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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  Great car so far - 2008 Honda Civic
  By utgolfer - November 4 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car after reviewing and driving all the cars in this class and this was the best value for me. I was just looking for good gas mileage and good reliability. I love driving this car and it gets good gas mileage, so hopefully the reliability will be there over time(because its a Honda). Im not quite sure about the stereo built into the dash yet because if I want to upgrade to an aftermarket stereo, it will be almost impossible. The stereo sounds fine though, so an upgrade might not be necessary. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but they seem the same as other sporty cars - it doesnt bother me. Overall, Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  Great fun, great value! - 2016 Honda CR-Z
  By CL in Calif - November 4 - 12:57 am

  My wife & I wanted a two-seater with some cargo space thats fun to drive and doesnt cost too much. This Honda CRZ hybrid is exactly what we were looking for. We test drove several roadsters and none came close in terms of purchase price and fuel economy. With its 3 driving modes, we have it all from 36 mpg average (1/3 city & 2/3 hwy) to thrilling performance. In the sport mode, this is a little rocket ship and handles as well as other roadsters we tested. For around $21,000 (new), its a great value--nice & comfortable interior, attractive gauges and decor, good entertainment system w/ bluetooth, plenty of cargo room, great handling. Road and engine noise are a bit loud, but thats a part of being a roadster. Other cars we own are Ford Explorer, Mercedes R350 & a Prius, so this fits in very nicely with our collection. We would have liked this to be a convertible. But, all things considered, thats a small sacrifice. This rocket ship is just plain fun to drive, without bleeding my pocket book. MPG would be better if we drove more in ECO mode, but that defeats the point of having a roadster!

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  Unrivaled Minivan - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Daryle - November 4 - 12:21 am

  I drove them all before I bought this. I was not going to drop this kind of quid and not go to sleep wondering if I have the best. Odyssey is in its own league when it comes to ride quality, acceleration, braking, fit and finish. Purchased from an incoming 3 yr, lease with 35M miles on it. I have 80M on it now. Routine maintenance. Very little squeaks or rattles unlike the others. Others lurched under heavy braking or emergency steering. Very minor things considering daily commute of 62 miles + and Buffalo winters. I am very particular about my big purchases, which involve a lot of research and looking. Took me 6 months to find mine due to wanting low miles and clean, and not beat up by a pack of kids. Seating configuration options great. Love the room. Good stereo. Recent compliment on how strong (cold) the AC was for a 2010, I said, "Yeah, its a Honda". If you want the best van, get it. Ive had 2 Accords previously. This drives like a big Accord.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

• 

  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

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  Excellent Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Bellatrix - November 3 - 10:00 am

  It really is a teriffic car in every respect. The practicality is obvious but the surprise is that even though we have an Acura 3.0 CL & a Miata, my wife and I would both rather drive the Element! We took it on a long road trip just after we bought it and found it a real pleasure for that application.