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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  First week in 2008 Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ron Beck - January 22 - 9:50 am

  Just completed my first week in my 42 month lease in Honda EXL-V6 and cant be happier! Thanks to Edmunds usual accurate reviews, I chose the Honda over many other cars. Love the interior and exterior look, the V6 is sensational, and getting compliments on the steel metallic color as if its a Lexus or BMW. Last tank of gas got 24 MPG. For the record I test-drove the Lexus350 the BMW 5 series, the infiniti G35 and enjoyed the Honda performance equally for far less money! Edmunds has guided me through a 1997, first year C5 Corvette, a 2002 Infiniti G35 and others, always being on target! I thought that I was downgrading, but5 I love the Honda. Thanks Edmunds.

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  Not a True 8 seater - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Chris - January 22 - 9:10 am

  Absolutely love everything EXCEPT the so-called 8th seat. No adult and very few children can fit in it. And if you plan on putting a car seat in it (even an infant car seat) you can forget it. The carseat will fit, but it restricts the movement of BOTH seats next to it so that you cant move them to get in the back. If you want a car seat in the middle for easy access, I would suggest taking out the 8th seat and sliding the 2nd row passenger side seat over against the driver side seat. However, if youre after a true 8 passenger minivan, this is not it. Try the Toyota Sienna.

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  Piloting our lifes journey - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mark - January 22 - 3:40 am

  We had traded it in their 2012 Honda CRV for a 2015 Honda Pilot and were traveling through life just fine for a year. Then one day stopping by the Honda dealership there it was the 2016 pilot. Before I knew it I was in talking to my salesman they gave me a fantastic deal on a trade in three and a half months later are 2016 Honda Pilot touring all wheel drive arrived. This vehicle is so much more than the 2015 pilot was smooth quiet very powerful and all the options that one could well it. I must say the button shifting was something to get used to but now Im very accustomed to it and wouldnt go back to a regular manual shifter. I cant say enough about the weight of the pilot Drive handles and once in awhile I must say I am guilty of disappointing kids and their little rocket cars as I ease into the gas pedal and deposit them in my rearview mirror. Handling is great visibility is good and Im very happy with the vehicle.

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  Its An Economy Car, People! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By KDK - January 21 - 11:36 pm

  We have only owned Hondas for the past 12 years because we dont want the hassle, headache and maintenance woes associated with other vehicles. Honda has not disappointed. We recently purchased the new 2009 Civic LX-S to replace our 1997 Civic as a work/commuter car. In reading other reviews, I am surprised to see complaints like "no lighted vanity mirrors," "no keyless entry for the trunk," etc. Are we missing the boat here? This is excellent for what it is, an economy car. If you want a car for under $19,000 with reliability, great fuel economy, look no further. If you want heated seats with your keyless entry, buy something else and stop complaining.

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  Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By John - January 21 - 8:50 am

  This car drives like a car that cost thousands more than I paid. Have 60000 miles and still drives like new, averages 32-39 mpg. I take very good care of this car and it has not let me down. Will stick with Honda. Car is not perfect, but not far off. I love the way the trans down shifts with out me having to push the gas pedal half way to the floor. No complaints, love this car will buy another one when the time comes.

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  my honda experience - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By roger pyles - January 21 - 6:56 am

  traded a explorer for honda pilot cell phone plug and rear cooler will not work with switch off tires throw mud all oversides of vehicle audio sound very poor also needs good antenna poor reception door locking system locks you out sometimes courtisy light goes out to fast dont give you time to get house door open windshield washer resevior to small spare tire should be standard size steering noise in turns location of light switch wrong place haedlight bulbs on low beam are to low and makes driving dangerous you can not see far enough in front of you .you can be on a deer or person or animal before you know it low beam you are overdriving your lights over all i am not impressed with pilot

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  Average Joe - 2003 Honda Element
  By DepsHonda - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This Honda is fun to drive. The sound system is to of the line. When I first got it I took it up to the Blue Ridge to see how it would do in the snow. No problem. I was so impressed the following week I drove it to Florida to see how it would do on the beach. This SUV was made for the family who loves to vacation(MINE) and would rather spend money at the stores not at the pumps. My wife is so happy I talked her out of the Liberty. We did drive one for 4 weeks. Boy did I miss her ELEMENT.

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  Ive been convinced by using it - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By The big guy - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Previously drove Lincoln Town Car. This van handles transport of a 3-wheel scooter for handicapped much easier without taking scooter apart to load it. Has better road mileage, ride, and performance than the Lincoln. Am sold on this vehicle for my use, and recommend it for others to try.

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  Nothing better for the money - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jwahaus - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We are verry happy with this SUV. I wouldnt really consider this a mini-SUV as Edmunds likes to clasify it. The interior dimensions compare well to many other "mid-sized" SUVs. The 160HP engine is more than enough to get around town. Acceleration is good. Not really the SUV you want if you need to tow a boat but we have a truck for that purpose.

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  BEST MID SIZE SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By RMichael - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV for a 130 mile per day commute.I get a consistent 27 MPG combined hwy and city. The car really moves. I bought the lX model with all the extras but with a stick shift. I had to special order it but the std shift gives excellent control and has great power. Ask for Lud if you buy at Curry Honda in Westchester. He was straight up front no high pressure and was very knowledgable. The car is OK in the snow and the rain. Would Highly Recommend the purchase.