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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  1st large vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jbuswell - May 6 - 6:00 am

  Love my CRV - have always had Honda Accords and Civics. Interior leather is not cushy but it is very comfortable (firm). Chose between CRV and RAV - CRV is a better quality all the way around, just a more solid vehicle. CRV inside with 2 adults in front seems roomier as well. Love it!

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  toys - 1994 Honda Prelude
  By Chris Campbell - May 6 - 2:00 am

  the car that i bought has become the best car i have ever owned, being extreemly fun to drive.

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  1200 Mile review. EX-L...Sooo satisfied so far!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By calitek - May 5 - 12:08 pm

  Wife had her eyes on the Honda CRV and the idling vibration problem reviews caused us to wait a few months to see if HRV appealed to her. HRV was Love at first sight,Marry at first drive. 1200 miles later heres our take. First the primary less than perfect thing. Im an impatient driver and like to quickly zip around people (wife is not). The engine is not great for doing that but great for doing almost everything else you could want (and gets awesome MPG for us). Putting it in sport mode, using the super simple manual clicks to switch gears, is a lot of fun and any of you impatient drivers should test drive in sport mode before you draw conclusions on zip. MPG rocks though!

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  My Civic and More! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ray Palmer - May 5 - 8:56 am

  I drive 40 miles one way to work and needed a car with good gas mileage. Also a care that was fun to drive at a great price. I found all of this in my Civic EX. I have over 8,000 miles on my Civic and its still tight, no rattles or other noises. The instrument panel is easy on the eyes with great gauges. The trunk is very roomy and love the fold down back seat which adds to extra trunk room. The engineers designed a great car that rides smooth and looks great too. There are 3 things that is a must when Im looking for a new car, 1 good reliability, 2 A/C & heating and 3 a great sound system. My Civic EX has it all and more!

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  Great car so far - 2007 Honda Fit
  By alawabla - May 5 - 2:23 am

  We just sold our 2004 Honda CRV and purchased a 2007 Fit for my wife to drive. The CRV only got about 20-22 mpg in her daily commute. She is getting 30-35 with the Fit in the first 1,000 miles of driving. Very pleased so far. Versatile, fun to drive, economical, and (we hope) reliable. We are a "Honda Family" and also have a 2003 Accord (son at college), 2005 Civic (daughter), 2006 Accord (me), and now the Fit for my wife. We purchased our first Honda in 1999 and have had only one issue to date (radio had to be replaced in the 2003 Honda at 95000 miles) - NO OTHER PROBLEMS in 350,000 miles of driving. :-).

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  Great car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Leroy king - May 5 - 2:14 am

  Great suv ,my first suv

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  Roomy, Zoomy, and So Much Fun!!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Chinta - May 4 - 11:10 am

  I love this vehicle. Its so neat, I really researched before buying. Its smooth and accelerates fast enough to enter traffic competitively with everyone else. Have been in 20 knot winds driving across the desert, it held strong, and only buffeted along with other cars on the road. Held a feeling of security and reassurance! Also, there arent any blind spots, just fan out those mirrors all the way out till you barely see a "sliver" of your vehicle, point them slightly down to catch those sitting lower that we do :O) and bingo, great view of the whole passing lane. I love the clean interior, easy sweep, the seats are comfy and the sunroof terrific! Manuverable too! Love the space!

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  Go CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Ringo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I must say this is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned.It has 75000.00 miles an all i`ve done was change tires and oil .Zero problems!! It`s value is still around $9000.00.GREAT VALUE ,i WILL BUY HONDA AGAIN.mjr

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  my civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By hondachic - May 4 - 2:00 am

  my civic is driven 100 miles plus per day and has 137000 miles on it, I keep up with factory recommended maintenance and i have never had a problem with my car. I bought it off the showroom floor with only8 miles on it. I love my civic.

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  solid car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By lnotting - May 3 - 2:00 am

  After 44,000 miles, this car still needs only its recommended service work. It even still has its original battery and tires. Nothing has fallen off or fallen apart. I drive it mostly for short, in-town use but on the Interstates, it runs along with the "big dogs" just fine.