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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  Good review of the Honda Civic Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Paul Ebel - October 5 - 10:26 am

  The car works just fine. I find one "funky" feature and that is the electric power steering. If the engine turns off at all stoplights then the power steering cannot be the normal hydraulic type. I think the electric steering assist is jumpy and not nearly as satisfying as the hydraulic kind. This is my only objection to the car. Otherwise it is a great car,

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  Happy with the car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Nach101 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I have one problem with the car. I have dual side air bags, but when I turn on the car it tell me that the side air bags are off. I have tried to notify the dealer but he said that it depends on where the seat is located. I think that he is telling me everything.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Richard - October 4 - 10:33 am

  Overall a great car. Just wish Honda gave us the option of some of the even more fuel efficient engines available elsewhere. Fun to drive, good driving positions, very good handling and ride. Pretty quiet for such a "small" car. Getting 36 mpg overall so far.

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  pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By wayne - October 3 - 11:46 pm

  The honda pilot is excellent. Very smooth and not bumpy compared to most SUVs. Very roomy and so easy to fold the seats down to make more room. Very fun to drive.

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  Exquisite Masterpiece! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Luis - October 3 - 5:20 pm

  Its been seven days since Ive purchased my new Civic Si and Id have to say that this car is more than pure exhilarating fun! The power that the K20 engine unleashes is unimaginable and more suprising is the sudden gain in power that commands your body to the seat as the RPM needle gauge races past the 5 grand mark. Aside from the engine fury, an admirable and noticable sound is produced as those engine ponies begin to roar. The roadway is the Civics playground and the handling is more than grippping. The Civic Si interior is trully a futuristic concept brought to life. Driving has never been this fun and the compliments that Ive received is more than overwhelming.

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  Great Value! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Laura - October 3 - 8:16 am

  This is my first new car and first Honda. I love it! Its very roomy and gets much better gas mileage than most SUVs on the market. I spent months looking researching for an SUV and nothing compared to the CR-V. You know that when you purchase a Honda, you are getting quality and realiability. I used to drive a VW Golf and I now feel much safer on the road.

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  Great - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Tina - October 3 - 3:58 am

  The car is great rides smooth. Love the seats and radio. The trunk is very spacious.

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  Great - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Tina - October 3 - 3:58 am

  The car is great rides smooth. Love the seats and radio. The trunk is very spacious.

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  Great - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Tina - October 3 - 3:58 am

  The car is great rides smooth. Love the seats and radio. The trunk is very spacious.

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  Great Car - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ar martin - October 2 - 4:47 am

  It is everything I expected and more, I think it should have a satellite system