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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  Save Big! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Steven - June 22 - 6:16 pm

  If you drive with gas saving in mind, slowly & patiently this car is for you. Little bit of a stiff ride,but seats are comfy. CVT takes a little bit to get used to. Been accustomed to having a vehicle shift to each gear,now this cvt is shiftless just the one gear constantly adjusting for best fuel mileage. Power is what you should expect from a hybrid. I think my lawn mower has more get up and go. Steers like a charm and no complaints yet. I honestly drive like a grandpa. This car suits me very well. Performance is not this vehicle by any means. Ive owned a Camaro with a LS1 engine, I know power and paying for it at the pump.

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  Fully Satisfied - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Good Choice - June 22 - 4:36 pm

  My wife and I shopped only Honda and Toyota to ensure highest quality and reliability. We drove them back-to- back within 15 minutes of each other. Toyota has slightly better fit/finish and materials, is quieter, slower, and rolls more in turns. Honda is more powerful, rides slightly firmer, and handles much better. Ergonomics in both are great excepts that the Honda does not have a telescoping wheel like the Toyota; sounds picky, but it makes a difference for driving comfort. Over 1200 miles, gas mileage averages only 21 mpg, but I expect that to pick up once the engine is broken (5k miles or so). For the same features in Honda, we needed to get Toyota Limited at 5k more; not worth it

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  Hondas do anything SUV - 2003 Honda Element
  By witchdoctor - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 2000 ML 320 for the Element and couldnt be happier. This truck is a blast to drive, and draws attention where ever I go. Its very spartan, but extremely well thought out. 26 mpg and $15 fill ups are a big plus. Honda has put it all together in this vehicle. Anyone considering the CRV should definitely take a look at the Element first.

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  honda element - 2003 Honda Element
  By l.m. miller - June 22 - 10:00 am

  good for fat people,lots of room.

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  Honda hits a Home Run with the Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By fzzywolf - June 22 - 10:00 am

  When looking for an SUV I researched them all. Without exception, I found the Pilot to be the best bang for the buck. Yeah, its pricey and you probably wont get it for less than invoice plus, but Honda reliablity will help it last a decade. My last Honda Accord lasted 280,000 miles and the Pilot will last just as long, Im sure. Just a non-parent comment: Do your kids really NEED a DVD player in the back? Reading or a sing-a-long is good for them. Dont give in.

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  Pilot Praise - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By MIPilot1 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  High build quality, good mileage for a SUV - 17-22mpg. Versatile interior, excellent for hauling kids to college or trips to Home Depot. Exterior styling a little bland. Nav system is the best I have ever used. Low noise levels, good handling, precise steering for an SUV. Has most of the advantages of a minivan without looking like one. Better value than the Acura MDX.

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  Pleased with Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jonny - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and ride are excellent. The ride is car-like and the view is mini van like. smoothness and power make up for lack of options.

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  So much more - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By P MANN - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I took a Fully loaded 6 cyl. Saturn Vue (with the Honda engine) for a test drive and ended up returning it in 3 hours!!! During my above test drive I drove to the Honda dealership. For the 2K more that I paid for my Pilot I feel as though I got 10K more in value! There was just no comparison in the comfort of the ride and the interior appointments. I love everything about this car. I wanted a SUV that I know has a great company behind it. Reliability is very important to me. We left the dealership and immediately took a 500 mile trip. It drove perfectly.

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  A Very Safe and Comfortable Ride - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Yiasou - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Honda Pilot. It rides and handles so well.

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  my crv - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By jean carlson - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car and have enjoyed two trips with my golden retriever who loves it also. Seats are very comfortable on long trip