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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  Great SUV! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By SC - May 23 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this Pilot EX two weeks ago and love it. It has plenty of power when needed and has a comfortable ride. The stability control works great on snow and ice, which we have 8 months of the year in Alaska. I was going around an icy corner and the traction/stability control kicked in and there was no problem. The car behind me wasnt so lucky and spun around in the middle of the street. There is lots of room for passengers and your cargo when the seats are folded down. The headroom is best in its class and theres plenty of legroom too. I tested several other makes before deciding on this one. Being 6 3" I need room to spare and the Pilot has it.

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  Trouble free and fun to drive - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bill - May 23 - 1:03 pm

  Driven 138,000 miles over 8 years all over Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. Had a/c issue fixed under extended warranty at 98,000 miles. Replaced front brake pads (only) and rotor milled at 90,000 miles (I know!!) Original rear brakes STILL good - no noise or pulling. Oil changes every 3 or 4K. Halfway through 3rd set of tires. Thats it! Other than gasoline (honest 24mpg city, 28mpg highway). Im 65+ and still working. That CR-V is simply the best overall vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Honda has outdone themselves this time. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pourvex - May 23 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased a new Ridgeline about 6 mounths ago, I was one of the first to own one in Minnesota, My only regret is that they didnt make this truck years ago. I traded in my 04 Trailblazer on it and there is no comparison. You couldnt give me another GM product. This Ridgeline is made with quality right from the start. You can feel it when you drive it, and see it when you look at it. It is a lot of fun to drive, gets great mileage (21 mpg highway) and turns heads too. I could not even begin to describe this work of art in only 300 characters. I would not hesitate to recommend this vehicle to my freinds.

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  Beyond Happy - 2017 Honda Civic
  By T. Allen - May 23 - 5:15 am

  In the last few years, Ive had a Lexus IS, a Camry, a Prius, and a Lexus CT. This car is the best combination possible of all the things I liked about those cars. The fuel economy is great (consistently 32/41). Its roomy. It has wonderful cargo space. The interior is as nice as or nicer than the 2 Lexus vehicles. The ride is smooth. Its sporty with really peppy acceleration (really fun when I took it to the mountains). Every single feature I could possibly want except for ventilated seats (but the perforated leather is nice). I could not be any happier with a car.

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  Beyond Happy - 2017 Honda Civic
  By T. Allen - May 23 - 5:15 am

  In the last few years, Ive had a Lexus IS, a Camry, a Prius, and a Lexus CT. This car is the best combination possible of all the things I liked about those cars. The fuel economy is great (consistently 32/41). Its roomy. It has wonderful cargo space. The interior is as nice as or nicer than the 2 Lexus vehicles. The ride is smooth. Its sporty with really peppy acceleration (really fun when I took it to the mountains). Every single feature I could possibly want except for ventilated seats (but the perforated leather is nice). I could not be any happier with a car.

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  Beyond Happy - 2017 Honda Civic
  By T. Allen - May 23 - 5:15 am

  In the last few years, Ive had a Lexus IS, a Camry, a Prius, and a Lexus CT. This car is the best combination possible of all the things I liked about those cars. The fuel economy is great (consistently 32/41). Its roomy. It has wonderful cargo space. The interior is as nice as or nicer than the 2 Lexus vehicles. The ride is smooth. Its sporty with really peppy acceleration (really fun when I took it to the mountains). Every single feature I could possibly want except for ventilated seats (but the perforated leather is nice). I could not be any happier with a car.

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  Just Bought a 93 Hatch Si - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Sketch - May 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my civic a few months ago for 4500, and the previous owner had put a lot of money into it. intake, exhaust, springs, shift knobs, pedals, deck, etc Overall, I love my car. It has excellent gas mileage (about 280 miles to a tank). It has lots of power and the shifting is smooth. Excellent, reliable, economic car. Thumbs up!

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  A honda motorcycle with doors!!! - 2001 Honda S2000
  By diburrom - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a motorcycle w/ doors!! It handles so well that I am surprised when I have to use my brakes. Also, it is definitely an eye catcher, all for $29K. No Porsche, Audi, or BMW is as a complete package as the S2000. It is not my everyday driver but it is a great way to relax, especially around 6000 rpm. Buy one if you can find one, rumor has it that 2004 is the last year of production...I can definitely see collectible written all over this one.

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  Great purchase--very impressive!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By drfid - May 22 - 6:53 pm

  I love this car! I had an Acura TL before this car, and thought Id have to eat humble pie by purchasing an TL. We built a new house further away from work, so it became necessary to downsize and get something more economical. I too, like another owner, have had my car two weeks, and I have yet to require a fill-up. The cars design is great, with a very convenient instrument panel. I obviously have sacrificed power, and the fabulous sound system of my TL, but hey, the stereo is pretty great. I love the MP3 jack for my Ipod (I had to install that aftermarket in the TL). I would recommend the 5 sp manual--makes it very fun to drive. Ive had a lot of people look at my car--they bought too!

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  Good Minivan - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By eddie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This minivan has been excellent. I have two small children and the interior has held up incredibly well for the pounding they give it. The car has all the features you need - reliable, good size, comfortable, excellent safety, nice ride. I liked it so much that I just bought the 2002 EXL.