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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  Not too proud of honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By nunchuck - April 26 - 10:02 am

  After purchasing a 2009 Honda ex-l pilot I realize that the pre-wiring connection was a dummy connection. I am not able to connect a trailer wiring harness unless I purchase the expensive kit from Honda. The kit cost more than if I had bought the tow hitch separate and had it wired. I also found out splicing into the wiring voids the warranty. Then I learned that remote start is a problem. Turning the car off after remote start just to enter the car is the dumbest idea I ever heard. It is my understanding both of these feature was pre-figure to get you to come back to Honda. I just wonder what else have Honda done to steer you back to them. My first Honda and my last. Bad mistake of Honda.

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  Honda convert from Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By SE MN Ridgeline RTL - April 25 - 6:15 pm

  Aquired the 09 Ridgeline RTL to replace 02 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 with 110K. I really like the Ridgeline and enjoy driving it each day. Solid build, minimal windnoise, even on windy days. Love the trunk! The seating and build is is better than the Dakota. Added an A.R.E. Z-series Cap for ~$2000, fit is okay, but these are not meant to be easily taken off and put back on like most fiberglass caps/toppers. Need to consider if you hall large objects now and then.

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  Brakes - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Beth - April 25 - 4:15 pm

  We have owned this car for 3 yrs. Bought it new. Am a stay at home mom and have not driven it much but in 3 yrs. we have had the brake pads replaced once under warranty and now they are grinding AGAIN at 33,000 and the dealership wants us to pay saying a 25,000 mile repair is normal. We own another car and in 100,000 miles have never replaced the pads. BE FOREWARNED ABOUT THESE BRAKE PROBLEMS. I am now going to contact Corp. and see what response I get.

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  My car - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Tiffany Alfaro - April 25 - 3:27 pm

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  Bought a beautiful Sapphire Metallic Honda Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John Taulbee - April 25 - 1:33 pm

  Bought the SUV one month ago. So far we love it. Too soon to tell about reliability, but were optimistic.

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  Best of both worlds - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Joe M - April 25 - 12:31 pm

  This is my second Ridgeline, 45,000 miles on it, and I finally had to do brakes. Other than that oil changes and tire rotations. I am averaging 17 mpg with mostly city driving. I commute 35 miles per day 6 days a week on all back roads other than the last 5 miles of the trip is highway. Love this truck. It does everything I need and the trunk is the best.

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  Good Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Driver - April 25 - 10:38 am

  Has been a good car, good ride and handling. Good paint, fit and finish.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By eric1949 - April 25 - 7:53 am

  The Pilot has a smooth and quiet ride which was a bit of a surprise. Handling and braking are great. Although you wont win any drag races with the Pilot, the acceleration is more than adequate.

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  Transmission issue - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By kiwivee - April 25 - 7:04 am

  My car has 19,000 miles on it and I noticed a hesitation when RPMs are around 1500. I could hear it in the engine noise as well. I brought it in to dealer & tech figured it out right away. Said hed seen several of these. He ordered the part, will drop the transmission and fix it. Or so I hope. Ill soon find out. Everything else about the Odyssey is great. Though I do wish the Touring model came with a third seat in the middle. It is so great to be able to open the doors in bad weather as Im approaching the car & just plop my smalls and groceries without getting soaked.

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  best van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By ks - April 24 - 10:06 pm

  The Honda Odyssey is number one.. there are more standard features.. a better ride. Honda does a great job keeping their reputation.