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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  Superbly designed and executed vehicle - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Rosenquist - November 13 - 12:48 am

  I got the EX-L with AWD, since we frequently go to snowy areas in winter. The Pilot is very comfortable, the controls are intuitive and easy to operate, and the ride and handling feel solid but not harsh. The mileage is surprisingly good for a vehicle of this size, although the actual mpg calculated by odometer miles vs gallons at the gas station are about 1.5 - 2 mpg less than the calculated mpg per tank on the dashboard. Nevertheless, we got high mid-high 20s on a recent long trip over predominantly level terrain, despite having the AWD version. The materials have the look and feel of quality, the ride is quiet and smooth, and it is a thoroughly enjoyable vehicle to drive. The very back seat can easily hold two average sized adults, compared with negligible space in the very back seat in a Toyota Highlander I had compared in making the purchase decision.

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  My 2007 CR-V is excellent! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Gil Ponton - November 12 - 5:16 pm

  I really like this car, I used to drive a 2000 Dodge Durango (5.2 liters) and decided to try a small SUV. I am so glad I did it; the CR-V has great style and looks sophisticated, the ride is excellent and firm and I am getting 27 mpg. I wish the dealer had explained about the middle driver console being an option, I do not like the tray it comes as standard equipment since it looks cheap. I would recommend it to any one but I still need to drive it for a fews months yet, but so far is an outstanding machine.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Betasigman - November 12 - 4:06 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned in terms of utility and function. Considering Ive owned a 89 Toyota Camry, 95 Isuzu Rodeo and 97 Infiniti Q45t, this is the one that you can take anywhere, anytime and with anything.

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  2009 Accord V-6 - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Last Call - November 12 - 5:03 am

  Have only owned the 2009 Accord for two weeks. Gave my son my 1998 Accord with 160K mi. Love the new Accord and am looking forward to driving it for at least a decade. It is a major upgrade from the 1998. The comfort and ride have improved. The handling and braking is much crisper than any other sedan under $40K. With the 6 cylinder you lose a couple of miles per gallon but the added acceleration is worth it.

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  Serious Brake Problem - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Ron - November 12 - 4:36 am

  Rotor problems at 3,000 miles, replaced front pads and turned front rotors . At 10,000 miles had to replace rear pads, at 18000 miles had to replace the front rotors, the rear rotors had to be turned and the rear pads had to be replaced. At 23000, had to replace the front rotors and rear rotors. Honda installed a re-designed and upgraded spring loaded brake pad on both the front and rear, that is supposed to correct the problem. Well see. Come on Honda, Fix the problem once and for all.COMPLAIN LOUDLY TO HONDA PEOPLE

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  Deal Breaker - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mac - November 11 - 9:53 pm

  No locking tailgate ! Also not impressed with the navigation system, I believe it is from 2015, and the rest of the info system. Getting in and out of the rear seats is not good.

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  Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By CM - November 11 - 5:23 pm

  This is the 20th Auto Ive owned in the past 30 years, and the 6th purchased brand new. My experience so far is this is the best auto Ive owned to date. I terms of performance (especially consdering its a minivan) comfort, technology, etc. its number one. The word from family and friends that have traveled inside it is "wow."

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  2007 Accord SE - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Dani - November 11 - 4:07 pm

  This is my second accord, the first was a 5-speed and I REALLY miss that, however this car is SO comfortable and have not had a single problem with it in 2 years. I love my Honda!

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  Great Car / Timeless - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Texas Car - November 11 - 3:55 pm

  I have had my 92 for 16 years and have no plans to get rid of it. The Little Red Car has 185K miles on it and has been extremely trustworthy. I am a Japanese car tech by trade and only use OEM Honda parts when possible. The axle shafts are the originals. I have, during its life, installed the second set of boots after the originals. The rotors and drums have never been machined. I am now on the first set of OEM replacement shoes and second set of OEM pads. I am on the first timing belt, water pump and front engine seals, with new drive belts. I will be installing the second replacement belts, tensioner, valve adjust, plugs and misc within the next few days. Then, here I come 250K miles.

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  Not so Hot Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By RJ - November 11 - 3:38 pm

  I bought a Honda Odyssey in June 2005 and I had a problem with the brakes after 13 months. I ended up trading it for a 2006 version and now I have even more problems with it. I needed to buy 4 new tires after less than 2 yrs. The battery needed to be replaced and now I am hearing a whistling noise whenever I step on the brake. Now, the backside of the passenger side is falling apart and they tried to blame it on my kids. I took it to be fixed on 10-10-08 and now, it is 11-11-08 and I had to go back and get it fixed again. What is up with that? I am realizing that after 2 yrs. Honda Odyssey tends to fall apart. After 2 yrs, imagine that? Most people are not done paying for the van then.