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 certified pre-owned vehicle - 2005 Honda S2000
  By dockerdog - May 2 - 2:03 am

  As a recent buyer in 2010 I feel somewhat late to the game, nevertheless I also feel compelled to state an opinion on my recent purchase (within the last two weeks) of a certified pre-owned 2005 S2000. My gawd, what a vehicle and I feel that I got a great deal being pre-owned, according to CarFax there was only a single previous owner, no accidents, and only about 11k miles per year. The closest vehicle Ive ever owned before was a 2000 Mustang convertible (purchased new) and while I liked that car, frankly it couldnt hold a candle to my new (used) S2000. The handling, acceleration, overall performance, just wow, fantastic! Ive owned about 10 cars in my lifetime and this one beats them all.

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  Great car - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ben - May 1 - 5:10 pm

  We have had our Honda EX 4WD for a year and have put 30,000 miles on it. It is by far the best car I have ever owned from the standpoint of reliability, build quality, and just overall satisfaction. We use the 4WD in the sand and in the snow, and it performs perfectly. I have gotten as much as 23.5 mpg on a trip of 700+ miles, and that was driving around 70 mph for much of the way. The only problem we have had was with the remote keys which was corrected by the Dealer. This is my first Honda, but definitely wont be my last.

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  Love My Pilot! - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By hondagirl - May 1 - 1:52 pm

  I just turned in a leased saab suv 97x and purchased my Pilot. I purchased the LX model and was concerned I was going to miss all the "perks" of driving a luxury suv. I havent missed my Saab at all! I love my new Pilot! Its roomy, rugged looking & very comfortable! It is also extremely fun to drive. Its perfect for my family. I had 3 Honda accords and then in 2005 purchased a Saab 95 wagon, and then in 2008 leased a saab 97. Both were complete headaches! They were both in the shop constantly! I couldnt be happier to be back in a Honda! I can hardly wait to take a road trip!

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  Amazing Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Tom McGean - May 1 - 7:42 am

  This is an amazing vehicle. First car I have ever owned, I got it when I was 16. Dropped suspension and a shift kit makes this baby fly and it handles like a pro. I love flying into parking lots and putting the car into a space at 30 mph. Blows my friends mind. Hilarious to crush Mustang Cobras and VWs at stop lights. Very rare and hard to find car that looks fantastic. Interior is cramped, dont expect to make any trips over 30min with someone in the back seat without them complaining incessantly. Gauges are a little silly, and the glare at night can be tough, but the lighting can be lowered. Looks sick with some interior neon and a Kenwood though. All in all, a fantastic car

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  Vibration at idle - 2009 Honda Civic
  By pod doc - May 1 - 7:09 am

  Since i purchased my civic i have noticed vibration at idle worse with the A/C on. I have been to the 2 dealers about 10 times with this complaint and there has only been 1 update that did not rectify the problem. The vibration is apparent when the A/C compressor engages at the same time as the cooling fans kick-in.

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  2010 EXL Review - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Lyndapyr - April 30 - 3:09 pm

  Purchased my new EXL last month following an accident totaling my 2007 EXL. I was very pleased with my 2007 and even more so coming out the accident with only a few bruises and literally ONE scratch on my arm. Several people at the scene remarked how well the Honda stayed together, etc and took the tremendous hit.I am very glad the 2010 has the auto lift gate ( I had been complaining about the other one getting harder to reach in my old age) Guess after driving a Honda Odyssey EXL for 3 years and purchasing another one- speaks for itself

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  Amazing Car - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Apistogramma - April 30 - 3:08 pm

  Amazing car, made the right choice. Price a little steep but worth the money. Wouldnt have gotten a different car if had to choose again. It was the right vehicle for me.

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  Myhonda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By SDB - April 30 - 10:01 am

  I have my accord for 3 yrs.now. I not had to do much other than normal maint. Ive had problems with the fuel pump relay and front-end susp. All in all pretty good car in 2010 I went on a 5 state trip @ 15 hr.drive with no problems

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  Love love my car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By rpkb99 - April 29 - 9:38 pm

  I love this care and I would most definitely by another Honda. I have a 2 door coupe and have 2 kids they fit in comfortable. I love the options it came with. I really love this car.

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  An incredible experience with ownership - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Charles Rosenbaum - April 29 - 7:13 pm

  The 2005 Honda odyssey is the very best vehicle that I have ever owned. The ride is unparalleled along with the many safety features. The fuel economy with this vehicle continues to go well beyond my expectations. I have had absolutely trouble free driving. Never a problem with my vehicle.