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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  Very gas friendly - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gabesimeona - March 18 - 3:40 pm

  Ive had my Honda Civic for a month and a half. So far Ive put 5000 miles on it simply because I can. Its fuel economy is excellent and its a smooth, comfortable, and very quiet car. I also like the styling. The interior is very unique. I like the reaction from people when they see the dash and gauges. I also like the fact that Honda Civics last longer than most cars out there, and they also hold their value.

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  Wolf in sheeps clothing! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By crm - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Accord from day 1, it has been trustworthy, reliable, and virtualy maintanence free! I recently decided to power up the underpowered motor with a turbo, and replace the suspension with polyurethane bushings, and coilovers. I now race it in autocross every week with 70,000 original miles on it! I wish I had realized its potential earlier!

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  Awesome ! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By RKD - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I put down $500 for the yet to be named Honda SUV 6 months ago. Seldom are expectations met to this degree!!! Finally, car peope and truck people can both agree that this is one awesome SUV. The quality is fantastic, drives as a truck but ride is like a car, value for money in even paying MSRP is just great (dont believe all the people poo-pooing the missing sunroof - thats a $1,000 saved in my opinion). My dealer tells me in three months they expect a 12-18 month wait list !

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  Family Vehicle - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By AKAY - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle for family outings. Children love the entertainment system. Getting to the third row seat may be difficult for adults, should be ok for kids though. Good job as usual, Honda!

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  Hybrid - A Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By emcclend - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Car sales are slow, the buyer can make incredible deals. Edmunds TMV is the sticker price. I purchased this car for about $1700 less than sticker. I got price quotes from 4 dealers in the DFW area (there are @30 dealers in this area). After visiting each of the four dealerships, I sent an email out with the best offers to all 4. Within hours of the email, I got competitive responses from 3 of the dealers. The 4th dealer did not even try to compete and would only go as "low" as the sticker price. It has plenty of power and rides great on the interstate. I drive 50 miles one way to work and the car rides smoothly, and has great visibility.

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  My Honda Review - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Robyn - March 18 - 6:53 am

  I love it! It is a cool design and lots of fun to drive. Great on gas too.

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  First impressions very positive - 2003 Honda Insight
  By spinoza - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve had ours for a month now and its been a lot of fun to do drive. It drives and handles much like a little sports car (the Miata comes to mind), and weve had little problem adjusting to it being a hybrid. Features like the auto-stop and motor-assist are intuitive and easy to adjust to. Its amazing to see it already averaging over 50 miles a gallon in heavy city driving. The car has impressive acceleration and speed, and has no problems keeping up with traffic and passing. Its also very smooth and quiet.

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  Very satisfied - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By gski2 - March 17 - 8:38 pm

  Last December,we decided it was time to replace our jeep liberty. The many smaller suvs would be the way to go for us. After lots of research, it seemed that all of them seemed to have their problems. Honda with the vibration, forester with the oil consumption, Escape with recalls, etc. Since we had great luck with previous Hondas. (280000 and still going with a civic hybrid) we test drove an EX-L AWD specifically looking for the vibration. Never experienced it. About one month ago we bought the one we test drove. We are extremely pleased with our purchase. No problems at all after 3000 miles. No doubt some crvs have an issue. With the number sold maybe <10%?????

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  WHAT A CAR! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GREATLY SURPRISED - March 17 - 7:00 pm

  A smooth ride and great handling car. The car has a 268 hp engine which provides plenty of power for passing and yet the car gets 31 to 33 mpg the interior of the car is well laid out and the controls and gauges are easy to read and handle the fit and finish of the car is flawless a well built car the exterior design is smooth and flowing well done without excessive curves and as usual the Honda reliability remains its strong point I love driving this car I hate to get out of it at days end this is the first Honda Ive purchased ill never drive anything other than a Honda again

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  lean mean micromachine - 2009 Honda Fit
  By mr. sandman - March 17 - 3:26 pm

  Fun to drive, comfortable and roomy on long trips. 38 mpg at 70 mph.