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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  A FULL HOUSE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimily - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Car drives like a cloud, no pitch, no roll. The interior is huge and can easily carry the whole team. The Ody is powered by the 3.5 Acura proven engine and gets to 60mph in a heart beat. Take it for a test drive if your lucky enough to find one.

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  2002 Honda Odyssey EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jolli107 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  In short, if you need a minivan, why not drive one that doesnt make everyone think you are a dork. This is our sixth Honda, and we have been disappointed to some extent every time we stray away. This car drives like a sports car compared to the Toyota Sienna we used to drive. The 99-01 Odyssey was the best minivan available in the US/Canada; the 02 adds 35 horsepower, 5-speed aotomatic and disk brakes a

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  Best Buy Ever - 1998 Honda Civic
  By 8AMAKTA - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car and its a blast the engine is strong and the interior design is flawless. 2dr feels like 4dr sedan plenty of room for the family.

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  Same old, same old - 2001 Honda Civic
  By mrf - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Same old, same old reliable Honda. Overall, I would have to rate this new Civic as excellent, as all Honda products tend to be. Maybe a bit bland in some areas, but fun to drive and very rliable. Some cost-cutting is evendent in the newer models however...but just go down to a GM dealership and sit in one of their POSs (any...Chevy to Cadillac) and youll think you just went to heaven.

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  Honda Accord. Great car with no problem - 2002 Honda Accord
  By moose - March 31 - 2:00 am

  I have had my honda accord since July. I have put over 23,000.00 miles on it and thus far I have had no problems. I get 31 miles per gallon. It is easy to drive and to park. It is a great car. My prior car was a Dodge Intrepid. It was junk and gave me nothing but problems. I replaced every part on the engine and it continued to give me problems. Honday is the way to go.

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  Life is Hard Enough. Simplify! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Mikey J - March 31 - 2:00 am

  The Honda Accord is one, if not the best built automobile on the road. Its reputation for quality and dependablity are undoubtably well known. They perform well, drive like a dream, with its tight well designed suspension and they retain their resale value. Ever try trading in a Chrysler with 100K miles, and expect the dealership not to laugh at you because they are only going to give you 10 cents? Honda. Its just an awesome piece of work!

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  much better handling than an altima - 2002 Honda Accord
  By mcd2000 - March 31 - 2:00 am

  the altima no contest has more power (but crappy handling), but to match accords standards, you would end up paying 28000 when you get an altima. plus it handles SO MUCH better than an altima, its engine is very responsive

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  4-dr 2006 Honda Civic with Nav.system - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Al sav - March 30 - 7:40 pm

  Enjoyable car to drive. Outstanding characteristic is the absolute quiet inside the car. Your eye picks up the high level of interior quality. Seats are comfortable and supportive for my aching back. The more I view the new dash board with its two tier instrument panel, the more I appreciate the design. I find the voice-activated navigation system so useful that I use it even when not absolutely needed. The system and voice start your radio, change stations, give time as well as how long and how far to your destination. The exterior design is different and eye-catching for a Honda Civic,especially the unusually wide windshield. A minor bone of contention is the bounciness when going over bumps.

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  Awesome coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Vincent - March 30 - 6:13 pm

  Wed always been Mercedes people until we got this Honda Accord Touring Coupe and it outperforms every car Ive ever had before with its amazing technology and comfort. It integrates with iphone and android so easily and reads texts out loud! The stereo is awesome to us! It looks great, a collectible shape/outline for sure that will still be beautiful 20-30 years from now (just like other beautifully designed coupes now 25 years old, e.g. Audi coupes, Mercedes coupes and others). The children love driving it the most and couldnt care less anymore for the Benzs.

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  Long time, first time - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Matt From DC - March 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought the 2010 CRV new after owning a 2004 CRV and I think it was a very prudent and practical purchase. Outside the original tires that were complete trash, everything else has held up great and no AC issues like the 2004 CRV had. It lags in the acceleration department as others have mentioned, which is disappointing given the gas mileage you get from the car which is just ok (25mpg in mixed driving). The paint is ok, much better than the 2004 CRV and otehr Hondas I have owned but I also make sure to give it a good waxing twice a year and generally keep it clean. The inside is pretty great, I have never had issues with plastics breaking like someone else mentioned, but I also try to take care of the vehicle. Cloth seating has held up great, still looks like new. The carpets are all great because I have all weather mats, and I love the captains chairs for the long rides. I drive this vehicle on long trips a few times a year and it is a comfortable and outstanding long range vehicle IMO. I too like the folding tray in the center council and am sad Honda got rid of this. It allows for additional storage and the cup holders and tray is in the exact right spot. The 2004 CRV had a ton of cubby spaces, this version has less and the ones below the radio are somewhat useless. Storage though is great, I often haul things and the rear and front headroom/legroom is great. Mechanically the car has held up extremely well, kind of the main reason you buy Hondas right? Styling is nice IMO, I like it better than the newer versions and about the same as the old boxy design. Overall this is a great value vehicle and I think Ive now had it longer than any other vehicle I have ever owned. It has retained its value well also, so if I ever decide to trade it in I know Ill get more than someone who bought another brand of mini SUV. I dont plan on getting rid of it anytime soon though, Ill keep it another five years or so most likely.