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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  Overall a good car - except a few things - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By R G - September 29 - 12:46 am

  Purchased a 2010 CR-V EX-L with NAV a few months ago. Overall, a good car. It took me a few weeks to get used to the V-4 engine with less power. I was driving a V-6 car before.

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  Excellent Fuel Mileage - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Charles Johnson - September 28 - 9:23 pm

  I have just purchased this vehicle, and am impressed with the power of the 4-cylinder engine with the automatic transmission. The ride is excellent, and the fuel mileage is impressive so far. My first tank of fuel I experienced an average of 29.2. I do mostly highway driving, but was very happy with the early numbers

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  Great car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By WOOcivic07 - September 28 - 8:26 pm

  It took months to finally settle on one car, and I chose the Civic EX w/ Navi. This is a great car that is continually impressing me with each trip out in it. This is my first Honda, and I have a feeling it wont be my last.

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  Object of my affection - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Lucius Squier - September 28 - 10:06 am

  I have made 7 trips Sacramento to San Diego at speeds of 65-75 over the coastal mountains each time and still was able to maintain a 40-42 mpg average. Each time over the mountain, I did not have to drop my speed to less than 55 mph with moderate passengers/weight.I have taken car for maintenance visits as specified with no problems or failures. The costs for each visit was not unusual. I am highly satisfied with the vehicle and will replace it with another as soon as I can affords same. I have begun saving to replace the battery in case I choose to keep the car.

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  Love this SUV! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By sdwb - September 28 - 10:03 am

  After researching a small SUV for three months, I finally decided on the Honda CR-V-EX-L. I finalized the purchase today and am extremely pleased with it so far. I also test drove a Toyota RAV-4, which was my first choice. Ive owned two camrys in the past and have always been pleased with Toyotas quality. However, I prefer the sleek, clean design of the CR-Vs exterior. This is my first experience with a Honda and I am very pleased with my selection.

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  A Practical Vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Anthony Capuccio - September 27 - 4:46 pm

  Reliable, dependable, great traction in snow. Good cargo space. Drove it down to Florida and back.

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  Downsized from truck - 2008 Honda Civic
  By IndyFF290 - September 27 - 2:56 pm

  Fun car to drive, with a lot of pep. This is the first car I have driven in 15 years, as I have owned trucks until now. Researched several small cars for efficiency, fuel mileage, reliability, and resale value, and this is by far the best choice I could make for my money.

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  Very Impressed - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Sherrie Bigelow - September 27 - 2:56 pm

  Just purchased the 2009 Accord v-6 w/ navigation. Looked at all other cars in this class, felt that the Honda offered me the best all around in terms of performance, reliability and cost.

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  Love - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By Virginia Quesenberry - September 27 - 5:13 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven!!! I am amazed at all the technology and how the car handles the road!!! Amazing!

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  1999 Honda Prelude SH - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Billaze - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is an amazing machine. It handles like no other car I have ever driven. Its performance is comporable to luxury sport coupes that are much more expensive. I used to own a 93 Prelude VTEC and have recently purchased the 99 Type SH. I am very happy with the Honda Prelude.