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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  Good, Bad, Ugly - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By hondafan - July 9 - 4:22 pm

  Good - Honda Ride, Functionality, lot of space. Went on a 1000 mi trip on Jul 4th weekend. Loved the ride. Drives like Honda civic. Price - Lot of good deals around. Bad - Interior & Exterior Gaps. Wind noise on highway is a bit high (typical Honda product) Ugly- Cheap interior plastic material, & rear carpet. The plastic around the key area getting lot of scratches already.

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  Comfortable, tough, my favorite so far... - 1998 Honda Passport
  By themaninthemoon - July 9 - 1:57 pm

  I bought this vehicle almost 4 years now, and I gotta say it has been fantastic, no problems at all... I drive it to school and work all around the city. It is strong enough to take the continuous stop and go streets and comfortable enough for road trips. Amazing fuel mileage, as a college student I travel more than 30 miles a day and it is still up and running. This is my first car and my best so far. The only problem I had recently was the radiator, it broke but replaced it, and no other problems. Though make note that I took excellent care of the engine and the vehicle in general...

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  Affordable Luxury - 2006 Honda Accord
  By BILLYBOB - July 9 - 1:36 pm

  I looked at everything out there. I wanted leather, wood grain interior, dependability, and sharp looks. For my price range, it came down to a Certified Used Acura or a brand spanking new Accord (I tested Camry and Altima and they werent in the same class). Obviously I went with the Accord and have been very pleased for the last 2 months.

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  Awesome 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tjak74 - July 9 - 12:02 pm

  Bought car from original owner with 195,500 miles and complete service records. Hit 200,000 on July 4th. 1st owner was rear-ended in 2002, the only major repair. Car is brand-new feeling. Drives VERY smooth @ 90 MPH. I have driven it on several long trips (550 miles one-way), in hot, cold, bright, dark, dry, and wet conditions, without any problems. Averaged 30MPG @ 80-90MPH on those trips. Only need to make ONE stop because car is so comfortable and good on gas mileage. Car is very reliable and fun-to- drive. Has good around-town and passing power and great brakes. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  great vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By joseph2 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle--dont change a thing. the new body design is a master piece. very refined engine.

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  Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By A55 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Even at list, its a lot of vehicle for the money. Superior to the competition in almost every way.

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  Pilot is the best SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wildbill - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Dealing with a Honda dealership is among the worst of all experiences. Owning the new Pilot is among the best! The head room and extra width, along with solid performance and a simple, well thought out interior, make this the best SUV that still fits into your garage. After 3 MBZs and an Audi TT, I am holding onto the Pilot!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By carmenda - July 9 - 9:56 am

  Fun to drive SUV. Compared to Nissan Pathfinder and found the pathfinder drives like a truck. This SUV drives so smooth and reminds me of the Honda Accord. Test drive this SUV and you wont be disappointed.

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  First time Honda owner of a CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Charles Wright - July 8 - 8:27 pm

  This is my 1st Honda vehicle. I am awestruck by the quality, ride, interior room, accessibility of the controls and the displays. The comfort of the seats and the room overall. The handling is magnificent. Instant response on turning and when the cruise control is on the precise speed at which the car is maintained in any terrain. The CR-V allows me to feel in exact control of all of the controls I need to feel safe and comfortable while driving. This vehicle is extremely quiet and gives me the feeling of a relaxed and tranquil environment. I will forever be a Honda owner.

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  Reliability, solid performance - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Mike - July 8 - 4:30 pm

  This 2007 Honda EX with the 4 cylinder 2.4L engine shows stark performance with solid precison handling and a quieter ride. I had a 2002 SE 4 door sedan that was flawless and the 2007 was that much better. This car has power from a stop position and rides like a six cylinder. The field of vision from the drivers side is wider and the turning radius is shorter and quckly adapts to tight maneuvering. A solid ride!