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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  Finally a Honda SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Chas-94 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Paid 500 less than sticker on this one. Couldnt find an EXs and didnt want to order but the LX was nicely equiped. Added dealer security system and tinted glass. A pure joy to drive.

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  Passport - 1998 Honda Passport
  By Tonya - July 29 - 6:30 pm

  It has problems with the CV joints/boots. Also has had two leaks in the brake line.

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  DECENT - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By GARY B - July 29 - 12:17 am

  good vehicle and reliable. 50,000 miles on it and no major problems. have a slight shimy in wheel at 60 miles an hour or greater. working through the problem. vehicle goes through tires at 30,000 miles

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  Blue Beauty! - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By William Barnes - July 28 - 2:17 pm

  I really enjoyed test driving the 2014 CR-V LX. I thought it was very roomy and comfortable. I thought it had pretty good acceleration, and was fun to drive. The storage was impressive with back seats down. The LX is well equipped, but does not have a sun roof if that is something you are looking for. The 2014 has the 5 speed auto transmission, which I liked. I also tested a 2016 with a CVT, that I also liked, but it had some hesitation when first starting out. I did not wind up buying the CR-V, I wound up with a 2015 Honda Civic. The main reason I went for the Civic was because I wanted a stick shift car and found a certified beauty. But I would not hesitate to recommend the CR-V, it is a really nice vehicle, and can be bought as a Certified Honda car for a warranty and more confidence in what you are buying. I did not get to try it in snow, but I imagine the All Wheel Drive version which I drove would be great in the snow, especially with snow tires mounted.

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  I love the Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By northeast_driver - July 28 - 11:51 am

  I love my Pilot for many reasons: great in snow/bad weather, decent fuel economy for an suv (18.5/22 mi/gal), takes regular gas, powerful, accelerates easily, very spacious, many storage compartments, comfortable interior, easy to handle (turn and park), good visibility, no problems so far. Everybody who gets in the car loves it as well. A great buy!

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  nice little car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By kaileen13 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  excellent handing. NO mechanical problems. comfortable ride (seating). roomy back seat. good vision (except when it rains, water tends to stay on rear window). Seats are very low, 6way power-seating would be great. NO place for handbag. Beige color I chose is very hard for others to see, daytime running lights are necessary. So nice to get a $2000 tax rebate.

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  Good 4 local travel-Not good 4 Distance - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Spenc - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Great little car for local transportation-average mileage 38 mpg- suspension system needs improvement- need more options available for selection at time of purchase. Great Dealership with no nonsense sales personnel. Highly recommend Mike Pruitt Honda Dealership.

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  Ok Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Justin - July 27 - 6:46 am

  The Accord has a very uncomfortable seat. Actually, it is the worst of any in its class for comfort as I have test driven all the cars in the class. The acceleration is top notch. The transmission shifting is smooth. You have excellent visibility and a nice interior layout. The brakes are by far the worst in the class as evidenced by all the reviews, but most people will not notice this (I did). The build quality is very good, however, the paint job as noted by some others is not top notch. This car has hard springs and a rough ride compared to an Altima, Fusion, Camry or Sonata. For those who like a sporty, fun to drive car, this is a nice car.

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  Horrible Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Rose - July 27 - 5:20 am

  I bought my car in Dec 07 and put 31k since then, all highway miles. At 25k I needed a new wheel bearing which was covered under warranty. At 30k I brought it into the dealer because the check engine light was on. Took the mechanics 2 days to figure out what was wrong with the car. Ended up that I needed a new cylinder in my engine plus a couple spark plugs replaced. The dealer did not have any explanation of why this happened. Thank god that I bought the extended warranty or that would have been a huge bill. Extremely disappointed with this car. I bought it for its reliability and all I have gotten is trips to the dealer to get it fixed. Will never buy this car again.

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  high potential for door rot - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By bob - July 26 - 8:56 pm

  On the bottom of each door there is a rubber strip. If you look at the top of it you will see road dirt that has accumulated between the rubber and paint. Here in the Northeast that also includes salt from winter conditions. If not removed routinely this will promote rust and eventually rot through. I have contacted Honda but they are unwilling to help. Its a design problem and not fixable by adding mud flaps.