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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  in love with my car - 1995 Honda Accord
  By meredith - December 31 - 9:52 pm

  OVER 200,000 miles ...this car owes me nothing ... Just add oil/tires/and brakes.....After 150,000 miles i started repairing more than that.. CV- boots, struts, all belts, muffler, radiator, and 2 ball joints. A wonderful car until this year when my mechanic bills started to rise above the actual value of the vehicle. It will still keep kicking for another 100,000 miles guaranteed but i just cannot risk investing more into it as of this point.THIS car has made me feel nothing but good looking in it. Supersporty especially with an open moon roof.As for safety, i feel safer in this vehicle than i do in any SUV or Sedan..the only vehicle i recall feeling this safe in was a ford f250 truck cab with a roll bar

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  Loving It - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By marisa - December 31 - 9:16 pm

  I have had my Pilot for 4months And love it. There is so much storage in the front. You get a huge arm console. Inside contains a cell phone charger and a 12v outlet. Under the radio dash there is a sliding door to put more nick-nacks like pens, hair clips and anything else. We have 2 car seats on the sides and I am 55 150lb and sit comfy bw them. For your info, We have the Graco Safe seat behind the passenger b/c At 55 I can not put the drivers seat in a comfortable position, and the seat can not be reclined. We have the dvd system with the car and it works like your dvd player at home. I did not read the directions or watch the dvd movie it comes with. Very easy. It drives like a car.

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  Its a good fit! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Lisa - December 31 - 8:29 pm

  Traded in a 03 Accord EX V6 for the 07 Element SC. I really bought it for function and convenience (I have 3 dogs), but found theres a lot more I like about it. The SC model was much more stylish and handled a little better because of the bigger rims and tires and lowered base. Its fun to drive. You feel like youre in an SUV but driving a car. I was worried Id feel the change going from a V6 to a 4 cyl and not like the car as much, but it hasnt bothered me at all... its pretty good off the start and once you get going, no problem passing others or getting on the freeway. I like it more and more each day.

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  Such a great car I had to rate it - 2005 Honda Accord
  By justinltg - December 31 - 5:56 pm

  Coming off a 2002 Accord EX V6, I was quite impressed with the 05 EX V6. I had originally set my sites on an acura TL, but if you can deal with the Accord not driving like a sports car and dont need the crazy stereo of the TL, than the Accord EX is for you. The leather, interior, and performance is all "Acuress". I am very happy with this purchase. Plus its a Honda, I can put 200K on it with out any worries!

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  2003 HONDA PILOT - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BARRY - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I CANT BELIEVE HOW HAPPY I AM WITH THIS TRUCK. I WAS DRIVING A QX-4. I WAS ON A WAITING LIST FOR AN ACURA MDX WHEN THE HONDA CAME OUT. I WAITED TWO MONTHS AND GOT A BLACK PILOT. IT IS A SMOOTH RIDE AND THE FOLD DOWN SEATS HAVE WORKED OUT REAL WELL ( THE FOLD DOWN SEATS WERE WHAT GOT ME INTERESTED IN THE FIRST PLACE). THE VEHICLE IS REALLY ROOMY AND HANDLES WELL.

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  This car is great - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hondanewbie - December 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Its my first too. Its a shame is doesnt have quite the sporty look Id like but I got it for a great price and it has everything I want too. The engine is powerful and the gas mileage is incredible. I would recommmend this to everyone.

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  Excellent car!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Johnny_cui - December 31 - 10:00 am

  So far so good, like it so much!!! One minus point: Mileage is 25/gallen, which is a little lower than what I expected.

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  2006 Accord Coupe V6 Six Speed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By George Knighton - December 31 - 7:16 am

  Unbelievably full featured car. Wonderful torquey motor that pulls from low RPM in any gear. You can either leave it in a high gear and drive like its (almost)an automatic or row through the gears and keep it in the high power band for fun. The car is amazingly quick for a Honda that runs on 87 octane. I can see why VSA is standard equipment because you can get yourself into some serious situations with lift throttle. :o

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  A great SUV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Raj - December 31 - 1:31 am

  Very comfortable, smooth drive. Great mileage. Powerful engine, pretty quiet drive. No problems so far-8000 miles.

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  Its a Honda! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gordon - December 30 - 8:28 pm

  A very untruck-like truck for folks like me who did not want a truck. More useful than a SUV or a automobile. Probably one the safest vehicles on the road. Rides & handles like a luxury car. Legendary Honda reliability and build quality. An awesome vehicle!