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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  My second Accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By John Culver - October 15 - 10:20 pm

  The 4 cyl. coupe is fun to drive, steers exactly where you aim it. The engine has very good pick up, especially from a start, and outstanding passing power from 30 mph up, gets 25 mpg. But the suspension is stiff, the car does not sway in tight turns, but you feel every bump. The interior is really noisy unless the road surface is smooth. The drivers seat is nice but restrictive, holds you in one place. The tilt steering lock is stiff and hard to set, sometimes it takes two hands to lock it in place. The radio sounds great, the air conditioning is excellent and the brakes are really positive. Overall a really nice car.

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  Just the Right Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ed Sanford - October 15 - 9:13 pm

  I was looking for the right truck. I was frankly partial to the F150. When I really checked it out, it was too big. The Honda Ridgeline is perfect for me. It is a truck that drives like the Accord. It holds the road and is comfortable- no big vehicle sway. It has plenty of power and very driveable. The bed is rugged and comes lined. Also, there is a hatch in the bed that opens to a trunk that is lighted. There are stadium style rear seats with plenty of room. It has a Garmin GPS which is far more accurate than those that come with cars. For me, the only downside is that it doesnt have memory for the drivers seat position.

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  I love my CR-V! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Anne - October 15 - 1:06 pm

  When the CR-V got redesigned in 2007, I wanted it. I finally got rid of my 12 yr. old gas guzzling V-8 Jeep and got my beautiful Glacier Blue 2008 CR-V EXL. I thought about a RAV4 but loved the fact that the EXL had everything I wanted standard (leather heated seats, moon roof) and the tire was not on the back. The back gate lifts up with one finger and there is plenty of room to haul things. I cant rave about the gas mileage in town because I drive in stop and go traffic to work, but on the highway I have gotten over 20+ miles per gallon. The stereo is amazing with the subwoofer and 6 CD changer--you can really blast your favorite music! The windshield wipers are so big and powerful.

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  Fun - 2003 Honda Element
  By cb - October 15 - 12:17 pm

  The Honda Element is definitely a head- turner. 18,000 miles so far - only problem a defective/cracked windshield. Otherwise its been a great car. A little noisy but nothing terrible. Great for long trips, camping, shopping, etc. Gas milage is 19 mpg at best. Over-all very satisfied.

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  Own it, Love it - 2005 Honda Accord
  By segmaz - October 14 - 7:30 pm

  Owned a 2000 Accord and was so pleased with it that I purchased a 2004. I like the exterior design much better and the interior is much nicer as well. Nothing compares to the reliability of the Accord as well as the fit and finish. The car handles very well and the road visibility is superior to all others I test drove. I highly recommend this vehicle if you are looking for a sporty reliable vehicle that is roomy enough to double as the every day family car as well.

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  05 accord - 2005 Honda Accord
  By rrm1946 - October 14 - 1:43 pm

  Excellent vehicle for the price no returns to dealer for repairs after 1 year of ownership. Highly recommended for a midsize sedan. Too many buttons which are clustered together and distracting for the driver to use. Excellent performance from the 4cyl. version no need for the larger V-6. As expected Honda continues to improve there product instead of changes for the sake of change. Over all I highly recommend the Accord for value and retention of resale value.

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  Practical value SUV - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By mongo - October 14 - 1:00 pm

  Very affordable compared to "large" SUVs of unused large drive train and tires for off-road use but not utilized in Suburbia. CRV has more interior room. Automatic shift to 4- wheel drive is great: acts quicker than driver reaction to roacondiction change, and no need to worry about forgetting to be in 4-wheel drive at high speeds. Mileage is 20 to 25 mpg city.

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  Comfort and Class - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Chris - October 14 - 11:46 am

  Great SUV to drive...before I purchased my Pilot, I tested most of the SUVs in its class. Comfort on long road trips is undescribable. I would recommond this vechile to anyone!

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  Honda Accord EX Sedan - 2010 Honda Accord
  By jakester - October 14 - 4:23 am

  190 HP engine is smooth and powerful. Car really handles well on country roads and highway. Replaced a 2009 Ford Fusion with the Honda Accord EX, Ford Fusion had more bells and whistles but Honda is a more solid car. Also own a 2002 Honda Odyssey van, cant beat Honda for reliability and overall quality. Went back and forth between 2010 Fusion and Accord before choosing the Honda. Tough decision, both are good cars.

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  2nd DX Hatchback - 2000 Honda Civic
  By CJ - October 13 - 8:17 pm

  I bought my 2000 Civic DX Hatchback in May 2003, I at the same time had a 1991 Civic DX Hatchback that I bought when it was 8 years old (and would still have it, but Husband wrecked it!). I love these cars, perfect for running around anywhere & everywhere. Fold the Seats down, take the dogs to the Vet, load up luggage & take a road trip. And on the Highway gas mileage cant be beat, get close to 350 miles on 1 tank, & then I was REALLY movin (yes, had the radar detector on). Parking is a breeze can park in lots of spaces other vehicles have to pass up, easy to wash (15 Mins). Other than routine maintenance, fill the Tank, & take off! Ill be sure & buy another....Overrall Best Car I ever had.