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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  excellent - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By CR005 - August 30 - 9:43 am

  Awesome! I would take any Honda any day but the Pilot is my fav.

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  NOTHING IS PERFECT... - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By KRITTYD - August 30 - 2:00 am

  COULDNT ASK FOR MORE FOR THE PRICE!

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  Super all-around car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By carsonsmom - August 30 - 2:00 am

  All in all, this is really a super car. Its a great multi-putpose vehicle. Our biggest dissapointment is that gas mileage hasnt been quite what Honda advertised (we average 22 mpg in mixed driving on the LX model). Aside from that, is fun to drive, practical for all types of errands...hauling the family around, groceries, getting plants, etc. I love all the interior space, with such a compact-looking exterior. Even with the less-than-hoped-for fuel economy, we would buy another, based on our experience so far.

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  Improved for 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By NMR - August 29 - 8:00 pm

  Every since the last re-design of the Accord I have been lukewarm about tail of the Accord - maybe silly, but I did not like it. For 2006, Honda improved the looks, but also improved the engine (4-cyl). After test driving, I was convinced I wanted this car. I purchased mine less than 3 weeks after the release of the 2006 (I never purchased a new design - even mid-cycle). I am impressed with the quickness and control of the 2006 Accord. Honda has made improvements in cabin quiteness (over previous generations) and I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Greatest Automobile Devised by Man - 2008 Honda Accord
  By The Lords Accord - August 29 - 12:30 pm

  This is a follow-up to my two previous reviews on my 2008 Honda Accord Base Model. It is the greatest automobile ever devised by man. After seven months of ownership and driving, the engines MPG has actually gone UP from 21.2 to a current whopping 23 city, 25 when doing much highway. This isnt the sticker MPG, its from careful recording and calc. after filling up. Your break-in period for the first 600 miles is crucial - dont gun your engine during that time. Warm up your engine for about a minute after each startup. After this coddling, you can drive like Danica Patrick at the Indy 500 and your Honda Accord will eat up the road. Good luck to all. Thank you.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By munk - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Loads of fun to drive.

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  The best "British" sports car ever - 2004 Honda S2000
  By bob Nuttmann - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a pleasure it is to drive this car. I have not had so much fun driving in years. This is what MG and esspecially Triumph would be selling today if they had kept improving the MGB and TR6 for the last 30 years. This is a roadster for those that want to experience the drive. It is absolutely not an isolation chamber to get you from point A to B with little involvement. I have taken this car for one 1000 mile road trip. Several hundred miles were on curvy two lanes. That was big fun. What was not fun was bumper to bumper through LA on the way home. In my opinion this is not a good commuter car.

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  Love My Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By juds - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda. It drives beautifully and handles well. I had two Plymouth Voyagers previously and drove one for 10 years. The Odyssey suspension is tighter that the Voyager and I had to get used the tha. It sure does handle well on the curves. I did have small problems with the interior such as plastic parts falling off which of course were fixed free. Also had a problem with the sliding door lock on the drivers side but other than that it has done well. Did have a recall recently to check the transmission which REALLY surprised me since that was one BIG reason why I chose Honda over the Dodge. Mine had nothing wrong with it though.

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  I am officially a minivan convert! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Headshrink - August 28 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car! I have been driving sports sedans and SUVs up to this point and this is my first minivan. We bought it and immediately took a 9 hr. trip up to Lake Tahoe with the kids and all the gear. This thing has a ton of room. It is very comfortable and actually fun to drive. Drives very much like a car. The engine is great with a lot of pick up for itÂ’s size and engine type. Read the reviews here at Edmunds and sites like Motor Trend and you will see that this is the best in the class. Some people are complaining about gas mileage being less than statedÂ…..that is true for every car including and especially hybrids. Just keep in mind that the numbers they give are their best.

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  Love my 2006 Honda LX SE - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mike - August 28 - 9:03 pm

  After 2 Civics, 1 Odyssey, and 1 Del Sol, I finally purchased an Accord. Ive been in love with Hondas since the mid-80s, and this Accord is probably my favorite vehicle yet. It is beautiful, and I love driving it. It is such a comfortable ride.