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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  Pilot, Another great Honda - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By guygm - April 30 - 2:00 am

  One month owner, 4th Honda, currently own 99 CRV, 00 Odyssey, both terrific. Pilot, great room, visibility, interior lights. Ride comfort, and handling great

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  Wonderful Slick Sedan - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dukan - April 30 - 2:00 am

  When driving the Accords competitors including the Camry, I felt indifferent and no excitement. One test drive in the Accord and I grinned like a fool. The Accord is so smooooth in everything it does, great build quality, thoughtful with many nice touches. Manual transmission Accords are harder to find but much more satisfying to drive. Gas mileage is great for a car with this weight and power. Youve got to try the slick shifter, very Miata/MR2-like!!! The exterior is a little peculiar at first but Ive grown to like it! Consumer Report, Car & Driver and Road & Track magazines are right on the money. The Accord is the best!

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  Honda do it again! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By jampy1977 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, excelent combine of comfort and performance. Excelent reliability as well fit and finish.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Honda Civic
  By barbcar1 - April 29 - 4:30 pm

  I just traded my Honda 2004 CRV for the Civic Ex 2007, very happy, the car is fun to drive, mileage is so much better than CRV. This is my 4th Honda vehicle. Cant beat a honda for performance. I love this car!!

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  A very thoughtfully built car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By miguelo - April 29 - 12:56 pm

  Car is well-built, very stable, little float on curves. Navigation and back-up camera very helpful. Systems (audio, menu, bluetooth, ipod) all very intuitive. Could use a little more speed on the contact logs, song choices on ipod. Comfort a plus, nice job on the leather. Exterior styling is very clean and functional, good drag coefficient on this model. Overall a 9 out of 10.

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  Great upgrades on new model for 2016 - 2016 Honda Civic
  By jerome mcnealy - April 28 - 8:24 pm

  Love civic and Honda quality & resale value.

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  Our first Honda and its great! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By David - April 28 - 6:06 am

  Weve have had the Pilot for a few weeks now and we love it. Much better than our previously owned Grand Cherokee. Interior is great, seats are comfortable. All around outside view is very good.The Pilot handles well for its size. Gas mileage is far better than the Jeep SUV, looking forward to a long trip in the Pilot, the ride is comfortable. Very responsive to acceleration and braking. The engine is quiet, ride at freeway speeds is also quiet and smooth. Navigation system is an excellent tool, the backup camera is a big plus for parking when backing in. Radio, CD and sound system performs very well. Side impact air bags another big plus for safety features. So far we made a very good choice.

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  Great Vehicle - 2017 Honda Accord
  By David Garrett - April 28 - 4:54 am

  I knocked off 1 star from the reliability because the battery had to be replaced two weeks after purchasing the new vehicle. Other than that, I love my 2017 Honda Accord Touring!!!

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  2000 Honda S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Larry Saccone - April 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is a blast! Most fun I have ever had driving! Honda reliability and ferrari like performance!

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  I love my prelude - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By npenta1 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I have a lot of fun driving my car. Never have any problems.