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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  Just got my 2004 with leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Ritch_M - July 16 - 2:00 am

  So far, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It handles like a dream and gets respectable fuel mileage for an SUV. The sound system in the EX model is fantastic with the sub woofer. The front seats are extremely comfortable. The 3.5L engine combined with the 5 speed transmission gives you all the power you need in both city and highway traffic. Its so smooth, I dont usually even notice when it shifts. I got the midnight blue pearl color, and it is the prettiest blue I have ever seen on any car. The metal flake really sparkles in the sun.

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  Reliable and ages well - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Cmurp - July 15 - 11:24 pm

  Bought the 2005 4Dr LX automatic new. My wife used it as a work vehicle for four years and it was bulletproof. Similar to other reviews, the brakes are the Achilles heel, had the rotors resurfaced twice so far. After the 60000 mile service, rear brakes replaced and new pads. Now no problems. Only replaced the battery and have done normal maintenance up to this point (76000 miles). Interior is simple laid out and the seat cloth ages well. Four cylinder has plenty of power and we average about 25mph in mixed driving, 32 on the highway. Very pleased with this car. So pleased that we bought another Honda product, Acura TL used this month.

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  almost perfect... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By luckydogsix - July 15 - 6:40 pm

  Long dreaded joining the minivan club but our aging Ford Explorer couldnt handle a third car seat that is now less than 2 months away. Now that weve taken the leap, simply cant believe how great this vehicle is and why we didnt buy an Odyssey sooner. Outstanding fit and finish, utility, fuel economy (compared to a SUV), and ride comfort. Drives like a mid-size sports sedan. Quiet ride too--as long as the kids are pre-occupied with a DVD. A little embarrased to admit we really enjoy cruising around in a minivan now--this Odyssey changed our paradigm.

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  Love My Si - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MadDogJohn - July 15 - 5:50 pm

  Great car to drive. Only two problems: (1) Its so easy to spin the wheels, I already got a reckless driving ticket. (2) Dont hit potholes. Ive hit two this winter and because of the low profile tire, both tires split on the sidewall (cosmetic) and both wheels were dented.

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  Honda keeps getting better! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ED - July 15 - 2:50 pm

  Just turned in my 03 Accord EX-L for 07 SE-V-6.Loved the 03 but this car is even better. Quiet, smooth, powerful,excellent handling, and great looking. This SE model is the greatest bargain on the new car market. Check out all its features. Drove Camary, Altima, Impala--they couldnt come close. Honda offering great deals on the vehicle. Safety rated 5 stars.

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  Awesome Car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By SunnyCA84 - July 15 - 12:46 pm

  I have owned this great car for 1month now and I love it! The ride is so comfortable and the interior space is large. This is my 1st car that I am making payments on and I am so glad that this is the car that I chose.

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  Wonderful minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By nursejay04 - July 15 - 12:21 pm

  I love this van already. It has so much storage space it is ridiculous. We are still finding pockets daily! This is amazing and so is the fuel economy given the fact that it is almost twice as large as my small SUV owned previously. Also drives like a car and prrrrs like a kitten as you would expect from a Honda. My dad has a Honda Accord w/ 250,000 miles on it!

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  Awesome car - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Adeline - July 15 - 11:28 am

  I’ve had this car for a few months now and I’m loving it. Great visibility. Handles well in all weather conditions. Quiet ride. Sound system pretty good.

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  Listen to real owners not to trolls - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Real owner non troll - July 15 - 10:08 am

  First and foremost let me reiterate that Im a real life Ridgeline owner. I came from a Ford F-150 and contrary to what others say, I have no reliability problems ever. I downgraded to a smaller house with a small garage and the Fords size was just too much and it was an old workhorse. Enter the Ridgeline, and all I can say wow and wow, if this truck had a more peppy engine, it would be the BMW of pickups due to its almost telepathic handling. Truck is small on the outside, but humongous on the inside. The old Ridgeline was ugly and dorky, the new one is more visually appealing.

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  No complaints - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Danielle - July 15 - 8:05 am

  I am currently leasing the 2009 EX-L model with rear entertainment. I have been very impressed so far. The comfort is great. The cargo space is excellent! I wasnt very excited about crossing over into the minivan world as a former SUV driver but Ive actually enjoyed the switch.