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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  Still Lovin Honda - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - July 12 - 1:09 pm

  This is now our third Honda and definitely the nicest.The Pilot has amazing interior space, is incredibly comfortable and, like all Hondas, the engineering is superb. I would have liked to have the option to get both the Navigation and rear entertainment systems together-something Honda really ought to consider. Additionally, the steering wheel controls are inadequate. Unlike my Civic, which you can go up or down on the radio stations, you have to cycle all the way through 6,1, 2,3,4 to get to preset 5. Stupid. I would also like a cooling option on the leather seats. Even with climate control, in a hot climate the leather doesnt breath and gets hot.

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  Happy with my Pilot - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By mercara - July 12 - 12:46 pm

  I bought Pilot EXL AWD over a year back and thought I would use it for a while before I did the review. A year and 10K miles later, I am completely satisfied with my Pilot. This vehicle gives you the practicality of a minivan or close without having to buy a minivan. The vehicle has good ergonomics and the lot of nice storage compartments, etc. It handles well and gives about 21.5 mpg on the highway and about 16 ~17 in the city. The third row seats are excellent, for moderate sized adults. Great Value for Money.

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  Coolest Family Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By E MOM - July 12 - 10:00 am

  We owned a Land Rover before we bought the Honda Element and making that switch was one of the smartest moves weve made. Our neighbors and friends were quite shocked when we came home with it, once they saw the interior they couldnt believe all the room it had. We have two boys, 6 and 4 years old -it is a perfect car for kids if you want to be a cute, hip, outdoorsy type mom. For such a little thing we feel like we have twice the room as the Land Rover and over double the gas mileage. We love the water wash down floors, never any stains from the kids drinks or food. I told my 6 year old son when we bought it that we just bought his car-10 years from now.

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  Great Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MDCLA - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Love my CR-V. I wouldnt have any other vehicle. I can haul around lots of product for my job, can fit four other adults in the car with me (comfortably), and have had a friend as tall as 6 7" say he was comfortable in the front passenger seat. Its fun to drive, looks great and pretty good on gas (when Im running the AC a lot I get about 20 MPG on average, as high as 28 when I dont need the AC at all.)

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  Honda still #1 - 6 Hondas later! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sds59 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th Honda! My first was an 86 Civic. Ive had Civics and Accords both. My family has had about 15 of them all together. You just can beat them for quality, value for the dollar, resale value, durability. Id recommend them to anyone and everyone.

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  Solid Economy - 2004 Honda Civic
  By C. R. Hausman - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Although my Civic Hybrid does not get quite to mileage advertised, it consistently gives me mileage in the 40s and in the high 40s in highway driving. It is solid and has an excellent safety rating--which is one reason I chose it over the Toyota Prius. Its design is not pretentious, which I prefer.

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  Laugh at the Gas Stations - 2004 Honda Civic
  By LoisAnn - July 12 - 10:00 am

  As we pass the gas stations we laugh. Our Honda Hybrid gets 45 MPG and rides like a dream. It is fun to drive also. We really get a kick out of listening to the engine stop at stop lights. If you have a hybrid you know what I mean. Tee Hee

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  Tell it like it is - 2003 Honda Accord
  By gatorguy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Nice comfaortable car with easily accesible features through out.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ITRNBTR - July 11 - 11:50 pm

  After a wonderful 3 year lease, I have sold my red S2000. Buying this car was one of the greatest ideas I ever had. It handles like no other production car out there. It screams around corners and brakes hard enough to loosen your fillings. It looks great and has never had a single mechanical problem. It is faster than its competition, costs less for the most part, gets better fuel economy and has a bigger trunk while weighing less. Amazing.

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  Excellent - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Sam G - July 11 - 9:59 pm

  Ive owned a few cars in my lifetime. This by far is my Favorite. a lot of fun, good gas miles, and lots of room inside. not to many guys driving this car, but i dont care. i love it and Im keeping it for a while. Buy it, you wont be disappointed.