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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  great car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Daniel Williams - July 4 - 2:27 am

  This is a great car

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  The best Compact Car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ED - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  So far I had the car for 2 months, and I absolutly love it. My best gas tank has been 28 mpg in city driving .I have no problems with it and I always look forward to driving it.

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  Love it! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Susan - July 3 - 1:39 pm

  I love this car so much that Ive kept it for 8 years! Ill probably have to get a new car soon, because of space issues in the back seat (its too difficult for elderly parents to get into the back seat!)

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  Great car for everyday use - 2013 Honda Civic
  By AB - July 3 - 12:50 pm

  We brought this car at the end of 2016. It was a 2013 EX PZEV certified pre-owned. It is almost new inside and out. The cabin noise is very low, almost quiet with the fan off even at highway speeds. The acceleration for merging is more than adequate, the handling fantastic. This model did not come with navigation but has 2 usb, and an aux port. The back seats are roomier and comfortable than a kia or mazda. The outward visibility is the best. I am averaging 27-28 mi/gal in the city.

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  DO YOU WANT TO DIE - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Slip Stream - July 3 - 12:10 pm

  Several times the hesitated upon acceleration. Almost hit several times crossing streets infront of on coming traffic. The seats are great if you are a little little tiny person. Do not curve very will for a comfortable ride. more to follow

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  the jetson mobile - 2002 Honda Insight
  By montecarlobluepearl - July 2 - 7:36 pm

  i get between 45-55 mpg in the winter and up to 70mpg in the summer. Awesome vehicle even handles well in up to a foot of snow. Can get up to 90mph on the highway. Havent had any problems with it since I bought it.

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  Pleasant surprise - 2008 Honda Fit
  By bpenn - July 2 - 4:56 pm

  This is for anyone like me that was very hesitant to buy such a little car. I wrestled back and forth between the Civic and Mazda3 wagon. When I sold my gas guzzling truck for less than I hoped to get for it I only could afford the Fit. Ive only had this a short time but I could not be happier with the Fit. This thing feels so much bigger inside then what it looks like. I find it to be a huge surprise and Im relly digging this little thing. If you are walking the fence on this car I would suggest taking a long test drive. You may find what I found. This is a great car and Honda will have a huge hit on there hands.

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  not bad - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By jhawk901 - July 2 - 11:54 am

  Had this car for about a week, and im pretty satisfied. Awesome handling, vtec, sportshift. I just dont like the premium fuel and the old interior.

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  My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By B, Helphingstine - July 2 - 5:13 am

  My new Ridgeline is great and I love it as it has a roomy interior, and plenty of space inside as well as out in the cargo area. The lighting in the cargo area is great for camping and unloading other things as well, The cooler space is great as well for holding other things besides a cooler, and the tailgate works great as well. Even the wife can use it with ease! She likes to drive it even more than I do as it serves as a car and a truck. She uses it for yard sales and shoping as well. The DVD player is fantastic! The sound system that I had installed is great too. If this truck could get better gas mileage, it would be one of the best sellers on the market and the safest as well!

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Matt - July 2 - 3:33 am

  I traded in a 2000 Ford Contour SVT for a Honda Accord V6 in 2003 and have been very satisfied with the Honda. There are several flaws in the Accord, the "automatic" air system is a broken piece of junk, the alternater/battery system makes the lights flash (unfixable), and the dummy pedal is too small. The emissions is too far ahead of its time resulting in a sulpher smell. But overall, Ive been really happy with the performance, owner cost, service, and reliability of this car. I had the flawed radio display, which stopped working. They replaced that on warrenty. No critical feature has had any problems for me.