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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  Incredible Car - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By Hookedup Honda - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a custom heaven for me. All I have done is change the front bumper and put on some 17inch aluminum wheels and I get more people asking me what kind of car it is than I did when I had a Camry with $2,000 worth of body work. The layout of the car is basic, so all of my stereo modifications have been simple to install and design

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  My Honda CRV Experience - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Dawgfan1 - June 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good car for camping and skiing trips. I have had no problems with it. The only draw back would be, as with all SUVs, the gas mileage which averages about 21mpg.

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  The Best for me! - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Jim - June 3 - 5:07 am

  Awesome car! I drove all the rest in this class and this is the best!

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  ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY NEW CR-V EXL AWD - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Tim Eberly - June 3 - 12:32 am

  Ive had my new 2017 CR-V EXL AWD for one month now. Absolutely love it. I love the new design of the CRV. Very sporty and edgy. Previously Ive owned two Honda Pilots since 04 and decided to down size and get better mpg. Recently got 33 mpg on a trip and averaging 25 mpg, with a lot of city driving. Really enjoy driving this vehicle, handles very well. Not going to win any drag races with this CRV, a little sluggish from the start but I knew this going in. Going from my Pilots V6 to this 1.5 four cylinder. Interior is very roomy and luxurious. Considered the RAV4 and Mazda CX5. After a lot of research and reading/video a lot of reviews I went with the CRV. I know I made the right choice. Im looking forward to owning this vehicle for many years. You cant go wrong with the CRV, it is definitely at the top of its class.

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  Third Pilot - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Michael Funk - June 2 - 4:52 pm

  This is our third Pilot. One of each body style. This is by far the most comfortable with more driver and passenger leg room. The rear passenger space is much more comfortable also. The rear cargo space isnt quite as wide or as tall as my 2009 Pilot but it seems adequate. My wife misses the lower shelf storage area the 09 Pilot had but overall she is very happy. The one feature I dislike the most is the Auto idle Stop feature. I wish they had it default to off instead of on. Every time I start the car I have to disable it because I dont like the slight hesitation there is when you start from a stop sign or signal. Maddening quite frankly.

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  Cargo/Storage ?? Where did it go. - 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid
  By Robert Bloom - June 1 - 4:33 am

  Loved the car--the looks, the handling, and the performance. Overall the car looked classy, couple that with Hondas reputation, I thought we had a winner. However, when it came to cargo/storage space we had a problem. With the hybrid batteries located in the forward part of the trunk it made loading two sets of golf clubs and bags virtually impossible. Also, we have to carry a massage table on occasion which would not fit because the rear seat backs do not fold forward because of the hybrid batteries. I hope this helps. Hoping the new 2018 hybrid model takes some of these complaints into account.

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  Wirt - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Wirt - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Dont stop making this car!

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  Buy it just for the fun of it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By MOMO - May 31 - 5:16 pm

  I bought it for my wife who is a SUV driver. She absolutely loves it. She doesnt complain about the size or the power. I drove it for a couple of hundred miles and it was a blast to drive. Stock stereo is quite good. The origami seats are really innovative. Id recommend a sport model with a stick shift. Stock tires are O.K but with low profile tires you are going to love it even more. We are getting 36MPG on both city driving and highway. Be prepared for the firm ride.

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  Couldnt be more happy - 1998 Honda Civic
  By bellabug - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 98. I have NEVER had a single problem with it. Ive kept up with the regular maintenance and it runs great! I have never had a worry about it failing on me. Ive driven it accross country many times. I am sold on Hondas forever!

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  Traded Mercedes - 2003 Honda Element
  By CTAPYXA - May 31 - 10:00 am

  In January, I saw the Element and asked to load my work gear in it. No problem with the salesman. 10 minutes later I was trading my 2001 ML-320 in for the Element. I have 22k miles on it since February. Just regular oil changes. There was an A/C hose that broke, but the dealer fixed it in a snap while I was on the road in Minnesota. I throw my bikes in the back, I haul dirt, mulch, picked up a new couch, palm plants, kids, boxes, gone to the beach. Its not an SUV its a UV. I dont care about the plastic scratching or breaking and there is no leather or upholstery to worry about. I love the price/reliability.