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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  Odyssey should have been more - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Cookie - January 19 - 3:17 pm

  It all began with broken motor mounts at 90,000. Never heard of this. Transmission failed at 127,000 miles several months ago. Honda recommended a $4000 replacement of sealed transmission. Found someone who did the work for a lot less. It runs fine now. I was hoping to get 200,000 miles but I have my doubts that this car will last another 3 years. Seats are very uncomfortable for long drives. I always thought Hondas were the best but I have my doubts about them now.

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  Much better than expected - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By james - January 19 - 1:16 am

  First off, I wanted a Mazda 3 wagon. Wife vetoed and we got the CR-V EX-L AWD. It is a very solid car and is built well. The only problem I had was a third-party back-up sensor that was replaced under warranty. I am VERY happy with the vehicle. Its not a fun car, per se, but it does its job well. The driver leather seats are holding up well, the placement of the radio controls on the steering wheel are great, and its just really easy to drive.

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  Good Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By C Dolan - January 19 - 12:41 am

  I bought my 2009 Pilot in January 2009. I enjoy the vehicle. Road noise could be less. Occasionally I can hear gas swishing in the tank on curvy drives, but not too often. Its very comfortable inside, the ride is standard for a SUV, not car like, but its fine. I live in the city of Boston, so most of my mileage is city driving. Disappointed with the gas mileage. I do about 90% city, I average about 14.5 per tank overall city/hwy. I installed a wood grain dash kit to cover cheap looking plastic dash. The radio buttons a bit busy but you get used to it.The pick up is good, no problems with the power. Overall I am happy with the Vehicle.

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  Is the Odyssey Now Built by Ford? - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By littlechicago - January 18 - 11:37 pm

  My 2007 Odyssey is my third after an excellent 1995 and a very good 2003. The 2007 is a pig on fuel: 12 mpg in town, 24 on the highway. Never have I been able to break the 30 mpg barrier, no matter how hard I try. The interior materials are so soft they mar just by looking at them. I doesnt start like a new vehicle. The climate control system never seems to work right. The two previous Odysseys would maintain a comfortable 22 degrees, winter or summer. I am constantly adjusting the 07 to try and get something resembling comfort. The windows sporadically roll down as the spirit spirit moves... Since Ford isnt building their own van, has Honda out-sourced the Odyssey to them?

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  Still lovin this car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By JohnR1980 - January 18 - 7:12 pm

  Ive had my civic 4dr. ex for almost 2 yrs. Just went over 50k, and still love my car. 35 mpg city and highway. People tell me it looks like a little 07 Acura TL. Ride comfort is great, so long trips for me, not a problem. The civic might have cost a little more than most, but this is my 8th Honda, and wont drive anything else but a HONDA

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  My favorite car ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Civicpride - January 18 - 3:26 pm

  This is the best car ever. I have almost 150,000 miles on it, taught my kid to drive it (hence, all the dings) and other than replacing the catalytic converter I have only done scheduled maintenance. Runs like a top. I was too tall to get the EX and maybe thats a good thing.

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  Incredible Impressed! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MassSnowMan - January 18 - 11:51 am

  We bought our 2003 Honda new and have close to 200,000 miles on the car. It is still going strong and weve had no problems. We have done all of the recommended maintenance as outlined in the Honda owners manual (oil changes, brakes, engine tune ups, etc.) The car has been great in the snow and with good tire tread(all season radials), we have had NO problems thus far. Reliability has been exceptional. The interior has held up fairly well after the wear and tear of three kids. Our oldest child is now driving and this car will probably be driven "into the ground" by her. Our experience has been so good that we are looking at the 2010 Pilot! Overall, were happy with our Honda Pilot!

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  Best vehicle and most versatile. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By eddieo311 - January 17 - 5:14 pm

  I bought this truck almost 3 years ago brand new and thats still the way it looks and drives. I moved to GA from NJ and I go back a few times/year. My wife and I love the ride, size, and reliability. We can throw all our stuff for the trip in the bed and the trunk with the dogs riding in the back with the seats folded up, and theres still a ton of room. Despite being a truck I get great mileage and it handles all elements with ease.

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  A Functionality Work of Art - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Rabii - January 17 - 5:14 pm

  Pros This vehicle will deliver functionality, reliability and excellent snow adherence on Quebec roads. Drives excellent for a 1997, interior ergonomics are impeccable and layout is very simple. This small SUV is not at all sexy but it will get you from Point A to Point B and you will never have to worry about something breaking down. Glass all around the car makes for a very safe drive and very little blind spots. I noticed that streets and parkways are flooded with CR-Vs, old and new, there is however a very small amount of units for sale on the Internet. Now that I own and drive one, I sure know why. Mine has 224,000 and is still running like a champ. 400 km on a tank around town...

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  After 8k miles the car works for me - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Rick in Seagrove, FL - January 17 - 3:17 pm

  After about 6 months of driving the Insight on my 40 mile daily commute Im very pleased with cars style and performance. After 8k miles Ive gotten 53 (indicated) and 50 (measured) MPG as my lifetime to date fuel economy. I keep my tire pressure at 40 psi and drive fairly conservatively and the car has really rewarded me with impressive fuel economy. Im currently using about half the gas I was using with my previous ride which was a 01 Focus ZX3. Aside from fuel economy I think the car is the most attractive high mileage car on the market. It has a sleek, futuristic look and comes with great looking wheels for an entry level hybrid. BTW, Im 5-10" and I fit in the back seat just fine.