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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  Gotta Love It - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Musicman - September 20 - 12:25 am

  When looking for my second car, I knew I needed something with a lot of cargo space and good fuel economy. Of course I also wanted something stylish and fun to drive. I found that in my CR-V! Its got enough room to haul my bands equipment to shows when Ive got the rear seats folded up. The iV-TEC engine has enough power to satisfy throttling down the interstate. And it has plenty of room to carry my friends from place to place! So far the only issue Ive had is the glove compartment light stays on all the time the switch isnt catching.

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  Odyssey is awesome - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Julie Bruechert - September 19 - 10:16 pm

  We really like driving our Odyssey. It is very comfortable, and our family of four feels a sense of luxury because of how roomy it is. Midnight blue is an excellent color for this van.

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  Love my car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By R.Lamar - September 19 - 9:03 pm

  After owning a Honda Accord EX (totaled), Volkswagen Passat wagon (engine water damage), and Mazda c-x7 (trade-in) I had to go back to the Honda the gas mileage cant be beat. Love the smooth 5-speed manual and adore the quiet ride. I can also fit three car seats in the back which was the reason I was able to go back the the Honda family.

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  06 Honda Coupe EX (auto) - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Darrell Crouse - September 19 - 8:36 pm

  Couldnt be more pleased with the overall performance and quality of this vehicle. The only thing I dislike is the limited head room. A tall person would not fit well in the drivers seat. I consider the fuel economy to be excellant for a non hybrid. I am getting an avg. of 36 mpgs

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  I like the GMC Acadia Better - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By MinivanMama - September 19 - 1:43 pm

  My husband talked me into buying a minivan because it would be more economical. Out of all of the minivans we test drove the Honda Odyssey was the best, with the Toyota Sienna in a close second. However if you are wanting an economical car with good gas mileage do not buy this van. There is many cool features such as the rear view camera, Rear Entertainment Center, the fact that you can open and close the doors and hatch. But overall I do not think it is worth the money. Therefore we took it back and are getting the GMC Acadia. Seriously check the Acadia out I think it is the best crossover on the market.

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  I like it but - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By emil Dandrea - September 19 - 9:49 am

  Mine actually makes a "choofing" sound when depressing accelerator. When taking foot off accelerator it seems to stay in lower gear and feels like you have the break on, like changing down a gear to slow down like it never got out of low gear. Display on dash does not show much info, I would like outside temp and music tracks playing. Pretty much blank screen unless adjusting settings.

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  No More Hondas - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By D JACK - September 19 - 9:24 am

  Bought new in 04. Tires wore out after 20,000 miles. Excessive wind and road noise, rides like a tank, seats are not comfortable. Front struts had to be replaced at 50,000 mi. and yes my air cond. went out at 59000 mi., cost $2800 at dealer. Found someone to fix for $1000. Eng. light keeps coming on and off. No more Hondas.

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  I Love It - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By K.Black - September 19 - 8:47 am

  Ive had my Pilot about 7 months now and have had it on a 3000 mile trip to Colorado and back (I live in California). The Pilot has plenty of power even in the mountains I averaged 23.4 mpg on that trip even with the cruise set at 75mph (which is the legal speed limit in Nevada, Utah and Colorado on the Freeways). I did take it out of cruise when climbing long grades the transmission shifts too much if left in cruise....I was driving 12 hour days and did not get tired at all the Pilot is very comfortable....even around town I get little better than 15 mpg. It does drift to the right if you take your hands off the wheel. But most 4WDs I have driven do the same thing. Im very happy with my Pilot.

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  Good car for the money - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Mjm43ktm - September 19 - 1:26 am

  I have put 78k trouble free miles on this car since I bought it brand new. I do my own engine oil and transmission oil changes. I live in a hilly area so I put new rear brakes on at about 65k miles. One of the tires had sidewall damage so l replaced them at 75k miles. The tires still had tread left. The car handles well, but the suspension is firm so if you drive on bumpy roads it will give a rough ride. The four cylinder engine is smooth and quiet in every day driving, but will accelerate hard if you put your foot to the floor. This is the last year of the five speed automatic transmmission. I like the firm seat foam but the fabric could be better quality. I get 35 mpg going 70 mph on long trips, and I get 25-27 in town. I did make a 5 hour trip on state routes with a 55 mph speed limit and I got 42 mpg! This car looks good and is a great value. Comfortable for four adults. It has a huge trunk.

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  Good value for the money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Drema - September 18 - 11:10 pm

  This is my third Honda and they are still excellent cars. I test drove a Camry and found it comparable, but the cost of options that are standard on the Honda made the Camry too expensive. The back seat leg room is best of any car I looked at, and I think the trunk is very roomy.I love this car and feel very good about the price I paid. However, I am finding that bucket seats are not for the elderly or those with arthritis.