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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  Honda Civic vs. Toyota Prius - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Irv Haas - April 10 - 4:13 pm

  Having been a loyal Toyota Prius customer for over 10 years, I was anxiously awaiting the newly-styled 2016 model. When few Prius models were in stock at the beginning of 2016, I wanted to take a look at other models such as the Honda Civic which I owned 15 years ago. I took a a test ride of the Civic and was really impressed with its features, specially its Honda Sensing ones. I was already aware that I wanted the new Prius to have a strong safety technology package. Upon closer inspection I realized that the Civic actually had more safety features than the Prius. But the deciding factor was that the Touring model was priced about $3000 less than the Prius comparably equipped. With the Civic, the only thing I was missing was the Prius great MPG rating. But that $3000 savings would buy a lot of gas! On a day in early January I visited 2 Honda dealers just on a scouting mission not planning to buy. But after the second dealer, I pulled the trigger and bought the Touring model that includes so many features found on luxury cars: leather seats, moonroof, safety package, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto just to name a few. Why would I ever go back to the Prius?

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  Ill only be buying Honda in the future - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Stephanie - April 10 - 2:17 pm

  I love my 156,000 mile 9 year old CRV. I bought this car at 75,000 miles 4 years ago and have not had to spend any money on repairs. My only expenditures have been oil changes and a mileage based water pump/timing belt replacement. I would recommend the CRV to anyone. We are tentatively looking to replace my CRV with a new 2007 body style with nicer interior amenities, but I dont know if Im ready to give this one up yet.

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  Fantastic Fun - 2007 Honda Element
  By RonRig - April 10 - 1:57 pm

  If you test drive one, youll be hooked. Especially if you have dogs, so easy to clean. Cant get over how smooth this rides. You can haul anything and sleep in it too. Full size mattress will fit in back. Remember way back when you had a car you loved and trusted. This has that same feel Plus there are so many modifications on the market to "make this your own!"

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  best ever - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By c. alexander - April 10 - 3:38 am

  this is my second crv. i was really impressed with first one but the 2017 is awesome. you cant get a nicer vehicle and its half the price.

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  I drove them all.....picked the Honda - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By John Hendry - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Up till this year there was absolutely no competition in my mind because the Sienna was too small. I have been a mechanic since 12 and watched the Odyssey drastically improve over 6 yrs. My needs are: 1: Size. Its home sweet home on a surf trip and everything from a 9.0 surfboard to a 118in Bird of Time R/C Glider has to fit inside. 2: Performance. Not only means "can go fast" but represents safety with good handling, good brakes, and acceleration to get out of the way of something that can crush you.

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  Best "REAL HONDA SUV" ever!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sellu1@DesertHonda - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the nicest SUV on the market!! This Honda replaced my 99 Passport that was dying a fast death at 43,000 miles!! After seeing many Pilots come and go at Desert Honda, I decided that it was time to get me a Pilot!!! The first time that I brought one home to my wife, it was equipped with every, and do I mean every option that was available through Honda. From the Rear- view camera, to the back-up and side sensors, this Pilot EXL w/Navigation had it all!!! Upon showing my wife this Pilot, she was so impressed that she wanted it right then!! I ended up waiting 4 months to get mine. What a long wait that was!!!

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  GREAT SMALL SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By shabby - April 10 - 2:00 am

  a reliable truck for the price

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  jays car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By dvswayz83 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  the best drive i ever had as simple as that

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  Best hatchback in the US - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BryanCivic - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Civic Si drives like a go-cart, has great feel, is 1000 lbs lighter that VW Golf(power-weight ratio)and that you can feel. The exterior is very Euro, and I rarely see any others here in WI, so thats always a good thing, especially since its a Honda and there is no shortage of non- hatches around. Overall, I still cant believe the amount of car I got for the money. Thanks to all the SUV suckers, us car buyers reap mucho savings.

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  Love My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By flclewis2002 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The car makes a statement. It was compared to a 9 series BMW. Of courser the BMW has a lot more gadgets, but overall the person who own the BMW said that my accord was very similar to his car. I purchased the Black accord. My complaint is that the paint seems to have developed swirls in it. I have also been having problems with the brakes but I understand that this is the first model in the style.