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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  love this car!!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By pinkldy728 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  bought this car 2 weeks ago & have had people pull me over to see it... beautiful exterior body style & fun to drive... interior has everything at your fingertips... start button is really neat!!

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  2003element - 2003 Honda Element
  By ELEMENTMAN - December 2 - 2:00 am

  FANSTASTIC!!!GREAT ULTILIY VALUE!GREAT HANDLING AND PERFOMANCE!!GREAT GAS MILEAGE!FUNKY STYLING!NICE SOUND SYSTEM! PROBLEM FREE AND GRAT RESALE!

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  Long-time Caravan switched to Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By OregonOdyssey - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Happy with 96 Dodge Caravan, but time to get new van. IMHO not enough engineering solidity in Caravan compared to foreign vans. Did serious comparison of Kia/Toyota/Nissan/Honda. Kia not fuel efficient enough, reliability/future of Kia in general questionable - worst quality ratings of any car maker. New Toyota nice, but not worth $7K more than Odyssey and availability extremely limited ("none on the ground"). Nissan has nice style, but not worth $5K more than Odyssey.

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  The two door coupe - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jhale1933 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride and handling. Very good acceleration. Rear seating OK for kids, but cramped for adults.

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  a great car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lil one - December 2 - 2:00 am

  a great car for the money i got the dealer down to invoice price for a 2003 honda accord ex auto for 20,620

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  A Great Trade from a Sedan to a SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Joan S - December 2 - 1:58 am

  I purchased my HRV EX-L a month ago. I knew it did not have power seats with lumbar support which I really think is a mistake that Hinda made as well as the short length of the telescopic steering wheel. Aside from that I love the handling and lane watch features. There are many features that are attractive like great speakers, climate control, mirrors with blinkers" the leather seats are classy and wheel made but not as comfortable due to lack of adjustments with power seats. I have owned a 1988 Honda Prelude and 2004 Acura TL which were my favorite and most fun cars to drive surpassing my Lexus. Honda needs to add power driver seats, lengthen the steering wheel stem and add two inches of leg room in the front. I am 57" 150 Lbs but all legs and arms so a little more leg room which be perfect. As far as back pain, I bought a pillow which seems to help. I have had to adjust to all if my cars and I will have to do the same for this. It is a perfect crooover for a single or couple with small children. I recommend the HRV with the above changes to rate it an overall 5

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  Very Solid Vehicle - 2001 Honda Accord
  By OoltewahBoy - December 1 - 6:27 pm

  I love my Accord. I have a big V-8 truck and this is a nice change from it. It has 130,000 mile on it and it starts, runs, performs like it has 50,000 miles on it. The only complaint that I have is a bit of a strange shifting, driver window glass seems loose, and a slightly squeaky drivers seat. Otherwise excellent! I would buy another one.

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  Very Happy with my CR-V - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Laura in Hampton, VA - December 1 - 10:03 am

  We purchased a Honda CR-V EX a few weeks ago and have been extremely satisfied with it. It handles very smoothly and the exterior looks pretty darn sharp. We traded in our 2005 Toyota Corolla as we have a 6 month old daughter and needed extra room. The safety features (front and side airbags, ABS, etc) are very important to us which is why we went with the EX model. Overall we are very happy with our decision.

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  Best Buy for Your Money - 2005 Honda Accord
  By murf - December 1 - 9:43 am

  Very comfortable to drive...easy to get speeding tickets! Missing many features common with American autos (automatic lights etc.) but I gladly trade them for the Honda quality. 10,000 miles beween oil changes is a plus also.

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  Girl Honda lover my 3rd one now - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By stover - December 1 - 7:22 am

  I love this ride. When it rains when Im on a curve no problem the car hugs the pavement. I have had 2 civics and this I love it. My mom bought one 2005 Odyssey drove deep into Mexico Twice with not even a flat tires come on. I liked that, bought one Excellent family cars I have used it for work and play & the dam thing is so rugged. It thinks its a truck actually. But yes if they made the same style again I would buy a new one I dont like the new body style. My mom bought the 2006 I hate the sliding doors and the leather seats uncomfortable. I wish the made the 2005-06 style again. Honda= Girl Car. low maintenance, good gas mileage, next new car Honda! P.S. I bought it used with 49,000 miles