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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  Never thought Id own a minivan - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By 2002 Family Man - November 24 - 10:00 am

  We were looking at the ‘03 Expeditions and ‘02 Suburbans. We could have gotten an EXCELLENT deal on a 02 Suburban, but the gas mileage stinks (13 MPG city). We decided to look into the practical thing...a minivan. I am in my mid-20s, I thought I shouldnt own a minivan, but I was wrong. We ended up driving home in an 02 EXL. We are very pleased so far and believe it or not we got it below sticker. My advice is to do your car buying on rainy evenings because after being told by other dealers to pay sticker plus some or go somewhere else this dealer must have wanted to make a sale that day.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Erickrocks - November 24 - 10:00 am

  What a great car. Coming from a 300ZX, I was used to a sports car. My 2dr V6 coupe has the power of my old Z (and more) but the comfort and room of a full size car. Just turned over 60200 miles in 3 years, and have had almost no problems at all. Handles well for a sedan type car (with high performance sport tires -- ditch the Michelens), comfy to drive, looks good, decent power, and a great value. Removed the stock airbox and put in a KN cone type air filter system...the motor sounds great!!

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  Saved me from the Mini-Van - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Informer - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I had been following this SUV since Honda first announced its release earlier this year. With a growing family a larger car was a necessity. My wife wanted a Mini-Van, while I the me image conscious of us wanted something with a little more style.

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  Love My Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By joey8544 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is awesome! It is very comfortable and rides great.

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  Well Done Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By karimaboy - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Driving the pilot now for 2weeks. No problems yet. Thanks god. It is well done in and out. The ride is very comfotable and the front seats are huge.

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  WOW! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kdp - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just what I was looking for. Waited four months for order to be fulfilled, but it was well worth the wait. Honda reliability with a ride that my wife describes as "like a big limo." The truck for people who arent neccessarily "truck people." Who needs a minivan? Not me; Im to young to die...

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  Second Honda, and Very Satisfied - 2002 Honda Accord
  By DJC - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2002 EX V6 Coupe for my daughter in college. I researched several vehicles in our price range including VW and Toyota. I was very happy with the price and service that I recieved from my local Honda dealership. The car is increadable, I added the spolier which gives the car a nice sportier look. At this point I have nothing but praise for this vehicle.

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  I love my Civic! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Bill Waldron - November 24 - 12:40 am

  We used to be brutalized on gas costs for long trips with our Dodge Ram Van. This vehicle has the pep, room and gas mileage that is just excellent for its size. I made an 800 mile trip from NJ to South Carolina on 17 gallons of gas. It is not unusual to get 500/540 miles safely from 1 tank. The government tax incentive of 1500 dollars was nice too. I am going to save a fortune in gas costs in the coming years. I also purchased the bumper to bumper 10 year warrantee. I figured the tax incentive was a fair exchange. Get this car and become part of the solution to global warming, pollution, rising gas costs and have a little fun with the science of the law of conservation of energy.

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  Great Reliability and Mileage - 1992 Honda Accord
  By locke290 - November 23 - 7:30 pm

  I have had my accord for over a year and it has been extremely reliable. I have had no problems with the car whatsoever and it has almost 200k miles. It gets very good gas mileage, over 30 mpg, which in my opinion is excellent for a 14 year old car. I would recommend the accord to anyone!

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  Love my Honda - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Sylvia Garza - November 23 - 2:32 pm

  This is my 3rd Civic and Hknda is the best. If it was just me I would keep it! I now have grand babies and its difficult to get a car seat in and out of a 2 door so Ill. Trading it in. Just need more room. Gonna miss it.