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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  Best car Ive ever had - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jwwhitepgh - September 22 - 1:48 pm

  After 10 yrs of Hondas, I went to Ford, Dodge, even Lexus and returned to the Accord. Lexus was luxury, but bang for your buck Accord is the best midsized sedan in America. Low maintenance cost, good fuel economy, excellent resale value, conservative yet classy looks without using your kids college money to buy it.

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  Great Van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By sueber - September 22 - 10:36 am

  Bought it new in Jan 2001, now Sept 2008 it has 102000 miles. No major problems, maintains quality impression of Honda. Around town it gets 16 MPG, on highway its 23+. Just took a 700 mile round trip from NJ to VT. Going it got 24+ MPG, returning it got 23+ MPG. Easy to drive, and very comfortable ride. After 7 years of ownership it is still a great vehicle.

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  Gas Mileage: The Final Word! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Apollo08 - September 22 - 12:29 am

  IÂ’m an engineer and have been interested in and working on cars for years. IÂ’ve been reading these user reviews and have been amazed at how many people claim low gas mileage. From these reviews it would appear that the Ody is a real gas pig. This however, is not the case. My Ody gets about 17-18 mpg S. Cal city driving (stop lights every 200- 500 yards). If I can get this and your getting 12 then one or more of the following apply: *low tire pressure (<28) *driving habits (ultra-short 1-5 mile trips-engine not reach operating temp) *load / number of passengers (6+ passengers) *cant properly calc mpg (many donÂ’t do it right) bottom line: engine variation is negligible. Its the operator

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  Great SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Bharat Patel - September 21 - 11:43 pm

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  Tis good - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Daniel Guidos - September 21 - 7:48 pm

  The interior lacks in luxury but it makes it up with practicality. The stereo is limited (LX) only one CD but it sounds great. The displays are clear. The sitting height is nice. At my frame of 63" its comfortable. My teenage son thought it handled a lot like a car.

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  Love for the CRV - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By CRV Love - September 21 - 6:28 pm

  I got my CR-V 7 years ago and it had 60,000 miles on it. Now it has 215,000 and the transmission is JUST NOW starting to act up. I LOVE my little car and its breaking my heart to have to say goodbye. I have only had ONE major issue with it (besides this) and it was because I ran out of gas on the freeway and the Cat-converter went out. Other then that this car has been the best I have ever had. I would recommend this car to EVERYONE! The only grip I have (well passengers have) is the lack of a second arm rest. I have told them all to lay down the $250 to add one and I would get it for them. As for the guy with the code issue take it to a stereo store maybe they can help.

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  Love My Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gerry - September 21 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned my car about 5 months and have over 10,000 miles on it. Before buying I narrowed down my search to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. After driving the Honda with its cool new look (inside and out) the Corolla was completely ruled out. The remaining three requirements were good gas mileage, moonroof, and heated seats (live in Wisconsin). Found out I was able to add aftermarket heated seats, so all my requirements were met. I keep a gas log and chart every tank of gas. My driving is about 50/50 mix and my average mileage is about 32 miles to the gallon. My lowest tank was 29.5 (winter time) to a high of 37.5 I usually drive with moonroof open and heat or air on for comfort.

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  love my pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By mommaload - September 21 - 10:00 am

  comfortable, just the right size without being a minivan, handles beautifully, rides great

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  The Pilot is Excellent! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By happygirl - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pilot in January 2003 after much research and test driving of many other SUVs. The Pilot by far is the best mid-sized SUV on the road today. Suprisingly comfortable in its seating of 8 (and 8 adults!). The DVD entertainment package is a MUST for anyone with kids and long trips. I have always owned Honda, and this vehicle does not disappoint!

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  my pilot info - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By absorb - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Our experiance thus far has been excellent. We believe this car will serve our familys needs for the next 10 years. We have already been on several road trips and even thru the mid-west with it and are impressed.