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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  After one year, this car is fine - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Doug - July 29 - 9:50 pm

  There are many things I love about this car, its engine, 6 speed, wheels and handling. It is also comfortable and quiet on trips. It is very reliable, with no problems over the past year. In fact, it feels like a mini-Acura TL-S Type. My one complaint is the gas mileage. I can only get about 32 at highway speeds and thats if I keep it at 70 and below. Not an easy thing to do in this car because speed comes on quickly and keeps climbing. its easy to do 90 MPH. Love the interior but hate that you can only get black interior. It is very hot in a car with so much glass. It also shows lint like crazy. Radio is good too.

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  One of my favorites - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By SnoopDoug - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from old muscle cars, to new Vettes and even a 96 Viper GTS. I must say that I love this car, overall, more than those. At least for the money. I get 31MPG with the A/C on!! How can you beat that? I have always loved how the car looks too. Its just got an "evil" look when viewed from the front.

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  Second Prelude! Love this one MORE! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By littleblueflash - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had Hondas since I was 18. They are great cars, although somewhat pricey compared to their competitors. To me, every penny is worth it. I bought this car brand new. Ive had very few (non-mechanical) problems with it. The only problem I see is that if it gets totalled I cant go get another brand new one to replace it with. This is the second Prelude Ive had. Its just a great car. It gets stares, and glares when I leave someone at a light =) Buy one if you can find one!

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  Its Number One for a reason! - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By LSC86 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  Not wanting to wait 6+ months for a new LX and finding a great deal on this 99 EX, I can say that I am more than happy with our choice. The Odyssey truly does stand above the rest in terms of size, seating, power, and looks. The power doors are a bit slow and I really miss the keyless entry and sunroof we had on the Explorer, but overall the EX is nicely loaded and the fold flat 3rd seat it tops. Almost 7,000 trouble free miles so far for us with just under 55,000 total on the car. My previous Honda Accord is still kicking strong at over 150k miles and I fully expect to get 200k from this one.

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  excellent - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By sachi hotaling - July 29 - 2:00 am

  love this car, swore we would never own a van and the odessey changed our mind!!

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  Second Best Buy our family has made - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By KarenK1 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  outside of small nitpicking issues like the cigarette lighter location and improved CD track changing controls on the steering wheel, I would say that this is the best vehicle I have every driven. The navigation system is a big plus as well.

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  Glad we waited - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By etorger - July 29 - 2:00 am

  We looked at all the midsize and some of the big SUVs and came very close to purchasing the Toyota Sequoia last Spring but saw a review on the Pilot and decided to drive it once just to see. We were blown away by just about everything about the Pilot. Essentially an MDX with a much better price. Eventhough we had to wait 4 months to get it after ordering, it has been everything we could have wanted in an SUV and is such a huge step up from the Dogde Grand Caravan we had for 6 years. Mileage has been decent and the comfort and roominess inside are terrific. My wife loves this SUV!

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  Best EXL-V6Accord 2008 - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 5th Honda Accord - July 29 - 1:40 am

  This is our 5th Accord in the past 15 years and by far and away the best! As comfortable as my wifes Avalon but $5000 less and much more fun to drive. Less road noise, better stereo, and fabulous leather interior! Fantastic curb appeal with appearance resembling BMW.More head and hip room in front than the Avalon. We were planning on waiting until the spring to buy, but after driving this dream car we bought it at the end of the month. After you test drive the 08 Accord you will understand our enthusiasm!

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  Best overall bang for the buck - 2007 Honda Civic
  By joes21 - July 29 - 1:10 am

  Ive been a Honda owner all of my life. Ive had a 1983 Civic DX hatchback, 1986 Prelude Si and a 1993 Civic EX. The 2007 Civic Si sedan is the best so far! You get Acura features and quality in the Si and its soooo affordable for a fun, functional, good looking, sporty sedan. The more we look at the sedan, the more Im glad we waited for the 4-door versus the coupe. My wife & I love it and its our family car now since we sold our SUV. The only recurring negative I have to mention is that third gear is a little tough to engage, especially when its cold. Honda service has looked at it three times and claims theres nothing wrong with it. Other than that. We have the PERFECT sedan!

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  2016 Pilot is head & shoulders above anything else - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By tvsteve007 - July 28 - 3:30 pm