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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  Fun to drive - 2002 Honda S2000
  By JefnLra - June 24 - 2:00 am

  If you want a fun car with lots of stares - this is the one!! It has great pick up speed but not too much torque so you can drive fast without feeling your heading for light-speed. Handles well around corners. Easy to use automatic convertible system. Not a lot of extras in the inside- its simple. just a great driving car!!

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  Not what I hoped for - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Hammock246 - June 23 - 11:13 pm

  Bought in FL and a trip to Illinois has this thing squeaking in the front end like its falling apart on semi rough roads (most of Illinois). Very hard ride on economy minded tires. Handles very good and comfortable to drive on our 1,200 mile jaunt here. Gas mileage OK at first but now very good at 26.2 mpg for the trip average. A bit noisier then Toyota or Nissan vans Ive had but acceptable. Everything works as advertised if one can read the manual. Lots of toys on this thing. Lots of room and main thing is wife likes it. Easy to get in and out of.

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  Not to Shabby!! :) - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By P. H. - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Have used in a roadrace application. Still very durable and dependable. Good high speed stability. Great every day driver, good balnce between suspension handling and comfort.

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  You have to love this car!! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By j aams - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car.Very reliable.Great second car.

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  Honda S2000 - 2001 Honda S2000
  By KCH - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Car has performed superbly, with excellent fuel economy (26.5 mpg). Handles like a car on a rail. Mechanicals flawless and looks always turn heads!

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  30 mpg plus! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By George Z. - June 22 - 2:56 pm

  So far so good. I am getting 30 mpg plus, and the car is very fast. Very good pick up and handling. Looks great! Its hard to believe that it is a hybrid! It takes a little getting used to when the engine turns off when you have come to a complete stop, then turns on again when your foot comes off the brake.

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  Like my new 2016 CR-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Name withheld - June 22 - 1:26 am

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  Love my Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Pamela Hegerty - June 21 - 5:30 pm

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  Minivan for NONminivan people - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Butler - June 21 - 4:13 am

  My husband had to convince ME that we needed a minivan for our young, expanding family. (We are only in our mid twenties). I was determined to buy a Toyota until we test drove the Odyssey. It is SUPERB. We test drove on a saturday and went back to the dealership the following weekend to purchase. I like the way it handles like a car. I feel safe. When you drive the Odyssey you dont feel like a "minivan person".

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  The Best Minivan - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Fan - June 21 - 3:56 am

  This van is great! Needed the ability to haul a lot of gear, and have room for 2 car seats. This minivan is amazing. Rides like a car, parks like a car, handles snow/ice like a 4WD (even though only Front Wheel). I cannot say enough about this van. We drove Siennas, Caravans, Voyagers, Sedonas and Quest. None of them compare to this van. Without a doubt, the Odyssey will be the first car we recommend to friends with or without kids. One slight annoyance with Lazy Susan and arm rests.