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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  Honda Insight - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Andy - December 28 - 1:27 am

  The Overview basically sums it up... You just cant beat it for the money, used with aftermarket 5 yr 100K warranty for $7400. I did have a few slightly costly repairs from the previous owners minor accident, but it is well worth it in the long run. Everone should have their own Insight at least for a daily driver. Im sure the costs would drop dramatically if enough people were buying them for commutes.

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  Great Car - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Dee - December 27 - 2:03 pm

  I have had the suv for 9 months and love it. I havent had any trouble with it. I feel that I got a great car for a good price. I wish the exterior was a little more "trendy" and that it drove smoother, but overall, Im very pleased. I know I will be driving this car for many years because I can rely on the quality and dependability.

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  Very Recommendable Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Justin - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  good ride, very smooth although the pilot is a way much better ride but hey, its still a Honda!

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  very cool little car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By tig - December 27 - 8:43 am

  Owned two 04 Civics and now have two 06s. Much better car in 06 even though we really liked the 04 too. Ride and safety is improved, gas milage is about the same (36 out of the box) and the new digital dash is very pleasing. We love the new Civic!

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  My Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By KT - December 27 - 7:34 am

  This is my first car. I got it with 166,000 miles on it and I had it for a year now and there has been no problems with it so far what so ever. The only few minor things that bothers me is when the car accelerates its not as a smooth and quiet as I expected it should be, its kind of loud and and the orange maintance light did not go away when I inserted my key, to set it back to the green light, the leg room in the back is kind of too little. Overall I love my honda and I plan on keeping it as long as I can, hoping itll last me at least through college. I would definitely get a brand new one when I graduate from college.

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  Suzuka Blue Delight - 2006 Honda S2000
  By Blue on Blue - December 27 - 7:33 am

  The S-2000 is a great looking car with lots of zip. This is my first sports car and I am delighted with the purchase. My first fill-up revealed 25 mpg combined highway and around town with much not-so-economical accelerator on my part. A caution: watch that low front bumper when parking.

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  Not surprised!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By accordfan - December 26 - 7:16 pm

  I have three Hondas including two Accords. The great part of it is its ingenious placement of the controls. When Im looking for something for the a/c it is so easy to find it, the knobs are large and the buttons are close to the steering wheels. Ive been in other cars and many car companies overlook this need. The gas mileage is great and the performance is pretty good for a four cylinder car. I was expecting a boring car but it is much more than I ever thought an Accord could be. If you are looking for a great car that will last almost forever, a Honda Accord is just the car! :D

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  Fun car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By funfuncar - December 26 - 4:20 pm

  This car is great. Got it new for less than 19k and it was worth every penny of it. Could have a little more power in the 4cyl though.

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  honda pilot ex with navi and res - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By jcdelara - December 26 - 10:00 am

  honda pilot is the best, very reliable , dont eat much gas for this kind of vehicle and it handle those winding roads very well.and if we are talking about power, honda pilot got it ,with 240 horse power ,sohc and v- tec engine

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  pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By chris menges - December 26 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle- holds more people and stuff than you expect-lots of little things like lots of cupholders