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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  2004 Pilot rating - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By N. Rinker - November 28 - 9:00 pm

  Everything on my vehicle seems to be great except for the fuel economy. My mileage averages about 12mpg in the city and 16 mpg on the hwy, quite contrary to what is stated on the sticker. I recently had it brought in for service for a leaking gasket on the driver side passenger door. The problem seems to be resolved. If your looking for a roomy but not oversized SUV this is the one to buy, but dont look for great gas mileage with gas prices being thru the roof.

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  Love It! - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By Shorty - November 28 - 8:44 pm

  Ever since I learned how to drive , Ive been looking for a Honda Prelude. I have a Honda Accord but I fell in love with preludes so when I found a 1993 Honda Prelude for $500 I told my father and he bought it for me. I am Happy with it , I love the Outside and Inside , but what I really love is the Speed and how wonderful it is to Drive it. Everyone says I got it for an Extremely Low Price and been wanting to buy it off me but I will never sell it, lol. Now I own 2 1993 Preludes a Grey one and a white one and I am satisfied.

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  Saved her life - 2007 Honda Civic
  By JBs mom - November 28 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased this car for my 16 year daughter based on the safety features,the airbags. On May 24, 2007 Jordan was hit on the drivers side by a minivan traveling the posted speed limit (35mps). She was transported to Atlantas Level 1 Trama Unit. 7 hours later, she walked out with me without a scratch on her. The extent of her injuries was when she lost conscious on impact and had a headache. She said the fire & rescue guy told her the airbags saved her life. I brought her the exact same car (different color) a month later.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By kfour - November 28 - 2:28 pm

  3500K miles so far and not a single problem. Rides well, much easier than the Acadia we had for getting our 3 little kids in/out. More car-like drive as well. Highly recommend.

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  I love this car. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Elaine_Avalon - November 28 - 11:52 am

  I love this car! The Fits excellent for road trips. It holds so much! CD player, excellent mileage, comfortable seats, not too much road noise, huge amount of space, the jack thing that you can charge your phone with... The only annoying thing is the lack of a vanity mirror for the passenger. Honestly, who applies makeup while driving? And besides, youre supposed to be concentrating on the road, not your appearance.

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  Its great!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By mom on the go - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the most perfect vehicle for me. Im a mother of 2 very active boys ages 11 and 9, and also have 2 dogs. Between the sports and the dogs were always on the go! Its easy to get in and out of, for both kids and dogs! And the best part there is no carpet!!!!! I can just sweep and whipe clean with a wet rag!!! Its better than a mini van!!!

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  BOMB-DIGGITY!!!!!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Lizard - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ELEMENT for six months now and I LOVE IT!!! Its been in several states (no small feat in California-- its 6 hours to ANY other state) and seen the whole state! Everyone tells me how ugly my car is-- until they ride in it the first time and then theyre like "its so cool!!"

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  untitled - 2000 Honda Civic
  By nbjhfl,uyhvjhn - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a hassle free city car. Very versatile. Park anywhere, haul a good amount of stuff and reasonably pleasing to look at. Not a car to be excited by but certainly one to depend on.

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  New Honda Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By beshannon - November 28 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with our recent purchase. Lots of storage space, well thought out compartments, very nice interior trim. Ride comfort is excellent, engine is smooth. Nav system is very good although the software is several years out of date. Audio system is good, dash mounted tweeters are a little shrill. Excellent visibility, large mirrors and good over the hood view. We compared ML350, RX330, MDX, Murano, Touareg.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By HondaStud - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle wouldnt go with anything else but a honda, the best cars on the road today