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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  Pleasurable Motoring - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Levster - March 25 - 4:44 pm

  Purchased the Insight in 2004 with slight damage and 32,000 miles from a private seller. After repairs, enjoy driving and average 60 MPG with no operational or repair problems. I love driving this car and passing the gas pumps. Originally used hi-test, then found that it ran just fine on regular. Drove to Florida & back from NH with no problems and averaged 61 MPH. Have replaced brake pads & tires. Friends wonder why I love this car after driving BMWs for 15 years...let them wonder !!!!!

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  Ride - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By rita mccraw - March 25 - 2:19 pm

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  "Great Running truck" - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mike - March 25 - 12:00 pm

  I have owned several trucks, and none compare to the Honda Ridgeline it is a smooth riding truck. It has a car like feel but still has the performance of a full size truck. I can have my family in the truck and still haul everything else.

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  3rd Honda - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Joan Edmonds - March 25 - 10:15 am

  After 20 years of being a Honda Accord owner, I didnt need to shop around. I just looked for the best deal on my new Honda Accord.

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  New CiviCs Rule - 2006 Honda Civic
  By C0ivi6CBoy - March 25 - 2:53 am

  I have had my 06 Civic Sedan for about 2 months now. Have had no problems whatsoever and the fuel economy has been great (Avg 32 mpg city). Have not had achance to take a long trip as of yet but. Avg miles on a tank is around 350 or so. Also love that people at work seem to think I spent more then I did (shhh). GREAT Car for a GREAT price. Dont miss out.

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  Best SUV for your Money!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Lynns Suv - March 24 - 10:26 pm

  We love the CRV period! Test drove the Ford Escape and the Toyota RAV4. The Honda CRV is very smooth in accelerating, handles the winding roads where we live with ease. The ergonomics inside the CRV are terrific. Love the looks of the exterior. For your money you cannot go wrong with this 4WD, seats are very comfortable, can see out of all areas of the inside cabin, there are no blind spots. You wont regret getting this Honda CRV!

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  Everything OK But the Dash Display - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By norbtuc - March 24 - 10:00 pm

  Handles very well for its size. Drove Missouri curves like it thought it was a sports sedan. But the dash display fades out on bright days. The KPH scale and the intermediate tic marks on the speedometer disappear. If you were in Canada, you would have to drive at night to see how fast you were going in KPH. Faulty engineering for the glove box which everyone complains about....doesnt close properly and it cant be fixed. Comparing it against the market, my wife and I still believe we made the right decision on getting the Honda Odyssey Touring minivan.

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  Great Worker-Bee car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Neal - March 24 - 8:35 pm

  Bought this brand new, now has 170,000 miles. Never did anything to it until I had 150,000. Still as tight and solid as the day I purchased it. Bulletproof reliability, and holding up very well. For the person who spends countless hours in their vehicle, the Honda Accord is it. Nothing too fancy, but just everything right. I want to get the 2008, but one problem. My 2002 still running like a new car.

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  Very good investment. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By RallyeRed - March 24 - 7:27 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for a little over a year. Out of most of my friends, Im the only one with a fuel efficient vehicle and I see how much more money they spend of gas, I can usually fill up for about thirty dollars when it takes them sixty to seventy dollars to fill up. Anyway, its a great car. I think the interior is designed quite well and is also comfortable. Like I said, its a very good investment, especially if youre looking for a more fuel efficient car.

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  Research Hondas...Transmission problem - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Honda99 - March 24 - 4:51 pm

  I bought the vehicle at 84,000 and thought that Honda goes forever. Did regular service at 85,000. Water pump, timing belt, drive belts, a/c belts, spark plugs, transmission fluid, pretty much a good tune up. But to my surprise I noticed and was told by my mech. that I should have researched before buying this accord as it has manufacturing problems with Transmission. Its not even 100K and the transmission is slipping. When you take off, it hesitates from gear 1 to 2. And when you stop, it gives a little jerk before stopping. This is known issue with Honda (98-02). So, research before you buy it.