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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  So far so good - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By So far so good - October 10 - 1:58 pm

  Good mid size SUV. Honda reliability with nice interior features. The ride is adequate and better than most SUVs I have driven. This is expected from an elevated ride with this much weight. Excellent horse power and turning radius. The gas mileage is a bit lower than I would like but I compromised as I wanted an SUV.

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  Honda Accord Scores - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Larry S. - October 10 - 12:13 pm

  The 2008 Accord EX-L V6 is refined styling both inside and out. The first thing I noticed is the firm leather seats and busy dashboard. I managed to program in some XM stations on the ride home from the dealership. Pick up is great from stop or merging on the highway at 60 mph. Navigation is not intuitive but does accept voice prompts. I have had to spend some time reading through the navigation owners manual to help get a handle on it. To my great surprise the automatic mileage calculator has me at 24 mpg in town. The Accord has a very european feel on the inside which reminds me of the BMW 3 series. Extra perks such as tire pressure monitoring and heated seats are great.

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  Could be better! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Jim Collis - October 9 - 7:57 pm

  I purchased the Honda because of the fine reviews that I read on the internet but I was disappointed after I was able to put a few hundred miles on it. First of all, the gas mileage is HORRIBLE and not better than my Expedition. I only average 13 m.p.g. with mostly highway driving. Honda acknowledged the problem and hopefully they will address it. Next, the road noise is VERY high while on the highway. I keep thinking that a window is open somewhere. Also, after 70 m.p.h., the front wheel starts to shake. I took it to the dealer and they could not find the problem yet. The Pilot also seems unstable at highway speeds and drivers should be careful not to make sudden lane changes.

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  Great value - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gofaster - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle! quite smooth to drive, enough power, decent brakes, stable at highway speeds. Interior is well designed and seats are comfortable. Easy to get in/out of. Visibility could be better. Very popular, so you see yourself coming and going. Not perfect, but for the money, its a 10.

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  The Best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By peanut - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and people mover. I have a 2000 Odyssey EX w/about 47,000 miles on it. Its used constantly especially for carpooling and running around. The 2003 Odysseys are even better w/more horsepower, better brakes and even more refinement.

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  The Best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Peanut - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle and people mover. I have a 2000 Odyssey EX w/about 47,000 miles on it. Its used constantly especially for carpooling and running around. The 2003 Odysseys are even better w/more horsepower, better brakes and even more refinement.

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  Great Value - 2003 Honda Civic
  By kp_sailor - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great value balancing performance with gas milage. I average 32-36 miles per gallon and have found the car to perform well even above 75 mph. The areas I found most disappointing were the acceleration and steering. I would have gladly traded a few miles per gallon for for pickup and tighter steering.

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  Optional Backup Sensors - Save Your Money - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By R Schirber - October 4 - 7:38 am

  Recently the Honda optional backup sensors were installed on my 2018 CR-V Touring AWD. When the install was complete I could not hear the beeps from the sensors. Granted by earing is not the best but I can clearly hear all the other sensors warning beeps on CRV such as the cross-traffic warning beeps, open door, blind side etc. The warning for backups sensor come a small device install in back corner of the SUV. The warning beeps should use the auto speakers like the other warnings. Also there is no indicator light in back for closeness ...yellow, red etc. Opened ticket on Honda owners webpage regarding the poor engineering of the backup sensors ... no response so far.

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  My Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By RaveWitMeeh03 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  well for the most part I love my element, but I think there was some faulty wires in my car becasue the battery went dead after a week of not starting it, and the cd player they put in my car doesnt play cdrs but other than those problems which Im gonna get fixed the car is great

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  Great to be in my Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bonnie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Even though this car is promoted for the young, it is very convenience for all ages. I have arthitis and found it difficult to enter a standard SUV but the design of the Element makes entering the car easy. Driving is fun again!