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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  If you drive it, you will buy it. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By King Rick - August 29 - 11:43 am

  The interior adjustments make this truck very comfortable to drive. The ride is exceptionally smooth and quiet. You have more than enough storage space at you finger tips. If your front or back seat passangers are over 6ft tall, they still ride in comfort.

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  My New Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wendy - August 29 - 9:40 am

  Great vehicle - never thought I would like driving an SUV, but with typical Honda design, it is a pleasure to drive. It has a very smooth ride and handles just like my Honda Accord. Interior layout is excellent.

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  Great Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom M - August 29 - 8:46 am

  Just rolled over 3000 miles and everything is just right. Went with an Accord for the bulletproof reliability and was pleasantly surprised by the speed, handling, and overall size of the thing. Its a big car, and getting into the back seats is a challenge, but it is very comfortable. The trunk is huge! The gearbox is lazy sometimes and the cylinder deactivation can get really annoying when trying to quickly overtake. Rapidly reengaging all 6 pots to light back up feels like the car is kicking down 3 gears and there is a delay, but only briefly. I recorded 5.6 seconds to 60, which for a relatively heavy and front wheel drive car, is amazing. MPG is about 27 highway, 20 city with a light foot.

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  Impressive - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Tommyboy 9966 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Get in, buckle up ,drop the hammer and enjoy the ride, this car is as fast as it looks. Let the wife drive it around like Grandmas Civic then get in and drive it the way it should be, driven hard.. Has plenty of power up top to compete with most V8s on the road. Very rigid frame leads to awsome handling , and incredible breaking with a second to none gearbox that makes it a blast to drive. Try one , youll get hooked.. Many other Roadsters dont compare as the Honda was rated #1 in Road and Track!!!

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  Good Dependable Car - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By jewell wright - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my honda crv, I think it is the best car to fit my needs. I can haul anything that I can lift up into it. I call it my truck car.I would like to sell it to my daughter and get me a new crv because she needs a dependable car. I put new Michilin tires on it.

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  Magical - 2013 Honda Accord
  By afghouri - August 28 - 5:09 pm

  The midcar sedan segment is hyper competitive but there is a huge difference between styling vs. substance. I looked at several cool looking, swoopy cars with fascinating digital dashboards, but nothing compared to the Hondas driving experience, and I drove them back to back. Interior materials and fit and finish are now a 10 out of 10 (prior models was really unacceptable). I slightly miss the double wishbone suspension but its hard to really notice due to the virtually flawless execution of the package as a whole. If you value the driving experience more than just styling and appearance, this is the sedan to own - especially given its reliability. A masterpiece of engineering

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  Good value - 2007 Honda Fit
  By dan dierdorf - August 28 - 9:13 am

  With summer gas prices looming, I was looking for a vehicle that got good mileage yet was still fun to drive. The Honda Fit "fit" my needs better than the competition. I really love the exterior styling. I get about 34 mpg combined city/hwy. It handles great and sticks to the road well. Safety features are second to none. The bad thing about the car is it isnt too comfortable for long drives. No armrest and gas pedal position cramps my foot. Road noise is more than expected on the highway and you have to floor it to accelerate uphill.

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  What a - 1995 Honda Passport
  By mickydu - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Driving our 1995 Passport EX 4x4 has been very enjoyable. ride has been comfortable,plenty of room, rear also, just a little stiff...weve had very little repair other than the usual maintenance. averaged 14 in the city and nearly 19 on the road./..this vehcile has plenty of uphill power with its electronic gear shifter..the 4wheel has been superb in the snow weve taken it on several long trips never feelling driver or passenger fatigue. theres some air noise from the moon roof, but not bad, it can be drowned out by a little low music...hope to find another quality SUV in our near future...

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  $50,000 Sports car for 33K? - 2003 Honda S2000
  By gt - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Incredible machine! Built to the quality of what you might expect from Mercedes. Unfortunately for Mercedes their SLK looks good but is no match in quality or performance.. The S2K is a real "rocket blast!"

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  Cant Ask for More - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Andie - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic EX brand new in 97 and I still love it. Its about time to move on to something with a bit more comfort - been trying and make it to the Acura dealership to look but somehow I just dont want to part with my Honda. It has given me almost no problems in 6 years (drivers side window got stuck once about 3 years ago replaced the alternator 2 years ago) - otherwise its been a very reliable car. Love the exterior styling and the interior layout. The 5- speed is fun to drive except in stop & go traffic - next car will definitely be an automatic for this reason only!