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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  Best car in the world - 1995 Honda Civic
  By 95dave - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from the lot and have driven it now for over 7 years. It has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Excellent gas milage- 35 MPG and still as fast as a BMW 325. Generally speaking, this has been a VERY reliable car. If you are considering a 92-95 Civic, check the CV joint boots, if over 100K check that the timing belt and hoses have been changed as well as the water pump. Oil changes at regular intervals are very important with this car.

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  Great car Great value - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Frost - June 17 - 2:00 am

  An overall great car. It is somewhat expensive for a compact car, but it makes up for it with reliability.

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  Honda Pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By dalay99 - June 15 - 9:50 pm

  Ive driven Hondas for 23 years and my 2004 Pilot may be the best vehicle Ive ever driven. It has lots of power, a very smooth transmission, and gives a quiet ride (not true with a lot of Hondas). Its first task was a 5,000 mile trip to the Rockies and back. It supplied both power and handling on all kinds of mountain roads, including a short trip off-road. The DVD entertainment system and back seat configuration kept the kids happy. I would recommend a Pilot to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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  Safe, fun, roomy. - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave C - June 15 - 6:40 pm

  The main reason I came here is to say that I was able to avoid a head on collision and the Odyssey took it all in stride. An approaching car doing about 40 crossed into our lane as we were doing 40 (driver was texting). Two adults, a child, and an infant were on board the Ody. With a palm on the horn, I swerve HARD right towards the curbing, and then swerved HARD left to avoid the woods. The oncoming car missed the front left by inches and the van actually DRIFTED cleanly around the nose of the oncoming car as it passed within inches to our left flank. The van was totally composed with no roll tendency and the drift was corrected by the stability system.

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  I Hesitate to Ask - 2008 Honda Civic
  By David W. Conver - June 15 - 4:13 am

  I love my new Civic Hybrid. Traded in my 05 Accord Hybrid which averaged 29 mixed. I now get up to 47 mpg in the civic. My one concern is that sometimes from a dead stop (and I do mean "dead" stop) the car will buck and hesitate as I accelerate. If I let off the gas it will stop and not present a problem. I am guessing that its the transmission trying to figure out a synchromesh gear to move into. Hope someone has some thoughts. Cheers. DWC

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  Ridgeline Truck rides like SUV - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Hoa Vu - June 13 - 3:39 pm

  limited trim/model availability around Houston so have to do a lot of shop around.

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  Honda Sustains and 86s - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Karl and Elise - June 13 - 7:20 am

  In a years time and lots of highway travel, we have enjoyed our experience. However, a few things that buyers should know. One is the brake pads. We had to replace them at the 20k mile mark and recently I over heard an Accord owner discussing with a service manager their replacement also at 20k miles. Ive owned numerous makes and models. Ford brake pads lasted longer than this. And I drove that car harder and under more harsh conditions. The other complaint is road noise and handling. Its highway road noise shouldnt be over looked as well as its ability to handle like it should. Freeway ramps (clover-leaf style) you will have to slow down as others dont.

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  Cold Starts...Not so Good. - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By bummedaboutmyhonda - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I live in So Cal and park my Pilot in the driveway. If its a cold night it wont always start the next morning The engine will crank but wont turn over on the first try. It will start on the second attempt. Honda service states that this is normal for a lot of new cars today...yeah right! He gave me various reasons why he thinks this is happening, though Im pretty sure he doesnt really know. He stated that all the Pilots on his lot were tested and all had delayed starts. This is not "normal" behavior for a car with 2000 miles on it. This is my third Honda...and if Honda doesnt make this right, it will be my last.

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  Good, But Not Great - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Swyler - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  Lots of pep under 50 mph, but 4 banger accelerates slowly at higher speeds. Feel every crack/bump in the road due to harsh suspension. Too much wind noise, and sunroof makes a buzzing sound when going over 40 mph on rough surfaces. Seats are a little uncomfortable for a 250 lb. heavyweight. Averaging 33 mpg.

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  140,000 and still going strong!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Smokey - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second accord. I traded in my 1989 too prematurely (it had no problems what-so ever!) but I have not looked back ever since. The car goes and goes...fast! It is very stable on the highway. The engine is still peppy! The best people mover car. I expect to either give it to my son or continue to ride into the sunset! No major repairs, just normal maintainance. I will by another before I die! Smokey