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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  Didnt even mean to buy it.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Limestone - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I went out today to buy my pregnant wife a 2003 CRV. We got to the dealership, drove it, then told the sales guy to write it up. The guy suggested that I take my wife out in an Accord while he did his thing so we took off in a totally loaded 04 with everything possible but the Nav. I fell in love immediately and when we got back I told him to work up some numbers on this one as well... his eyes lit up and we left the dealership with both vehicles. I love this car, and I was about to pull the trigger on a brand new 325i. For the 10K I saved, this car blows the bimmer away in value and performance, and comes really close in handling.

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  Love my Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jtrt - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The look is so stylish. The new exterior with grat interior and beautiful! I love the way the car feels and looks. My Honda is great on gas getting 400 miles to a tank. Affordable, stylish and dependable. I look forward to seeing at least 200k with this car.

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  Great Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By terry13usa - December 13 - 8:13 am

  The 2009 Fit is larger and I think better than the 2008. The actual vehicle looks better then the pictures. The acceleration was very good for this car. The handling was also very impressive. I just bought the car a couple of days ago. Im waiting to see what mpg I can get. It has a mpg gauge which is very useful. The interior is great. The fit and finish is what you would expect from Honda. It seats five people in relative comfort (only if youre not overweight). The car was better than what I had expected. Another great car from Honda.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Anthony Williams - December 13 - 4:50 am

  Have had the car for less than a month but, I am impressed with its acceleration & responsivness. Car holds the road very well. Electronics are nice but not spectacular,(everything works fine but I am not crazy about the volume control for the radio), other than that, I am very happy with its performance & looks.

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  First Honda Owned - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Newbie - December 12 - 12:30 pm

  This is our first Honda owned. We also test drove the new Camry but we would have had to buy the v6 due to the v4 lack of power and transmission responsiveness on the highway. We test drove both the v4 and v6 Accord and decided that the v4 had enough power for highway driving so it saved us some money up front and later on with gas mileage. The steering and handling of the car is amazing going around corners and parking. The exterior and interior design is very polished and sporty. The engine and transmission of the v4 is very smooth. So far its been a very fun car to drive!

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  Nice van, fun to drive... - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom - December 12 - 6:30 am

  We previously owned a Dodge Caravan and the Odyssey blows it away in every way. It handles extremely well and is a dream on long road trips. Honda engineering is second to none and they have certainly listened to minivan ownwers with kids by incorporationg second row seats that move apart or together, second row windows that can be lowered and of course the stowable 3rd row seats. Fuel economy leaves a bit to be desired, and the price is a bit steep -- but you do get what you pay for. Other than that, we have been pleased so far.

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  Best Car Ever! - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By FloridaCRV - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever. This car has a great fuel efficiency. It drives like a car but its an suv. Very spacious compared to the other mini suvs. This car is very roomy and the fold in of the back seats can be very helpful if you need extra space in the back for luggage or moving. We call my CRV the mule because it has carried everything. I know I will drive this car until it dies (which will be for a long time)

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  Awesome - 2008 Honda Accord
  By chucki99i - December 11 - 3:33 pm

  Excellent car, would recommend this to anyone looking for a sharp, reliable, comfortable sedan. Mine is diamond pearl with tented windows, rear spoiler, 28800 out the door. No better car for the money in my opinion.