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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  The unkillable honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Chris - October 28 - 4:41 am

  I bought this car just to get me through college thinking I would get something better once I got a decent job. I have said decent job but the car is hard to give up. I have been in 2 accidents with it both I was fine after and the car was running. Its never had any major repairs aside from a radiator after one accident. Fun to drive easy to upgrade. Compared to the 2002 corolla and 2006 acura RL I drove before the Civic by far was the best vehicle

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  The unkillable honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Chris - October 28 - 4:41 am

  I bought this car just to get me through college thinking I would get something better once I got a decent job. I have said decent job but the car is hard to give up. I have been in 2 accidents with it both I was fine after and the car was running. Its never had any major repairs aside from a radiator after one accident. Fun to drive easy to upgrade. Compared to the 2002 corolla and 2006 acura RL I drove before the Civic by far was the best vehicle

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  My 40th Birthday Present :) - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Patricia Wingenfeld - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 S2000. I have to say that this was the best purchase I have ever made. I have a silver/red interior that looks just as hot as it rides. People constantly wave and stop me at red lights to share their opinions that this vehicle is spectacular. I agree with them. I utilize this car as my "Sunday Afternoon" vehicle rather than my primary mode of transport. In FL where the rains can be torential, the S2000 rides a bit low for flash flooding roadways. Also, I have found with the spoilers added on, the ride is so low to the ground that any road debris is a danger...2 times in the body shop to date. I love my S2000. You will love yours too.

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  Awesome car! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Speed-ball - October 28 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car for me for my birthday! Best present I ever recieved. Its so much fun to drive.

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  Buy this car! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Margaritasnsun - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a kick ass automobile. Not only does it look good it performs to the max. Forget about the boxster, this car is the choice. People look at it and dont know what it is, but they want it. And the BMW? try fitting your clubs in the trunk - youll need a tow package to carry them. Not with the S2000, mine fit perfectly! What else could you ask for. Handles the curves like a slot car.

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  almost perfect - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2k fan - October 28 - 2:00 am

  a true drivers car,absolute pure performance.if your looking for all the creature comforts of todays modern luxury cars go buy a 3 or 5 series BMW,but if you like the thought of almost 9k shifts ,screaming motor,back road driving,this is your car!

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  I have a CRV and absolutelyLOVE IT!!!!! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SJOVTV - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CRV for 4 1/2 years and absolutely love it. I have had NO problems at all with it. Its spacy, comfortable, fun, its all I needed. I feel very safe when driving on the snow. Its just the best! When Im ready to buy another car, Ill get another CRV for sure... Im hooked!!!

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  Lil Momma in a Civic - 2014 Honda Civic
  By Jacquelyn Garrett - October 27 - 12:55 pm

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  Overall Good Buy!! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By SAVLIS - October 27 - 7:43 am

  This is my 3rd Accord coupe. I have owned a 2003 and 2006 4CYL. this time I decided on the 2009 V6. It is definitely fun to drive. I look forward to my daily commute. The V6 is powerful and responds immediately, especially if you drive it in D3. The one major complaint I have is the road noise. It seems inherent in all the coupes. Dont know if it is a problem in Sedans. HONDA... please do something about the road and wind noise.

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  Pilot Flies High - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By James Nowell - October 27 - 6:33 am

  The Honda Pilot is a very well built, high quality automobile. It drives good, rides good, and is very quiet on the road. It is filled with technology----almost to a fault. It will take my wife and me some time to learn all of its features. It is very smooth and is getting very good gas mileage. I cant imagine that any SUV being made could have more features than does the Pilot. It is also very roomy. It also has all wheel drive and stability control, so is very sure footed in rain or snow.