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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  Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By abe - October 12 - 2:06 am

  Ive owned Honda for the last 20 years, but this is the cheapest quality Honda out there. Inside you see six different style cheap plastic which feels like they found from junk yard. This car has excessive road noise appears to have no insulation to cut cost. The chief engineer should be fired!

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  Awesome Honda - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Noreen - October 11 - 10:43 pm

  Honda Accords have a peculiar automatic transmission that can get be jerky until warm but like Toyota cars they are extremely reliable and last longer than we do. Mine is so fun to drive! I put Enkei racing rims and Yokohama performance wheels on it and Wow! What a sassy, good-looking classy, comfortable, well put together car. I feel very safe in it too. I can not say enough good things about it or Hondas.

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  Excellent mid-size suv - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By princess j - October 11 - 9:20 pm

  I used to drive an Acura Integra for 11 years until last January my husband got me a new Black CRV 2007 leather with beige interior. CRV is an excellent SUV, luxurious, 100% made from Japan , reliable car and most of all affordable compare to Acura MDX. I really enjoy driving my CRVand gets a lot of compliments. Fun to drive. Loaded with air bags. I love my CRV! Honda makes excellent cars!

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  Great family vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Family guy - October 11 - 5:54 pm

  Ive had this car since January 2 of 2007. Perfect vehicle for a family- baby seat fits great (and easy!), room for stroller and lots of pockets/holders. Ive also pushed the limits of its cargo capacity (e.g., over 24 30-bottle flats of water without putting the rear seats down!)- still amazed at how much this vehicle holds. Acceleration is OK. A little disappointed with the quality of the metal on the doors-Ive had a couple small dents from other car doors hitting mine. Definitely update the tires later-they tend to catch on road surfaces which pushes the car side-to- side. Handles perfectly otherwise-very stable and comfortable.

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  great car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By valeywell - October 11 - 5:00 pm

  Roomy for small suv. Very fun to drive. Lots of "pep" for a 4 cylinder

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  Gotta love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By T. Moore - October 11 - 2:08 pm

  We love our CRV. We love the cargo capacity and we have hauled just about everything you can think of. We love the comfort of the interior and have taken many driving trips in it. Except that now that it is a bit older and the ride is getting a little bumpy, there is nothing we can say thats negative about this car. Except for the routine oil changes/maintenance, it has not seen the inside of a dealership or repair shop. When we trade it, it will be to get a newer one. Were just that satisfied.

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  Love my Pilot! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sosquilter - October 11 - 1:49 pm

  i bought the 2006 Pilot after owning a minivan for 5 years and I love my Pilot. The ride is very nice and the interior extremely comfortable. I have lower back problems and have never had any additional pain from driving the Pilot, even on long trips. The 3rd Row seats are wonderful for my children and quite roomy. Ive read other reviews that state they dont receive very good gas mileage, but I keep track and I average about 17 mpg with mostly city driving so I am very happy with the performance. I will certainly look at the updated model when it is released to replace my 06 model. I truly love my Pilot!

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  Almost All Good Feelings - 2006 Honda Civic
  By mielejd - October 11 - 1:00 am

  I.m writing this with about 500 miles on it. Feels solid, well built, yet nimble enough for point-and-shoot driving. You dont drive this car, you wear it. It fits very well! Love the intelligent automatic that holds a higher gear when running downhill. Engine and trans are well-mated. Shifts are seamless and go unoticed. Even when revving hard, motor doesnt sound strained. All-wheel disc brakes work very well, but are difficult to modulate. They bite hard with the slightest touch. Knobs and buttons well located, easy to use with a rich feel. Im 510", 170lbs and I can sit comfortably and well-positioned relative to steering, pedals, and other controls. My teenager and I love this car!

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  DD Awesome, Project even better! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Project Car - October 10 - 11:39 pm

  The car is a great car. I have whipped the snot out of this car on pavement, dirt and snow. Haddles so well and the replacement parts are so cheap. Come on 30 Bucks for struts? So simple. Not to mechion the car is a cake walk to work on. I love this car because you can beat and beat on it. It will not only take it but ask for more. When your done you can turn it off, work on it and learn about a simple car in the mean time and drive it the next day cause its like working with legos so easy!

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  500.000 miles - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ozan Ozcan - October 10 - 9:53 pm

  I loved the thing first time i saw it.Great design. Exterior and interior complete each other. Engine and transmission work very vell together. great performance. gives you the feeling that you can run with a ferrari. this car made me realize how borind mustang interior and performance is, or big buck bmw or problem child 350 z. Please dont even compare this vehicle with and american made coupe vehicles (Crossfire etc.)Of course $ 65,000 bmw m 3 is good looking and powerfull, you know what i dont care too much money. this car gives you 240 horse v 6 beautiful sound 8 airbags all around, heated seats, abs, esc, tcs, xm radio is a blast and many others buy it wont regret it feel what i feel TY