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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  Great Purchase - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By my3kids - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the Honda Pilot. It is very easy to reconfigure the seats up and down depending on how many you need seating for, or how much cargo you need to load. The center console holds a lot of stuff. I was worried about children being able to get in and out as easily as a mini van, but Ive had no problems. The seats flip up easily for access to the third row. The Rear Entertainment Center is wonderful. The children love to have DVDs on trips and it is so nice to be able to listen to different music in the front while they use headphones. The Pilot drives very nicely. Ive driven on interstates and in town and have no complaints.

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  The Best - Its a Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Very Nice - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2001 Honda Odyssey, which was perfect in every way, for the Pilot. The quality on this vehicle exceeds that of any vehicle weve owned. Power feels like much more than its rated 240hp, probably from the very efficient 5 spd that never has to hunt for the right gear. Gas mileage has been better than the Odysseys. Comfort is supurb; on a recent 6 hour road trip, I didnt even need a break, and its dead silent at 80mph + on the highway. Theres a ton of space in this thing, enough for 2 car seats and an adult to sit comfortably in the 2nd row seat.

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  Does just about everything well - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jboy - January 21 - 10:00 am

  There is no other crossover vehicle out there right now that has the best combination of features, reliability and price. Not a head-turner, but will be attractive and fresh 10 years from now. I spent 2 years looking and just could not find a more balance vehicle!

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  Solid Vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dkcooley - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We have driven this vehicle for two years now with no problems. We follow the scheduled maintainence program with our dealership and have not found a complaint with them either. The front passanger side shock/strut was defective after 15000 miles which the dealership found during a routine maintainence appt. and fixed the problem under warranty. The dealership provides us with a rental vehicle at their cost during all maitainence appointments. We will definitely buy another Honda and most likely form the same dealership.

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  some improvements over previous model - 2003 Honda Accord
  By DanW - January 21 - 10:00 am

  had a 2000 Accord V6 coupe and traded in for a 03 4cyl coupe. Very pleased overall with the 2000 but this one has improvement in performance. the 4cyl drives almost like the 2000 6cyl. The improvement in torque and engine responsiveness is great. feels a lot more peppy. dont get the optional MP3 player though, it doesnt work right. and, the audio system is still below par. i dont think the better gas mileage that Honda claims is true. its comparable, but not an improvement.

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  Look no further ... - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MeTuff2 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I drove the Mercedes C230 Sport Coupe and BMW 325i, extensively. But when the Accord EX V-6 arrived, Ive never looked back. In the Chicago area, it can be a hair-raising experience to merge onto some of our expressways. Large trucks & SUVs race along at 80+ miles per hour. They dont slow down for merging traffic. In my Accord V- 6, its no problem. This baby MOVES and handles beautifully, in any driving situation. It is comfortable, substantial, reliable and reasonably priced. Also, with the current economic problems, you can deal for a 2003 Accord. Do your homework first, preferably online, and select several dealers to compete for your business.

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  I love it! - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By C - January 21 - 8:10 am

  If you are looking for a new small SUV, this is the one for you! I absolutely love it! I have debated for about 2 years on what to buy and I just kept going back to how cute this little CR-V is. Ive had it for a little over a week and it is so nice. It handles like a car, has a nice interior. The MPG is very good, about 26 HWY and I just think its the cutest thing on the road. I personally do not think it has a lot of road noise. I used to have an Acura TLS and thought I would be longing for more power in the CR-V, but I was wrong. It has a good bit of power. I would highly recommend to anyone. All in all, I love it. I think its wonderful.

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  Love my Civic - 2009 Honda Civic
  By patricia - January 21 - 4:06 am

  Love this car! Traded in my 2006 Honda Pilot EXL. Dont miss it a bit. I love the savings in gas too. My first tank of gas, I averaged 31 mpg. The pilot got 16 mpg. For a small car, it is not cramped and the trunk is very large. The car has great pick-up and I love being able to listen to my ipod. So far, Im very happy with my new purchase.

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  4 ever Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By tentoto - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife, After allready selling a 1986 accord with 209,000 miles on it (trouble free) only its routine timing belts when needed, The 86 Was a great car, Now the 1997 has aprox 159,000 on the speedo (trouble free) it will be a cold day in He** before i ever own anything else.This could explain why i also own a 98 crv,a 91 crx,honda generator, honda weed eater, and a Honda generator.I never ever thought id stay GM for a long while, But then Honda proved to be Bullet proof.Id incourage anyone to purchase a Accord.

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  Accord Wagons Rule! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By rhodieboy - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car since the day I drove it off the lot! Its stylish, sporty and best of all, its a station wagon. My two dogs fit great in the back. Honda makes a great car. Spirited performance, tight suspension, rock solid reliability. With close to 90k miles now my "eucalyptus green pearl" LX 5 speed is great! No major problems other than a d/s window actuator and the airbag sensor both of which were covered under warranty... I am up to change the timing belt which might be $$$$! The cheapest Honda dealer wins!