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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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Danielle Govert - August 25 - 2:40 am

  We were looking for a car similar to our Mazda Tribute. We had it narrowed down to the Hyundai Sante Fe, Mercury Mariner, and the Honda CRV. We compared the 4 cylinder Mariner to the CRV and there was no comparison. The CRV has quite the pick up for a 4 cylinder and the Mariner was very jerky when accelerating. The CRV also rides closer to the ground which allows you to take corners tighter and not feel like you might tip over. So far we are very happy with our decision.

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  07 Accord EX-L - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tim - August 24 - 3:36 am

  Very smooth ride. I love the XM radio, dual climate control, and heated seat features. A high performing car with a luxurious feel. I have received several compliments on the car after owning it for just 3 weeks.

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  Solid Family Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dan - August 24 - 12:56 am

  The 06 Accord is a solid reliable family sedan that should fit the needs of most anyone. It is not the lowest price option but I believe it is the best value.

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  this car rocks!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By eddie - August 23 - 7:50 pm

  I have owned this car for two months and have yet to see another one. I wanted something fast, comfortable, stylish, and relatively inexpensive that would hold its resale value. I got everything I wanted. The six-speed is very smooth. The build quality is superb. Everything just seems to be so well thought out. You get much more content when you choose 6MT over automatic. 1. Upgrade from 16" to 17" wheels 2. Sport Suspension with tower brace. 3. Perforated leather seats 4. Much better tires. 5. Sound system upgrade from 120W to 180W 6. Intake manifold tuned for better sound above 4500RPM. This car loves the tight twisties but is a business jet on the turnpike at 2500rpm/80mph.

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  Wow - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Pilot in IL - August 23 - 5:20 pm

  This is our first new car since 2000. We already have a commuting vehicle (Civic) and needed something with decent hauling capacity and a little more room and comfort to tool around in. Honda Pilot fit the bill. The size, gas mileage, performance, and price all fit perfectly for us. The leather interior is wonderful. The features were right on the money. We were ready to find a nice 05 at a discount but the new interior and exterior styling really pulled us into the 06. Still breaking it in so we havent pushed the engine but it certainly gets going when it needs to. Already had a chance to use the VSA system (Warning: SUVs are not as nimble as coupes;). Worked like a charm.

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  good car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By mishonov - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Good value. Roomy at rear, comfy at front. Good support for the torso on turns. Surprisingly quiet with open moon-roof even at 70 mph. 6-cd sounds good. Fuel light on after 270-290m, but only 11.6g fits, so 4g is there, enough for ~80m. Fuel economy is ok. On 4700m trip mean fuel consumption was 26.6mpg. Rear differential leaks after 9000m, fixed at 10000m service. Since than (12000+)-ok. Useless on deep sand - wheels are digging in instead of rolling over. 4w drive working good, very confident drive over puddles on hw - it pushing from back when front loosing grip. ABS working ok. Acceleration is good, esp.at 5000-5500 rpm. No feeling of underpower, quiet.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Southern Dude - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The CRVs build quality is equal to that of the $40K BMW that also resides in my garage. I hear claims of excess road noise from the CRV, but Im yet to detect them, I suggest other reviewers take a test drive in another car and make a relative rather than an absolute evaluation (or stay off secondary roads and out of the northern states). Overall, a perfect car for city and highway driving, sure it cant accelerate to 100 in 4 seconds, but where are you going to use that kind of performance. Its the thinking mans car. Put the money you save into your kids education.

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  Excellent value! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By effica - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Owned 2 Honda Civics (88 & 01) and never thought of getting an SUV (fad/gas guzzlers) but girlfriend wanted an AWD for winter skiing. The 2002 CR-V (EX) Auto is just the perfect choice. At $22.2K (dest charge inc), this CR-V is very solidly built, peppy enough, yet very efficient. It handles well & the ride is comfortable. Road noise is as expected and is more like that of a Honda Civic than an Accord.

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  Great Automobile Compared To My FORD - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Surf_City_CRV - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Love my CRV! I am very happy to be driving an automobile that I can depend on. After driving Fords all my life and the last 5 years of quality problems.. I got to the point that I couldnt trust Fords. The CRV is quick, fun, and a pleasure to drive. I have 2,000 miles in 2 weeks and not one issue or complaint. I plan to drive the CRV for another 198,000 miles with a smile!

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  Buy an Odyssey! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By agammon - August 23 - 10:00 am

  After a great deal of research, we concluded that the Odyssey was simply the best value. To get the quality with any other minivan, one would need to spend an additional $10K. And you still wouldnt have the reliability of a Honda. The interior is plain, but I always found that more buttons mean more things to break. Further proof is how the Odysseys retain their value. At the time of our research, it would cost more to buy a used Odyssey than order a new one. I love my Odyssey and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off!!