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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  Never knew driving was so much fun! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Steve - September 28 - 12:23 pm

  I have had my Civic Si now for just 4 days/200 miles. So far, I absolutely love it! The driving performance, interior quality, sound system all surpass what I expected. I was lucky to find one in a local dealers inventory (it was the only Si available in a 30 mile radius from Indianapolis).

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  Great Automobile - 1993 Honda Accord
  By the bullet - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive always loved the timeless styling of this generation of Accords. It also is the perfect size IMO (new cars are getting way too big). Amazingly, even with 87k miles, my black 10th Anniversary Edition Accords automatic transmission shifts almost as smooth as my 2000 Camry XLE V6. My Accords ride is a harsher than my Camry, but the Accord is much more "fun" to the drive.

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  This is a FAMILY sedan?! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By cpbrady - September 28 - 12:18 am

  I never would have dreamed of owning a Honda Accord. Ive seen them all of my life and regarded them as unremarkable. However, it came time for a new car and I tested the Accord. I took a drive in the V4 but opted for the V6 due to the automatic transmission and the power behind the engine. I have ZERO regrets with my purchase. The engine of the V6 pleasantly roars to life with impressive speed and smooth shifting. The interior is luxurious with great build quality and offers more convenience than I could ever want. My only qualms are that the Accord takes rough roads and bumps hard and that while sporty - it could be more fun to drive. Overall, great purchase and overall excellent car

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  So elegant! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Amanda - September 27 - 9:01 pm

  I love mine.

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  I HAVE THREE ACCORDS - 1994 Honda Accord
  By John Mikels - September 27 - 6:38 pm

  1994 300k, 1997 200k, 1997 138k--this is 2016--all 3 working great and over 30 mpg. Never had Toyota as dependable.

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  CRVs just work - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Tlc0964 - September 27 - 10:41 am

  I have fallen into a pattern of trading up at each generation change. We had a 2012 EX AWD and drove it 80,000 completely trouble free miles. While never the absolute best at any single aspect, Crvs just seem to do anything and everything that comes up so darn well. Same is proving to be true with this 2017 model. It is so much more of a road cruiser than the previous model.

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  Civic Hybrid 4 door - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Corky from Galveston - September 27 - 5:30 am

  I just traded my 2003 for a duplicate 2006 adding the Navigation system. I drive 2000 miles a month on the expressway. The 2003 got 55 to 65 mpg driving at 50 mph on cruise control. The new one has just a little bit more room & a little better gas mileage. I just love this car!

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  Moving On Up - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By AFdude4941 - September 26 - 8:13 pm

  After having a 2004 Civic LX for 7 months I decided I wanted something a little bit bigger but not as big as the Accord. I took one look at the 05 CRV EX and was hooked. This SUV has plenty of power, space and comfort items. Im 61" and I can sit in the back seat with both of the front seats all the way back and my knees have about 2" of space between them and the seat in front. GREAT JOB HONDA!

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  The car make you feel alive - 2003 Honda S2000
  By snakei - September 26 - 2:00 am

  awesome racing car

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  Honda s2000 - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Lance - September 26 - 2:00 am

  Great car