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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  2016 Pilot has exceeded our expectations - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Pete Rubinas - October 31 - 11:04 am

  I took my time purchasing the new Pilot because of the questionable reviews early on, particularly around the transmission, entertainment system technology, and fit/finish. We have been very pleased with the vehicle overall. I took the car for a lengthy test drive to ensure that I was comfortable with the transmission. While it has a slight lag from a full stop while in Economy mode, I dont feel that is excessive, perhaps because Ive owned other fuel efficient vehicles that dont provide immediate acceleration. It does accelerate just fine once it does take off. And I have not experienced any of the gear-searching that early reviewers mentioned. The active safety technology is pretty incredible, particularly for longer highway trips. Auto high-beam headlights, auto wipers, blind spot information system, and adaptive cruise control/lane-keep assist system all make the driving experience almost effortless. Problems with fit and finish from early on appear to have been addressed, as our vehicle has no such issues. The only thing that does feel somewhat unrefined is the Auto Engine Off idle stop functionality, which can be turned off, albeit impermanently. If it is particularly hot or cold, you will likely want to turn off the Econ mode to maximize heating or cooling from the HVAC system. And I still prefer Google Maps on my phone to the Nav system. All in all, we are very happy with our purchase.

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  Great minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By "Soccer Dad" - October 31 - 9:33 am

  More expensive compared to other minivan but its worth it. Considered Sienna but I preferred a sharper handling and more standard safety features like Side curtain airbags with roll-over sensor, Stability control etc. Kia Sedona but Honda has an excellent resale value, proven reliability and cheaper insurance for us.

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  Sweet little ride - 2010 Honda Fit
  By movon123 - October 30 - 4:23 pm

  Traded 2008 Toyota Matrix for 2010 Honda Fit Sport Auto better MPG ride handling and it has a cool look also. For the extra money the Fit is a great buy.

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  Ridgeline fan? - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By KARUSA - October 30 - 4:21 pm

  Doesnt fit long legs, short arms well. Honda famous "fit and finish" is lacking. Very underpowered at 245hp and 4500 lbs. Fuel economy in town only 14 not 17 advertised. Hondas implementation of 4WD is not. You can not control it and it works only marginally light offroad and in wet heavy snow on road. The in bed storage is a large plus. Overall, Id buy something else if I had it to do over, I want a better hp/weight ratio which would also help fuel mileage. Its underpowered, had nagging minor issues with trim misfits, vanity lights needed repair -- choose differently folks.

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  2005 Honda Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bill Bailey - October 30 - 2:33 pm

  The Pilot is a very solid feeling vehicle. It is roomy and the interior fit and finish is impecable. It is suprisingly agile and is fun to drive. It is extremely quiet around town, but there is some road noise at highway speeds. Hondas reliability has always been exceptional and the Pilot should be no different. I would recommend this SUV to anyone.

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  Glad I got one - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ken young - October 30 - 12:56 pm

  Still like the truck get to blend in with everyday pickup trucks , when people notice it they come up talk to you about it

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  Great commuter car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jimbo - October 30 - 10:46 am

  Bought this car new and have put 230,000 trouble free miles on it. Seriously I have only done oil changes, tires, brakes, and the timing belt. Although I am still getting 36 mpg in mostly highway driving, it is getting a little long in the tooth and am looking for a new car. Want to by domestic, but cannot bring myself to not buy a Honda.

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  Best of Class - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Only one bad thing - October 30 - 7:50 am

  I have put 12,000 miles on our 2007 EX- L and so far its been a very reliable and enjoyable car. The car drives smoother and has better performance than the Sienna. Interior features are well done and laid out. They went cheap on a few interior parts being made of cheap plastic. Overall interior comfort is really nice and its a great car to take on long road trips. The floor storage is also a nice feature, but the the thing that got me to buy the Honda over Toyota, was the way the seats folded and set up some much easier than the Toyota. I also notice the steering rack is not as smooth as the Toyota, but I just got it replaced and its much smoother.

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  One of the best in class - 2008 Honda Civic
  By g - October 29 - 5:26 pm

  I love this car. I love it when the engine hits the 6000- 8200 rpm. It makes me want to Pound it everywhere I go, and I still get 24 mpg. The transmission is smooth. Some people complain about third gear but I havent had any problems. I would like to have more power, but who doesnt. The one thing about this car you have to be in the right gear to get the most out of the engine. Not a perfect car but very fun to drive.

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  Riding - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By John Miller - October 29 - 3:04 pm

  Ive had four adults and two dogs get sick from riding in the back seats. Im going to take it to a dealer about it, but dont think anything will be done about it. Hope Im wrong. The seats are not very comfortable. Took a 5,000 mile trip was stiff from riding. We got out every 200 miles for a rest. Gas mileage isnt as good as my old van was. Passenger side needs more leg room.