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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  I love this SUV! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By NEO - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my old Ford for a sleek new Pilot and it was the best thing I ever did. Smooth ride, good acceleration, and good mileage for an SUV. The only problems include price (supply/demand issue), and exterior finish. I would have preferred to have the door handles be the same body color rather than black plastic. Otherwise, the Pilot is an absolute winner in every respect!

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  I bought ANOTHER Odyssey - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DFrench757 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought a new 2000 Odyssey after being extremely frustrated with the bad reliability of domestic minivans. Not only is the Honda van bigger more reliable, and more powerful than the others, but it is extremely competitively priced for the features it has.I traded in my 2000 Odyssey for a 2003, and in 75000 miles, I never had to do anything but change the oil and put on a new set of tires. If all of the Hondas are this way, I will never buy anything else.

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  Own for business from day 1 - 2000 Honda Accord
  By buytxn - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Honda new off of the showroom floor. 50,000 miles later it is just as good as new! The car is comforatable and the Honda ergonomics are perfect. I get compliments even from high level executives when they get in my car.

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  Great car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AccordFan - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive! One of the things that sold us on the Accord EX V6 is the smoothness of the ride. The performance of the V6 is also what set this car apart from others in its class. See favorite features for more.

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  Great car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By hondadriver - May 9 - 5:56 am

  I drive this car about 100 miles a day and it does great. It gets better gas mileage than expected, 37/42. A little less with 5 passengers.

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  Great so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Adam - May 9 - 5:23 am

  The LX Special Edition had all of the features of the EX that we wanted (disc brakes, wheels, 6 disc CD w/wheel controls,etc) for several thousand less than an EX. The car is a big upgrade over our 01 civic EX. The 4 cylinder is the smoothest I have ever driven. Much smoother than the Toyota or the Nissan 2.5. I was afraid that the 2.4 wouldnt have the power to sufficiently move this big car around, but it has no problem. I am very pleased. I have put 4000 miles on this car in exactly 3 months and am averaging 26 city and 34 highway. Not bad for a car this size.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Matt Chalmers - May 8 - 9:36 pm

  While it is difficult to be all things to all drivers, the Pilot gives it a pretty good shot. While you will not be able to tow that 100 foot sail boat that you see on the Nissan Titan commercials, you will be able to do what 98% of SUV purchasers need to do. You will find the ride to be very smooth, solid and quiet. The Pilot is definitely a Honda. Great build quality. With the end of the model year deals available right now, you cannot go wrong.

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  S2000 - Wonderfully Engineered Vehicle! - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Clarence - May 8 - 3:21 pm

  Vehicle handling is superb. Its engine hums so effortlessly and is ready to pounce immediately when thrown in the right gear. The shifting is very precise and the pedals are placed in the right positions for heel-toe action. The pedals arent heavy and cumbersome, but light enough for my wife to use. The guages are large and easy to read with all pertinent info available. When driven lightly, its a fuel miser. Maintenance is Honda- esque. Its trunk is large enough for a weekend out with my wife. The VSD saved me from curb rashes on several occassions when carelessly turning on web pavement!

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  Great fun - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Stef - May 8 - 3:07 pm

  I have had my S2000 for 5 years now and I am totally satisfied. Its a fun car for the right price. No need for a Porsche. Drives like a pussycat or can punch it when you need to. Highly recommend for those who want one.

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  Amazing Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tim B. - May 8 - 1:36 pm

  This is the forth SUV Ive owned in 30 years and it easily champions over the others in fit, finish, quality of build, attention to details, and comfort. Way to go Honda. If the other automakers could copy Hondas dedication to excellance .....