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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  THE BEST CAR YOULL EVER OWN!! - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Blondie427 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is soooo much fun to drive, the halogen lights are the best they light up the whole road!!! Not the most smooth ride but, who cares ITS FAST!!!!

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  Dollar for Dollar The Best Coupe - 2007 Honda Civic
  By socalsnowboarder - January 19 - 12:46 am

  After having researched and reading reviews on the new Civic Si, I finally made the purchase. From the moment I took it off the lot, I had a beaming grin. This car loves to be driven. I couldnt wait to pass the 500 mile mark to really see what it was made out of. Honda really keeps the driver in mind when they made this car, from the adjustable leather steering wheel, short shifter, seat ergonomics, headrests, and high quality plastics and interior. I was also considering getting the mustang GT, Infiniti G35, and nissan 350Z, obviously sheer torque and horsepower surpass the Si, but as far as performance, reliability, and the joy of driving, the Si is hard to beat

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  SWLA 08 CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By kipnita - January 18 - 10:30 pm

  Adequate space, super economy, not as comfortable as my prior vehicle (Chevy Avalanche) and somewhat load on certain pavement surfaces but overall a very pleasing, efficient CUV. I cross shopped with the RAV4 (too spartan in base trim - sunroof not available and MUCH more expensive in sport and limited trims when comparably equipped), and Ford Escape (throwback to yesteryear). Overall, I am very pleased with this purchase.

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  Value that looks and feels great. - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Eric - January 18 - 4:33 pm

  Just bought a new Fit and love it! I cant say enough how impressed I am with this vehicle. Its tight, good looking, deceptively roomy and is easy to please at the gas pump.

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  Nice car great options - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Patricia Crowley - January 18 - 8:24 am

  This car was the least expensive car I could find with the driver assisted features I wanted.

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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Mike - January 17 - 12:40 pm

  Got my Element last Saturday and love it! Had a 98 Odyssey with 181k miles on it and decided the Element was the way to go. Lots of room - easy to drive - hadnt driven a stick in 30 years and after 1 week its almost like driving an automatic (and I live in Chicago). My only regret is that I didnt buy it sooner.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By britt - January 17 - 5:30 am

  This car has been wonderful. It is very fun to drive and feels sporty. It passes very well on the freeway too. I was hit by a semi truck 3 months after getting it on I-5 on ice. He ripped off the whole right side. I was amazed how well the car handled during the crash and afterwords. I managed on ice w/o chains to not crash into the left wall. I think this is an amazing car and is perfect for family, or a young person like me for safety and sport. It gets fantastic mpg to. I recommend it to anyone.

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  The best lude! - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Eric Sun - January 17 - 2:00 am

  its a great car, i love it, daily driven...great!

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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By weirdeyes - January 16 - 11:26 pm

  I was looking for a luxury-feel car with great performance at a good price. My two choices were the Honda Accord & the Acura TL. The Honda Accord EX-L V6 with sat nav won because it was just as luxurious as the TL for a lot less money.

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  Better than expected! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Cri - January 16 - 10:26 am

  This is my first Honda. I have owned Chevys, Subarus, Mazdas and Pontiacs. I am sold. The tag said 36 mpg... Im getting 42 mpg city. I am one happy owner of a little car.