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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  Buyer Beware - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By nicholas - August 1 - 2:53 am

  My wife and I purchased our frist new car a 2004 Honda Pilot. At 19k miles, we had to have the block replaced due to a cracked block being installed at the factory. Now, Honda America is giving us the run around on the warranty...beware!

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  ripped off - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dan - July 27 - 4:36 am

  I bought my 2006 coupe in 2005 i decided one day to compare spec 0-60 the clutch blew up when i hit 2nd gear they would not go good with warranty nailed me for 18,000 for one years use had 9600 km on it i have never been so disappointed how i was treated by the dealer and honda canada

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  Nothing but problems - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Steve - July 23 - 8:46 am

  I bought my Accord Hybrid 10 days ago. On the 4th day the engine light came on and the engine started to rattle and smoke. After the dealership looked over the car, I was told that is was a software issue. The car still does not run correctly. Today, while on the freeway, the right rear tire exploded. To my suprise, there isnt a spare in the trunk. After being towed to the dealership, they said they do not carry the tires and I would have wait a day or two for a replacement. They will not fix the engine, give me a spare, nor replace the vehicle.

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  needs some work - 2003 Honda Element
  By thud 90 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i do not like this car at all. its ugly and has to much plastic on it

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  Piece of garbage! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Lauren - June 28 - 12:05 pm

  We bought our CRV in 2004 and we absolutely hate it! We cant wait to get rid of it. It revs up really high when trying to speed up, so it sounds like you are going fast, but you are hardly moving. The cruise control can differ like 10 mph than what you set it at. It has a hard time going up hills and revs up really high. Good luck trying to pass anyone. The stereo sounds horrible. The paint is cheap as well as the carpet. We think there is a slight oil problem because of a little smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Electrical is so messed up! Alot of things dont work properly. Very uncomfortable, especially for long trips. I dont see why people recommend Hondas! They are cheap junk.

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  Read this before you buy - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Charlie1974 - June 23 - 8:22 am

  I drove the Ridgeline RTL-T and found the interior cramped especially around the driving pedals -- the parking brake pedal interferes with foot and leg movement. Try stretching your leg all the way out...tall guys cant do it. The tailgate does not have a lock--good for thieves to steal -- yes this does happen. Ground Clearance is awful -- 7 and a half inches. After the drive we pulled into a parking slot at the dealer and the front end scraped on the cement parking barrier. So much for any off road fun. Spare tire is a donut and not really good for any off road areas. Option packages do not include an XM radio until you are in the RTL-T price range of $35,860. This is ludicrous, as the "lower" priced models of $30,000 to $34,000 dont have a decent entertainment system. Any vehicle that is priced over $30K should at least have an XM radio. Also who really needs speakers in the truck bed?? Towing capacity is very weak...how am I supposed to tow my three Honda motorcycles to the motocross XC events? Bottom Line: This "truck" is not a working truck. It is for people who like the image of driving a truck, but dont need the utility of hauling or going to off road areas. I would call this a Sport Utility Truck, as it is just another Pilot but without the covered luggage area. Honda had the opportunity to build a Tacoma crushing vehicle, but has instead built a truck that people cant decide whether it is a Sport Utility Vehicle or just a weak truck. On the positive side...my wife likes it.

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  Buy German - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Raj Nathan - June 8 - 10:54 pm

  Good on the highways, thats the only good part. Bought the one with a Navigation that has all outdated maps, windshield wipers that do not clean, bug paste literally sticks to low-quality windshield, lousy stereo (multiple problems with the subwoofer) and above all a not a great drive. Engine may be nice, but not fuel efficient if you want to feel a little of the rush. Body is literally made of tin !! Listen to me, buy something German, everything else is a cheap imitation !!! I plan to promptly return this after my lease, but wanted to save a few souls from getting into a similar trap !!!

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  No Headroom - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Greg - May 29 - 8:24 pm

  I test drove the 2016 pilot lx awd. There is no headroom for someone 61" or taller. The EX has power front seats but even then you find yourself looking at the visor. I have a 2014 CR-V and I can see the sky. Both have decent headroom the problem is the design of the 2016 Pilot leaves you looking right at the visor. Wow, and I wanted to buy one. It is a problem they decided to overlook. I guess I am leaving Honda because I want and need (towing) the midsize suv.

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  Problems - 1999 Honda Passport
  By MT TROBLE - May 14 - 3:07 pm

  I bought mine in 2003, soon afer I had problems with. The first major problem was the in take valve gasket went out that cost $400. That last for 3 years, then same problem repeated. There is problem with transmission. Once in while it would shift very rough but goes away after turn off and restart it.

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  Civic not living up to Honda expectation - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ToBeHuman - May 13 - 10:16 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Mazda3s sedan for a 2006 Honda Civic EX sedan because Honda are supposed to be more reliable than Mazdas and the Civic is supposed to get a lot better gas mileage than the Mazda3. So far the Civic has gotten the same gas mileage as the Mazda3 and the Civic has had way more problems in the 3 months of ownership than the Mazda3 did in 2 years of ownership. Honda needs to get its quality control act back to what it used to be.