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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  Lovin my 2011 Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By c_cook2 - July 3 - 12:19 pm

  I bought my 2011 Pilot in April 2010. Gas mileage is not that great yet but I love the vehicle. Roomy for the whole family inside, sleek and stylish on the outside. I like its "get-up- and-go" on take-off and very fun to drive!

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  My 3rd CR-V in 11 years and > 325,000 miles - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Monica - July 2 - 11:32 pm

  I commute 110 miles round trip every day. I need economical and comfort. Ive put over 3/4 of a million miles on CR-Vs since 2000. In 2010 I purchased my 3rd CR-V - love the style, ride, fuel economy and durability. My first one was a slightly used 1998 EX model that I traded in after putting about 210,000 miles on it. Its still in use today by a college student. I bought #2 (LX model) in 2006 and put 114,000 miles on it. Sold it just for the heck of it to someone who offered me Edmunds selling price (He and his wife love it) and bought a 2010 EX-L Nav model in March. About 3 months and 6500 miles later, I love it. Best one yet.

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  Cant Believe I Bought a Honda - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Mercedes Lover - July 2 - 10:16 pm

  I love my Mercedes. When I convinced my wife to lease a ml350, I thought she would love it. I was wrong. She ended up buying the pilot touring edition last month. We now fight over driving it. While the fuel mileage is extremely disappointing, we just came back from a trip and got almost 22 mpg. Not great, but better than expected. The entire family loves taking this car on trips. The technology (bluetooth, nav, rear entertainment) is far Superior to my 2010 Mercedes e-class and her ml. The entire build quality rivals the other cars we looked at including those priced well above the Honda. This is a great SUV at a price that wont squeeze your wallet.

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  Bad transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By John - July 2 - 6:09 pm

  I have had the Honda Accord 3.0 L V6 sedan for 9 years and I drive it only to work with a mileage of 90,000. The transmission failed but otherwise it looks like brand new with regular maintenance. Fixing the transmission costs $4,100 at the dealers and after 7 years is no longer covered by warranty. I though that I bought a reliable car that will drive up to 150,000 miles but not so! I will never ever buy Honda again.

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  Honda Element Love - 2003 Honda Element
  By Honda No. 5 - July 2 - 3:41 pm

  Have always loved Honda cars. The element is a great vehicle for me whether its getting to work on a snowy day, hauling home landscaping supplies or baby furniture, its got the space and its so easy to clean up. Which I also appreciate when my son make a mess in the back seat.

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  Great little vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By snowflake - July 2 - 12:27 pm

  This is the 2nd CR-V that we have purchased. The 1st was an LX, this one was is an EX-L.The 1st was an 07 with 57000 miles. Absolutely no problems and was as reliable as the IRS collecting your taxes. If there is an area that I would change its the front seats get a little hard after a couple of hours in the saddle. Hopefully the leather seats and lumbar support with be better. One other gripe is the rear license plate holder. Why is there not a hold down feature on the bottom part of the license frame keeping it from slapping the tailgate when closing it or when going over bumps. Aside from those minor issues it is a great vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone without reservations.

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  Very Happy owner of my pilot - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Dan - July 1 - 11:49 pm

  I wrote a review about my Honda Pilot last year of May, and wanted to write another review again because I am still very happy with my vehicle. When I brought it the odo was reading 44,500 miles on it, and now its has 69,500 miles and its been a great vehicle with no problems nothing. Took the trip to Colorado from Texas and I was getting 26 to 29 mpg on the Highway. In town still getting 19 to 22 mpg with a little highway mix in. The best mpg was 32 and its only happened once and the road was flat and getting tail wind coming home from Florida so it was almost 650 miles on a tank. I change the oil every 4 to 5000 miles and change the transmission fluids twice. I am planning to keep it long.

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  Happy Camper - 2009 Honda Civic
  By UTSAPAT23 - July 1 - 11:14 pm

  I have had my Civic for almost a year now and I must say that when it comes to GAS it has given me excellent miles for my bucks, pump once a week or every 9 days $32 max. This car has been driven to SA,TX 2 times, and SEATS start to hurt your back after a while, plus you cant avoid hearing the ROAD NOISE. too loud. Other than that, I did purchase this car for fuel economy and I have been happy thus far. Due to uncomfortable seats and my passengers struggling to get in and out of my car I am looking for a larger vehicle, BUT I do recommend the Honda Civic for those who like cute compact, gas saver and economical prices.

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  Great ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By DaveCT - July 1 - 9:37 pm

  Bought the 09 in September and now have 21000 miles on it. Of course, all highway driving and I am averaging 26.2 mpg. I do watch the mpg gauge but average about 63-66 mph on my 39 mile commute (ea way). Lots of storage room when I drive to/from my kids colleges. Added a Thule kayak rack - busted my knuckles but works well. Great fit and finish. No problems other than brake grinding noise which turned out to be small stone that got caught up in brakes - just shook it out. Downsides: Fabric stains easily. No middle console, just cheapo holder between front seats which wastes space. These are awfully minor points and I love the CR-V, will def buy another when I hit about 130K or so.

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  91 Accord DX - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dave - July 1 - 2:36 pm

  This car survived the summers of Nevada and the winters of Massachusetts. It was a solid no-frills workhorse that got me where I needed to go for over 19 years. For the last few years, it needed a major repair per year, but only this last year did it cost me over $500. The engine has held up very well, and the fuel efficiency has been great.