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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  Nothing but excellence - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Honda Hugger - September 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 drives great and fits like a glove. From the moment you climb aboard you feel in control of something special. It handles great and has plenty of juice when you need to pass that annoying slow poke in the left- hand lane.

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  New honda minivans - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By trish - September 19 - 2:50 am

  We just bought the van and love it. With a large family the leg room for teens growing have full range to chill out in the middle or back seats. A dvd player is always a great help too for traveling. With 1 teen, a 10, 7 and newborn, the car seats for the 2 younger ones still have plenty of room for both next to one another without the cramped space.the 8th seat is great for roomage and or taking it out for extra space between the car seats. the extra compartments are a plus feature too... rating a 9.5 for this van

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  gotta love a honda - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By brandy - September 19 - 2:00 am

  My CRV is a stick shift so i have very few problems with power... i have had it a year and will have to sell it in december due to moving to san fran and i hate to let it go!!! it is my first car that i absolutely love!!!

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  A Keeper for sure - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Young Guy - September 19 - 2:00 am

  It can cruise around town windows down, sunroof open, music blaring, and everyone looks, or you can fly past whoever on the highway with ease. It has Luxury, style, class, reliability, and power. What else can you ask for?

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  VKs Review - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Virginia Kinder - September 18 - 2:36 am

  When we bought this 2005 Odyssey we traded in a 2002 Odyssey which I really loved. The 2005 Odyssey has lived up to all expectations. It is definitely quicker and faster and more powerful. It is so easy and convenient to drive and I love all the "settings" that are available on it (although I thought learning to use the "settings" required a high learning curve). The other day motion sensors on the back kept me from backing into a car that came racing through the parking lot as I was backing out.

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  CR-V Review - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Calypso - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my CR-V since August of 1999, and Ive never had a problem. Its fun to drive, Good gas milage, and its rated high. Its big enough to fit a bike or 2 in, but small enough to fit it in tight spaces. It has 56,000 miles and interior still looks like new!

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  erns opinion? - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ernie k. - September 18 - 1:20 am

  Great car. Three days after purchase drove from tn to lower texas and all over tx. Very comfortable and averaged 27.5 mpg. Fun to drive and got accolades from many people.

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  Getting great mileage out of my Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Love my Hybrid - September 17 - 12:13 pm

  There are already a lot of reviews, which I read before I bought this car. Im getting just over 40 mpg. This is less than the posted city/hwy, but I knew it would be going in. If you read more about the car, and hybrid technology, youll find that as far as the environments concerned, you are getting 46-51 mpg, with lower emissions. The car handles great, and I expect it will just about last forever (as most Hondas do).

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  the best car, bar none - 2003 Honda S2000
  By suppity - September 17 - 2:00 am

  the build quality along with hondas reputation for building reliable, great- looking and environmentally friendly vehicles, makes the s2000 the most fun and satisfying vehicle ive ever owned.

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  Aw-some - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Frank1894 - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Best sports car buy in the total market.