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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  i like my honda!!!! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By himtngrl - October 21 - 10:00 am

  this is my first ever honda, after 3 toyotas. the toyotas are great for hard driving, they seem to thrive on high rpm shifting. the honda likes more gentle driving, gas mileage suffers with hard driving, so in that regard the toyota is better for me. ive been dissapointed with the quality control of the honda. lots of small things, sun visor drooped, one window is very slow, dealer says it cant really be fixed, weather striping around windshield is not smooth, etc. mechanically, its great, good accel (get the 5 spd)sound system is fine, love the turn radius!

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  Great Car for the value - 2002 Honda Civic
  By rayv - October 21 - 5:20 am

  Ive been a Ford owner for years.I decided to take a look at Honda Civics and I was very impressed. Quality and workmanship is outstanding. Ive only has owned my Civic for a few weeks now but overall it is a great car. Being a small car the ride can be a bit more noticeable on the bumps. The price was right with no pressure to buy. Check them out!! My only complaint would be with the options which are very expensive with little negotiating.

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  Impressed - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Impressed - October 20 - 3:53 am

  This is my wifes new vehicle and she absolutely loves it. Im pretty impressed as well. We see 29 MPG driving during the week (all city), and have gotten 38 on long highway trips. The car runs great and is a smooth comfortable ride. Ive been very impressed with the build quality and reliability of this car. It beats the heck out of my old 96 Taurus for comfort, quality, and convenience. I can see hanging on to this car for a long time. Ill be looking Honda when my Taurus dies.

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  Love It! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By n/a - October 19 - 11:51 pm

  Great small crossover. Drives smooth and is safe. No issues at all. Glad I made this purchase.

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  This Aint Your Daddys Van! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By cableguy06 - October 19 - 10:30 pm

  If you are looking for a van with a sporty ride and handling, sport car like acceleration and the reliability that can only co,e from Honda? Then this is your van. It is extremely roomy (far more than the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler vans) and has every creature comfort available. The NAV and DVD are must haves if you drive any distance with your children to visit family or travel for vacation.

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  Simply Awesome - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By Angela - October 19 - 9:33 pm

  I cant ever say with all of the cars that Ive owned that I found and owned one that is chic, sporty, unique and as eclectic as this particular vehicle. Its a bit deceiving because youre actually driving an SUV but you really dont know that its an SUV. I have so many people asking me, what kind of car is that! Theyre very surprised that its a Honda. Many think its a BMW. I love everything about this vehicle. Everything!

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  Research paid off - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ElectricalEngineer - October 19 - 9:19 pm

  I looked into purchasing a used car for over a year. After owning several Toyota Camrys I wanted something with equal build quality and reliability, but with a drivers design. This accord delivers! I love driving it and everyone else who drives it is amazed. This is truely an amazing vehicle.

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  A blast to drive - 2002 Honda S2000
  By John Kirk - October 19 - 7:40 pm

  This is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. Not only is it fun to drive but the quality is just excellent in every area. Its also nice that you dont see one on every corner.

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  I love this car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Heather Rooth - October 18 - 11:57 am

  My parents got me this car for my senior year of high school and for college. The car is in great shape despite some parking lot dings from careless drivers. I have 35,800 miles on it and never had a problem yet. The car runs beautifully no matter what the weather is like and the a/c is powerful and will get to the right temperature within 5 minutes of turning it on. The frame of the car will protect the people inside from almost any impact imaginable and I still snicker when I pull away from the gas pump with a full tank for less than $25. Its incredibly easy to handle and a great buy for any driver, but especially for college kids trying to save a little money. I love my car!

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  2018 Black Edition Honda Ridgeline - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By bcomer - October 17 - 10:16 pm

  Love it all around.