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 "truck" - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By RTL - January 17 - 5:39 pm

  Absolutely love my truck, I have to be honest though, it took some getting used to. When I first bought my ridgeline i would see the toyota tacoma and think i was missing something, until i test drove it! what a sloppy piece of work! compared to the ridgeline the tacomas interior is cramped, and the handling and steering felt so bad! bravo honda!

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  Good overall - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matthew Chandler - January 17 - 9:09 am

  Overall I really like this car but a couple of issues right off the bat. First is wind noise leaking from door seal. Second vibrating panel when it is cool. Mpg is great the cvt is great

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  Good overall - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Matthew Chandler - January 17 - 9:09 am

  Overall I really like this car but a couple of issues right off the bat. First is wind noise leaking from door seal. Second vibrating panel when it is cool. Mpg is great the cvt is great

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  i love my 99 civic si - 1999 Honda Civic
  By larry - January 17 - 8:46 am

  my 99 civic si is fun, fast and firious, if you cant afford a new car now and you want something fast and efficient, get the 99 civic si !!!!!!!!

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  Nice Car! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By 91hondaciviclx - January 17 - 2:22 am

  I got the car, for more Gas Mileage, and i love it, but i am a novice to the 5sp kind. I have learned quick, and am doing great! The car is like new, a rust spot on one side, and thats all. Car looks and drives like new!! This is the kind of car, for a person who is looking to get Great Gas Mileage and not have to fill up every time ya turn around. But i have found the room to be quite small, as i am a big guy, i like more room, None the less, the car is in great shape with 152xxx miles on it and still runs like it was just built this year! This car is okay, put the cup holder in a better place than on top of the dash.Buy a used 91 civic lx and you wont be mad you did!!!!!

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  I love my element!!!!! - 2004 Honda Element
  By 04 element ex - January 16 - 10:41 pm

  I LOVE MY ELEMENT!!!. i traded in my 2000 Nissan Maxima for a 2004 Honda Element EX AWD MT. I love it. Handles like a car. its really fun to drive. Squeals tires from stop and into second. My parents beg me to let them take it. Seats are very comfy, love the Fiji Blue color. I get a lot of comments on the color even when they dont like the car. Very noticeable wind noise around 55+mph. I am averaging 23 mpg which is awesome. Just think its the size of my friends explorer he gets 17 mpg with the v6... Tons of storage. Love the versatility of the seating, my friends all fit very comfortably. The stock sound system is amazing!!! Better than the bose in my maxima. Best car i have ever owned

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  great family travel vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wisfam - January 16 - 9:42 pm

  Great family vehicle. Comfortable ride and handling (after replacing OEM tires). Good ergonomics for a big man.

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  Love the 09 Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Magoo - January 16 - 8:20 pm

  Recently bought an 09 Fit and so far Im loving it! Avg. mileage is 39.6; inside is very room. Blue dashboard gauge lights are nice as well as the stereo system. Miss having a center console.

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  william - 2004 Honda Civic
  By william - January 16 - 8:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. I sold New and Used vehicles for 8 years and this Honda Civic LX Coupe is the best Value. In all categories-ride, gas mileage and performance - this car is the "Best I Have Ever Owned".

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  Great little car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Jim Peters - January 16 - 7:26 am

  This car has some vibration problem at high speed but overall is a great little commuter. It could use a couple inches of leg room. I am 64" and it is a little difficult getting in and out of the vehicle but manageable. Fuel economy is 48 summer and 42 winter combined highway and city. Will do 44 on a trip.