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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  Touring - 2016 Honda Civic
  By francis henke - July 19 - 4:02 pm

  Great gas mileage, great tech package.

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  Love it! - 2004 Honda Element
  By aesullivan12 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Element. It is fun to drive and is so cool on the inside. Ive taken the back seats out at times and threw a couple of bean bag chairs in the back and went to the lake. I opened the back up and sat in my bean bag facing the water. Its so versitale and easy to clean when it gets dirty. After I bought mine and let my 70 year old mother drive it, she decided to buy her one!!

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  Honda for good - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Texidor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Good quality & performance overall.

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  Love my CRV & all Hondas - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By RMSNJ - July 19 - 10:00 am

  As per all of my previous experiences, Honda has again built a quality car that is fun to drive, priced right and reliable. This car is just the right size and performs very well. Enough power and great handling. Appearance is fabulous! I continue to be a satisfied Honda owner and cannot imagine buying anything else, except, maybe, a Lexus at some point.

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  The Best! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By MissMelissaReed - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car for people who have multiple little children. The interior holds up well to messy hands and there is plenty of leg room in the third row. A BEST BUY!

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  On my second pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By finhead - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The first pilot was brand new when we hit some black ice, spun around and went off an embankment. We rolled down a hill then up the other side, then back down and landed upside down in the river. My two sons and dog were all unhurt. The pilot was a mess. Bought a second one based on the way it survived that event. The build of the car probably saved my life as we hit a tree in midair and the roof partially collapsed over my head. If it had completely collapsed I would not be writing this. No air bags deployed during our flight/roll/impacts, which was also a good thing.

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  On My Way to a "Hat Trick" - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By M Byrne - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I am the proud owner of my second Pilot and plan to replace it with my third. Three in a row. The "Hat Trick" I traded my first Pilot in on my second. I received $23,000 for my trade and paid $5,500 to drive off in my new 04. It cost me $5,500 to drive 18 months and 45,000 miles. My Pilots have never had any warrenty work. They are a problem free vehicals.

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  Honda Pilot 2005 - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Ronnie Clay - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Pilot and put 62,000 miles on it in 2 years. I averaged 21- 22 miles per gallon and never had a seconds problem with it.Thats why I bought a 2005 Pilot. It is quiet, solid, rides great, with good power and great gas mileage.

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  The Right Hammer - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By dandelg - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are both gearheads but with 3 young kids, we had to choose the practical solution. The Odysseys interior design is clever and hits all the notes required by an active young family. The stereo is excellent, the nav system is easy to use and incredibly helpful. The DVD doesnt block the rear view mirror and the rear camera is outstanding. The ride is firm but smooth and solid. It corners flat with minimal sway and it is deceptively quick while remaining quiet and unruffled. It has outstanding gas mileage for a minivan. The Odyssey is no VFR Interceptor, but it is an amazing blend of thoughtful interior layout, excellent handling dynamics, and acceptable power.

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  PROBLEMS - 2003 Honda Accord
  By D MAN - July 19 - 10:00 am

  A LOT OF PROBLEMS