December 3 - 10:33 pm

  Have just over 400 miles on my new Accord. The manual transmission is a joy to operate and is well matched to the engine. I am coming from an 04 G35, so I miss some of the extra HP, but the Accord is fairly peppy and the MPG improvement is outstanding. Not easy finding a manual transmission as dealer stated Honda doesnt allow you to order your vehicle. Seats are very comfortable and the dash layout is very nice. There are quality materials throughout and it doesnt feel like Honda was trying to cut cost on the interior.

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  I need it, loved it & hate it - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Howie - December 3 - 6:14 pm

  I need this car for haul my growing family around. I knew the good and bad before purchasing & for a while I loved it because it is very functional. Until the transmission (6-speed) gave temperature warning in the middle of a camping trip. I will be taking it in soon to get it checked out. The goods: plenty of seats, MPG is awesome compare to other vehicle in class & all the technology is good even for an EX model. The bads: infotainment screen is useless in direct sunlight, touch screen is very hard to use while the car is moving, armrest is uncomfortable, Bluetooth takes SIX buttons push to change connected phone, voice command is none functional, very hard to jump start because engine cover & placement of the battery. Mother of all problems, the transmission overheats!!!!

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  2006 odyssey with R&N - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By keny - December 3 - 10:56 am

  We love the van, only have about 400 miles on it so far. Just thought we can offer some opinion on the van for future buyers. First of all, for serious matter, the brakes make low noises at low speed; in addition, the pedals vibrate for about 2 seconds. Just spoke to authorized honda advisor, appearantly, it is a known problem and they dont have a fix to it. Said it is normal. Furtunately, she said it wont damage the van. She also has a honda accord and experienced the same problem. I was also told that the van will make the same noises when it is on reverse. LOL. But overall, we still love this van for its design, quality and reliability.

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Honda Civic
  By John - December 3 - 5:36 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Civic EX. I liked the car, but it unfortunately got totaled. Walked away without a scratch. Accordingly, I purchased another Civic as a replacement. I liked my 2001 Civic, but I LOVE this one! It is MUCH more refined, drives much better, is quieter, has more room, etc. MUCH better car!

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  Should be your first choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By NewDaddy - December 3 - 4:03 am

  So far the vehicle is fantastic. I bought it to replace an 04 F-150. The F- 150 has a lot of head room and space in the front row seats. I looked at Highlanders, 4-Runners, Explorers, PAthfinders, Muranos, and Outbacks. None have teh head room of the Pilot. The ride is very quiet and very smooth. The V-6 is peppier then I thought and the transmission tied to it is very smooth as well. The ownership, so far (2 weeks), has been great. I drove the vehicle to downtown the first day I had it and it handled the downtown driving with great ease. If you are looking for a practical, fun-to-drive SUV, with a lot of standard features and a comfortably smooth ride...look no further

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  Nice - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Barbara Barsamian - December 2 - 6:37 pm

  Warranty is more limited than the previous models