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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  Fantastic - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tekay - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Test drove a number of other cars Like the Toyota 4 runner the mazda mdx ,and jeep they all had high price tages the toyota and jeep didnt have very much driver room. the mdx seemed to be shorter in the lenght of front end and sloped downward and for the price and comfort the honda pilot was much better.

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  designed by a women for a man - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By stanerly - April 21 - 2:00 am

  the crv has so many features there too numerous to mention. Its a small suv which makes it easy to handle & park. Hoonda are by far the most reliable cars Ive owned

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  CRX to CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Iwaboy - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Back in my college days I had a CRX and that car ran and ran and ran, forever, practically. So when my wife asked for a new car, we went looking. She was giving up a 1993 Toyota 4- Runner. I was concerned that she was not going to like a smaller car. However, after research, we found that the CRV as far as head room, leg room, etc...goes, was bigger!! We were going to get the 2004 as the time was right, shopping wise for that year. But once we saw the 2005 with the 16- inch wheels and the new colors, we had to get one. We have only had the car for one week and I think we would love any new car, even if it was a Pinto. But this car is really nice. After we drive it well stop in.

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  Great Vehicle... - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By jimi2510 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just traded in my 2000 CR-V LX for the 2005 CRV SE and so far I love it. I love the comfort features on the new CRV SE that were previously not available. I have only had the car for a few days but so far it is great. Much better than my 2000 although my 2000 CRV LX never had any problems in the 4 years I owned it. Great deal for the money...

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  Buy One! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By JoeD - April 20 - 10:46 pm

  This is my first Honda. I havent been excited about a new car purchase in nearly 20 years, but that has finally changed. Honda really makes a solid car. It handles very well, is quiet, and you get the overwhelming feeling that they really put a lot of effort into the engineering. Very "driver friendly."

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  All race car - 2003 Honda S2000
  By fishman - April 20 - 3:10 pm

  This was more race car than I wanted. More like a slot car than anything else. Great fun to drive. I am 59 so car was comfortable. It was not a car to take on road trips or heavy traffic though. Lots of road noise, even for a convertible. I think the car was more quiet with top down. There is a reason they put a volume control on the steering wheel, you are always turning up the stereo to hear it over the road noise.

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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Honda Accord
  By arisu - April 20 - 1:37 am

  Enjoyed driving accord. Would recommend this model to most drivers.

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  2016 redesigned civic is big improvement - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ric - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  Great new exterior/ interior styling. The interior feels big for a compact size car. The 2.0 L engine has enough power for normal use and delivers excellent fuel economy. No problems so far and the overall build quality seems excellent.

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  Appreciation of quality - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ottmar Egger - April 19 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased my Honda Civic Hybrid in March of 2004. Since then I have put 50000 km on this vehicle. I have not had one problem to report. I get about 800 km on a tank of gas , the tank holds about 50 liters. I would like to see better fuel economy for this type of vehicle. I do mostly City driving since I do Courier work. On a daily basis, I put about 300 km on this car a day. All in all no complaints, and I am very pleased with the quality of this vehicle. Keep up the good engineering work. Sincerely Ottmar Egger.

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  Best Car on the Planet! - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Cole Pizzingrilli - April 19 - 6:14 am

  I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVE my 1996 Honda Prelude! It has always been my dream car, and ever since I bought it it has exceeded my expectations. I have never seen an inside dash as cool as the 92-96 Preludes. I just wish I had VTEC though. They are way to hard to get ahold of.