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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  First suv - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By hondo - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to like? Never thought Id own an SUV. Pilot gives better mileage than my Subaru. Reliability cant compare. Changed tires at 60k, brakes at 90k, brake light bulb, headlamps, now at 104k miles.

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  Great honda - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By honda lover - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Had nothing to say but good things, I think it looks way and much better than the new one.

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  Change My Mind About Minivans - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By awhite4 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a preconceived idea that minivans were not for me. After driving the Odyssey it changed my mind so much that we purchased one that very day! It is far from the traditional minivan. The look is much more sporty and sleek. The inside is so luxurious and comfortable. The best part is the little touches that make it so handy for a family. Hooks are place in the front and middle to hang trash sacks. As a mom I really appreciate things like that. I absolutely love it.

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  Fun and cheap to run! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By hondo - October 5 - 2:00 am

  72k miles - original brakes, tires, lights, no oil leaks but a few creaks. Fun to drive and easy on the wallet. Four cylinder engine revs and hums like it was new. No end in sight.

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  Check for peeling paint in the grill - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Amy - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth brand new Honda that I have bought. Great vehicle with one problem that Honda is aware of but wont fix-peeling paint in the grill- have had mine in service 5 times to have this problem fixed. They replace the grill piece every time. Within a few days it begins to peel again. Dealer told me I was the only one having this problem so the last time I went in to have this fixed my husband went with me. He went out on the lot to look at the cr-vs and there were at least 10 brand new cr-vs with this problem. He brought this to the service managers attention and he called Honda to see what they were going to do about this problem and they told me to take it to a body shop.

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  Very Please - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By MiamiCRV1 - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up a built in Japan CR-V. I previously had a 2002 CR-V and have to say that the 2010 model is more poised, comfortable and fun to drive. I still dont understand all the criticism about acceleration. The CR-V is not and will never be a V8 Mustang. It definitely has enough pickup to get you where you want to go comfortably and is agile enough to keep up with the more aggressive drivers you find here in Miami. I dont care what the statistics, pundits or Honda says. The vehicles built in Japan definitely have an edge in quality and fit and finish. Overall, were extremely satisfied.

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  6 month update - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By andrew - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Nearly six months since I got this CR-V and all is fine. No problems at all and I like it more every time I drive it. The build quality, mine was from Japan, is flawless. I find it the most comfortable vehicle I have owned. Highest mpg 28 and so far mostly knocking around it is averaging 22.3. The fit and finish on this SUV are very impressive.

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  Window noise - 2010 Honda Civic
  By SAM - October 5 - 2:00 am

  I had problem with my new 2010 honda civic LX. Im getting more noise from drive window site. I cant drive my vehicle on highway more than 67 mph. I complaint to America Honda about this issue. Engineer came from Honda to do test drive with me. Even he heard the same noise, which I felt. To duplicate the issue. Honda Engineer drove another new Honda civic 2010 Lx, he felt same problem on the new car. & he mentioned to me. That’s way this car designed. You have live with issue. Please DO NOT BUY this car. It’s unsafe to drive on highway.

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  Not a race car and not a V8 - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By John S - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Took a few miles for the VCM to settle in but after @200 miles it seems less jerky. Im 511" and wish the seat went back a little further (leg room may become an issue on long trip)Will have to see how that works out. Moved from a 2000 Tahoe V8 and dont expect this to have the same acceleration or power. I am pleased with all else so far. Drives like an SUV. Ive owned many Hondas in the past and hope this one lives up to the reputation of my previous Hondas. It rides great and is quiet running. Goodyear tires. Lots of room. Like the fold down 3rd row seats. Ill be towing a Motorcycle trailer soon. Will see how that works out too.

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  Keeps Chugging - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Abbey - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 10 years. I finally had to have some major repairs done, to the tune of $2,500, but it has 246,000 miles. It is a reliable workhorse of a car. I would recommend buying this car, even with 200,000+ miles on it.