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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  Honda Pilot 2004 EXL-RES - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sarndt - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Drives well. Comfortable Enterior. Not Great on Fuel Milage (No SUV is). Lots of room for family (3 kids) and friends. Needs more protection on door panels from dings/scratches (already got first dings along passenger door on trim plate only after 1 week). Gear shift should be on floor - hard to shift. Wipers turn on backwards (down instead of up). Roof rack end piece flew off on freeway. Rattle in right front dash. Quality may not be as high as on early Hondas.

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  Great Car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By PSU Jedi - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for a single person or a married couple with no kids or pets. Theres lots of room for two and four can fit comfortably, though head room in the back is a little tight for full sized adults. The Civic is a fun car to drive, with great handling and plenty of pep.

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  Drive and Drive and Drive - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Pro driver - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I would say the comfort level of the vehicle is good. It is more for the non sport enthusiast. I drive for a living with at least a 2 hour commute. I have 83,000 miles on my 2002 Accord and have had my first repair of a wheel bearing just this week. I opted for the 100,000 mile bumper to bumper but I really didnt need it. I am a very big guy and it is sometimes a little tight as I spend 4 hrs at a time on the car most days. Also I can say this car is a fantastic value for the money. At this point I am just about breaking even on my value vs. financing value as I am considering upgrading to an Acura TL.

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  Planet saver with a Big price tag - 2004 Honda Civic
  By DeVang - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Legendary Honda built and quality for engine, chassis, suspension. Questionable reliability of battery & electric motor. Ride quality is firm, handling is acceptable and price is slightly on the high side. Acceleration is fair.

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  Not bad for a van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By R Van Siclen - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This is our second van. The first was a Dodge Caravan, still rolling after 118K, so no complaints. But the Odyssey is tighter in turns, much more stable at speed, much more fun to drive, much easier to drive many miles a day, and so far has not even hicupped much less caused any problems.

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  huh! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By alberto - January 21 - 10:00 am

  After driving for an hour or so. Vehicle starts to rough idle.

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  Better to drive than to look @ - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Nautiker - January 21 - 10:00 am

  leasing this 02 SI for 3yrs. have had nothing but Hondas in the past. Wasnt too crazy about the looks, but once I drove it. Sold! A great combination of handling, power, and interior asthetics in a fun to drive car. Considered the Protege 5 and felt more confident in the refinement and dependability of a Honda. Not crazy about the looks, definitely needs larger rims and tires, and maybe a body kit. High cowl doesnt help. Otherwise, a great car for the money!

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  See our V ! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By don - January 19 - 6:16 pm

  From the day we first picked up our new CRV we felt very comfortable in it. The Honda CRV replaced our family mini-van of ten years; we were so surpirsed to find that we didnt lose any functionality but gained versatility and economy. The CRVs little extras like stow away picnic table, multpole cup holders and center console flip-up table are very appreciated. The CRV handles well on the road and has ample pick up on the interstate for a 4 cylinder vehicle. The cars AWD handles well in snow yet gets great gas mileage. The seats could be a little more comfortable for long trips. Otherwise the CRV is terrifc value and a lot of fun. No wonder there are so many on the road.

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  Accord is King - 2009 Honda Accord
  By sunmoonroof - January 19 - 10:43 am

  This is my second Accord. I love this one too! Im sold on the Accords reliability and resale value. The interior is very upscale. Well designed with plenty of room. The 4 cylinder makes more power than I expected. Grill area of the car looks great. The tailight area could be improved. Looks great as a coupe, but the sedan looks weak from the rear. Road noise is more than I expected. Stereo is ok, but could be better. The fit and finish is top notch.

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  AWD extremely poor - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sugarfoot - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Love the vehbicle EXCEPT FOR an AWD system that doesnt cut it. With no locking differential, I find the vehicle has very poor traction on wet or snow covered surfaces that permit diagonal front & rear whels to lose traction. For me, this happened far to often. There is also an issue with windshield cracks that is not acknowledged or backed up by Honda. Ground clearance is also too low for off road use. Gas tank is vulnerable.