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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  Buyer beware - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Gregg - March 9 - 1:06 am

  Beware of the elite and touring 9 speed models. The transmission is terrible. It actually speeds up going down hills. We thought this was a flaw just in our car yet many others have experienced the same problems. It is dangerous and my wife is afraid to drive it anymore. Our $44000 pilot has sat in the shop for a total of 28 days thus far. Honda corporate wont admit that there is a problem although our local dealer admits it is. So much for Honda quality. We are selling ASAP.

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  Honda Pilot Touring - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Krishna - March 8 - 9:23 pm

  Looks great and got all the tech needed. Im loving it

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  Could be better - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Could be better - March 8 - 8:40 pm

  I love the interior of the car. It handles very well and enjoy the ride. Now, when comparing the exterior and interior design of the Civic Si and the Civic from Europe, you can see that the North American Honda Civic needs much improvement. Nonetheless, the Civic Si compared to other U.S automobiles of its class, is far beyond its competition. It would be great to see the European Civic in the U.S as a special edition for 2009, or as an alternative option for the Civic Si. Honda U.S is the only to offer 2 types of Civic Sis: the sedan and the coupe. Then, I must say, why not introduce a third, a hatchback! Nonetheless, I love my Civic Si and will be mine for a very long time :)

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  My favorite vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bewelder - March 8 - 3:56 am

  We shopped around before we decided on the Ridgeline. The safety features along with the options you can chose make it ideal for everything. It is even great on long trips, everything from gas mileage to comfort.

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  Almost perfect, but perfect enough. - 2006 Honda Element
  By Adam - March 7 - 9:53 pm

  Great truck! This little box has a TON of room, i have hauled 2 apartments and all sorts of stuff for a new house. My friends that made fun of my future purchase all enjoy the comforts of our travels!!! The things that are not so good. Speeding equals horrible gas mileage (260 a tank nearing 4000 miles driven). I hope I could squeeze 300 from a tank if I drove 55-60 or the car breaks in more and starts getting better mileage (not near the posted city or highways ratings). The wind sheer is almost scary. The little box gets pushed around pretty easily from winds. Square plus winds equals not aerodynamic. I regret nothing! I LOVE this vehicle!!!

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  A month in and I havent filled it up a 2nd time - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Duke - March 7 - 10:11 am

  The hybrid delivers on its promise. Mixed city and hwy driving yielding 40+ mpg. Very low drive noise means the upgraded stereo in the touring model really comes through. Not a luxury car like Acura, Lexus or Infiniti but did not feel like much of a downgrade (came from both a Q50 and TLX). Going into this was looking for a vehicle that really delivered on fuel economy and it has.

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  My CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By ana wells - March 7 - 8:46 am

  Drives great when in the rain. It is a practical car, love the picnic table and the spacious cargo area. I also love the fact that the seats can be made into a chaise lounge. It is a great car to have when having small children in the car. The side curtain air-bags makes me feel safe as well as the reenforced safety cage.

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  The Odessey of MiniVans - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Guy - March 6 - 11:13 pm

  Having driven sports cars from the day I got my license (and still have one) I must say that having taken the family on 6 long distance trips so far, this is the most comfortable, well thought out vechicle for kids AND adults. The kids watch dvds with wireless headsets while the adults can still listen to "our" music/xm. Never once did we say, we wish this van had this or placed something there. Excellent workmanship, and the run flat tires give me piece of mind should the wife be driving with our 3 kids and get a flat.

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  Great, reliable, fun vehicle - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CRB - March 6 - 7:36 am

  I have only had this car for the weekend and I love it already!! I have a 95 Accord as well and it is still going. They are great cars and they keep getting better all around! Thanks Honda!

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  Love it! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ann Simmons - March 6 - 4:50 am

  I am a fan Honda products...have owned several and you cant beat their reliability. I was deciding between an Acura MDX and the Honda CRV Touring and absolutely loved the 2016 CRV...better value and all the features I was looking for. Have only had for a month and have no complaints.