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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  A great car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Demon - December 23 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased 2007 civic 6 weeks and 2500 miles ago. A fun car to drive. Got rid of a 2001 suburu outback. I was convinced to buy the civic when we took my daughters 2006 civic on an eight hour trip to oregon with a total of four adults. We had plenty of room for our baggage including snow boards on a roof rack on top. My fuel economy is running about 32 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy. The only problem to date is the transmission has been downshifting at some odd times not sure why, I need to take into the dealer. I researched toyota, mazada and scion - when you upgrade all the other cars to meet the standard features the honda won.

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  Great Car! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By cogoo - December 23 - 10:00 am

  ALWAYS reliable and needs very little maintenance in all these years. The only critism was wear of the leather driver seat. It looks good both in and outside, even now.

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  Best Mini Van on the market - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Dan Lau - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Odyssey sets the mark for Mini Vans. I have had two Chrysler products, one a Dodge Caravan, and then the top of the line Town and Country. The 2002 Odyssey simply outclasses the Chrysler products. Although there are more features on the Chrysler products (trip computer, power lift gate, center console etc.) the smooth power, and superior handling of the Odyssey sets it apart.

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  Second Honda - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Buddy - December 23 - 4:49 am

  Only 1500 mi but seems like solid car for money.

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  Driving experience is awful - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Honda lover - December 23 - 3:13 am

  I had higher expectations from the Accord Lx Sedan. Ive only had my vehicle for one week and the driving experience is awful.My 2004 Honda accord drove so much smoother and faster than this vehicle. I can feel every bump and crack in the road while driving, the acceleration of the vehicle is depressing....what was I thinking when I purchased this car. I should have went with the sportier accord. The newer vehicles arent made like the older models. Im stuck with it now so....I guess my warranty will be my best friend.

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  Favorite of 2 hondas owned - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Janellesmiles - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned a honda civic 95 coupe 2 dr 5 spd manual transmission and although it was only a 4 cylinder I loved it. I couldnt believe how much more I would come to love the prelude. Aww the fun I had driving it... I could go on and on. I felt awesome flying down with the stereo blaring and the sun roof open. Absolutely awesome.

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  Upgrade from 97 DX - 2012 Honda Civic
  By civilguy1 - December 22 - 11:21 pm

  This is my second Honda Civic. I bought the first one in 96 which is now going to go to my son (he was in kindergarten when I bought it and is now 2nd year University student). I have had the car for only three days. So I cannot attest to its reliability and other long term performance.

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  I love my new CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - December 22 - 3:13 pm

  I recently purchased a 2007 black on black EX-L AWD model with navigation. I picked it up on the day of a recent snowstorm and driving home from work I knew I had made the right decision. I felt extremely safe. I owned a VW Golf previously and was worried Id miss driving a manual. Thats not the case as the CRV has great pick up for a 4cyl. The handling is great as well. A good guy friend drove it on the highway the other evening and was amazed at how it hugged the turns going at speeds of 75. The navigation system is user friendly and I like the voice recognition, though its been a little quirky so far. It can take two tries for it to hear your voice correctly.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By RFKastendick - December 22 - 4:26 am

  Purchased Ody EX on Dec, 14th and took a 600 mile trip to Kansas City with the family. There was some pronounced noise on very course pavement, but overall much quieter than our 1999 Honda Ody. The overall gas mileage was 22 mpg..not bad with headwinds to and from our destinations. The engine has lots of power during acceleration onto freeways or in town. Cornering is great even on tight turns. Seats are firm but comfortable. Instruments are well positioned. Really like the small light that shines on the tray between the front passenger/driver seats as it allows you to see your cell phone or whatever in on the tray without turning on the reading/dome lights. Kids love the window shades.

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  My 2007 Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Lucidxile - December 21 - 4:46 pm

  While the car is a little weaker in power than what I would like, the gas savings are enough to make it up. I drive mostly city and average about 30 MPG. The car has been a pleasure to own and given me no problems.