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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  The perfect minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimbo - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Honda has done it !!! They have created the near perfect minivan. I love the duel electric sliding side doors, and the disapearing rear seat, leaving a flat floor. The 240hp motor just purrs at highway speeds, and has great pickup from a standing start, along with operating on regular unleaded fuel.

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  Honda Odyssey 8-10-2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By charlie - April 9 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the odyssey the end of July and loaded it up with five people and an escargot on the roof full of stuff. We drove down to Wild Wood NJ. From CT. The Odyssey ran great, handled like a car.

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  Beyond Luxury Class...Best SUV Yet. - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By TB - April 9 - 10:00 am

  It seems like Honda didnt spare anything. We traded in a Lexus for this Pilot and I was worried about loosing some luxury comforts...This Pilot is much more than my Lexus. Better audio (much better sub-woofer), DVD, third row seating, more cargo, great interior design, plenty of storage, etc...for much less.

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  A Great Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Pat - April 8 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this van in January 05. So far (5,000 miles) have not have one problem with the vehicle. Performance is impressive and mileage is decent (better than my 1988 Volvo). Ive driven Sienna - there is definately hesitation when you step on the gas - plus I consider the front end to be ugly. Pick-up and handling are terrific. Only minus is the NAVs ability to recognize certain voice commands. I highly recommend this van to anyone in the market. v

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  One great vehicle! - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - April 8 - 8:02 pm

  Have had this one year and nearly 15000 miles. This has been all I had expected and more. It drives more like a car than a truck, and yet is incredibly spacious and has lots of novel features. It is wide enough to put a mountain bike inside the back (putting the seats up) without having to take off the front wheel. You can comfortably sit 3 across the back, or fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the bed. A lot has been written about this truck, so I really will only add that I am more impressed with this truck after owning it for a year than I was when I first bought it! The only negative I can think of is the gas mileage is mediocre. I average 17, but have gotten as high as 22 on the highway.

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  Needs some help inside. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jon - April 8 - 3:23 pm

  My wife has a 08 Camry Hybrid. Very cool instrumentation. Very nice ride. Bought 08 Honda EX and a bit disappointed. Road noise more than Camry on anything other than smooth highway. Heated side mirrors but no compass or outside temp indicator. Go figure!In Tenn we need the later more than the heated mirrors. Aux outlet is in center console and awkward to get to, especially if you have a bunch of junk in console. Power outlets turn off when you turn off the car.Cant charge my cell phone unless Im driving. No auto headlight on/off! Trunk layout is a strange. Much more narrow and 1 cu ft smaller than Camry LE. Comparing Hybrid w/Honda EX probably not fair comparison but is vs the LE.

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  Happy with Accord 2008 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Andrei - April 8 - 10:20 am

  Purchased my car around a month ago Very happy to ride it. Very smooth, easy to handle, makes whatever I want. Did a few trips Cupertino - Monterey, Cupertino-Santa Cruz Very happy with in in the city, on highway, on mountain road. Can make any curve. Sometimes I feel that engine is not powerful enough, for example, when I go uphill by highway , but I never tried to use full-throttle up to now Very space, luxury inside. Like navigational system, it find very good routes.

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  28,000 miles on 2016 AWD touring elite - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Richard - April 8 - 9:06 am

  I purchased my 2016 AWD touring elite in late July of 2015. In 8.5 months I have driven over 28,000 miles. I sold a 2011 Lexus LX 570 for the pilot. Same comfort and room but with better gas mileage, technology and price. Average 23 mpg in town and 28 mpg hwy Smooth ride Quite cabin Plenty of interior room with cup holders and power outlets everywhere. While the 9 speed transmission takes a little time to get use too it works as designed for saving fuel My only two issues-non folding side mirrors and the front windshield is a rock magnet as I have replace the front windshield 2x in the 8.5 months.

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  98 CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By 98 CRV - April 8 - 5:39 am

  I bought this car new in 1998 and it remained our most driven family vehicle, and now the one my teenage daughter prefers to drive also. After 153,000 miles it still runs excellent, very light and car-like in handling. With the timing belt/water pump replacement I had the spark plugs replaced and idle reset... it runs like new and still gets 27-29 on the highway and mid-20s in normal commuting. No noticeable wear marks on the interior and no paint issues on this car. Ive owned many luxury cars over the years, but this CRV has been by far the best value in any vehicle owned and the only one Ive never wanted to part with. It is a superb value.

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  Great Mid Size SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Kevin Ayres - April 8 - 1:23 am

  My Pilot rides just like a car. Handles well around turns and is a joy to drive. It even gets the MPG it says on the sticker! Great buy.