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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  Easy 50 mpg - 2010 Honda Insight
  By dtl - October 24 - 2:00 am

  How can US gov. can rate this hybrid gas electric at 40 mpg? I easily get 50 mpg with guidance from the built in monitors. Prius owners ask how is the mileage and have expressed that they are not happy with their mileage. I think this vehicle will be great for Teenagers as it teaches you how to drive efficiently and rewards you for doing so. The seats are completely adjustable and very comfortable. I chose this vehicle for mileage, styling, and the fact that it has 1 cubic foot more storage space in the back than the Civic.

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  Quality as expected - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By wiltzuma - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent midsized SUV. Other than a paint imperfection on the tailgate (on it when purchased new), I have had no problems in 3 1/2 years of driving. I have the LX 4WD, and its not super quiet, maybe the EXL is better insulated. Rides through Snowbelt winters with no problem while in 2WD. The wife wanted 4WD, but I probably dont need it. Mechanically perfect so far, Nothing but reg scheduled maintenance. I get 20 MPG during my normal day to day driving.

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  so sad - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By sad - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely would have recommended this van to anyone until about 6 months ago at 27K miles. The van developed a vibration which got worse @60+ mph. Im afraid to drive great distances now for fear that its going to fall apart. Ive taken it back for the 3rd time to "fix" the problem. Theyve (1) reset computer, (2) machined all 4 rotors, and lastly (3) road forced balance - none of these supposed "fixes" have fixed the road vibration i experience daily, it maybe even worse. I hate my van and am extremely frustrated with the lack of actual service for the problem at hand. I wont buy another one.

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  Love the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Harold - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The CR-V is fun to drive and has plenty of power. It has great visibility which makes in town driving and parking a breeze. Not a single problem in the first 30,000 miles. MPG is 24 around town and almost 30 on the road.

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  I love this car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By John - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the most fun you are ever going to have in a small coupe -- and its stick only so you really have to drive it -- no easy peasy automatic transmission for real drivers. 200 hp in a light weight small car means your power to weight ratio is obscene. And when you floor the throttle in mid gear it takes off like a rocket, but sticks to the road like glue in the corners. Now if they would just make a convertible.

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  My pick - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By woody - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV some road noise do to tires wind noise average. Also drove escape rav 4 and Mitsubishi outlander. All 4 cylinder didnt like ravs dash escape was dated interior and rear seat fold design was poor. Liked mitsu but third row is a joke in this class and interior felt cheap in comparison to Toyota and Honda ex. Heater controls and seat adjusters. Mitsu was a close second but cost 2k more to get moonroof you had to get sound package I didnt want

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  2011 Pilot, Lx Black - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By sa - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own, very fun to drive excellent road handling, very quite &smooth ride, excellent acceleration, very powerful among cars in highway, all instruments are within reach, mostly highway miles so far (with distances of 300 + miles average 19-21 mpg ( ecomode is great, ( once average 55 mpg on a down hill ( at least for 1/2 mile, just thought I can share that :)), owned a pilot exl 2004 but this one just great, for crossover lx gives many extras with lot of space, (I added chrome side bars, starter, fog lights, all season mats, roof rack) in black color lx looks great, (if you dont want to spend too much initially lx is the way to go), many extras from Honda to add (light int/wood trim, steel trim

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  Nice All around vehicle - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a 3 yr Lease and will now buy out the lease at 19k and hopefully own for years to come. I like the Truck. Rides really well. Trunk is great. Fits golf clubs plus a folding chair. Inside is comfy. I wanted heated Seats,mirrors, a roof, so I went for the better model. No Nav. (would have liked it, but it seemed too much $$, when you can get a GPS for $125. or so.) The shifting you feel as you ride along is annoying. Glad I read others had an this issue, or I may not have purchased it out, as was not sure problem existed. I would have expected better mileage from a Honda product. It needs 5 mpgs more both city & highway. I dont drive enough to worry about it but...

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  Solid Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By gary from IL - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new 9 years ago. Now have 126M miles. It replaced a 1992 Accord my wife wrecked. The 1992 was a little smaller and more fun to drive. They keep making these Accords bigger and bigger. Honda replaced my transmission for free a few years back. Even gave me a rental for the day, so no sweat off my back. Great reliability, great interior design. Exterior is a little bland, especially compared to the new Accords. Driver seat hurts my old back after an hour or so. No rattles, no rust , no repairs except for normal maintenance. Mileage could be better, especially around town. Hope to drive it another 5 years until I can afford a new one!

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Eppsinic - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Honda civic 1.7 liter now for more than a year. This car is not just comfy and looks slick but has amazing gas mileage. My average mileage is 39 miles to the gallon.I have put almost 30,000 miles on it in a single year and doesnt drive any different then when I bought it.