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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  Whats not to like???????????????!!!!!!! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Jeri Elyse - July 20 - 9:56 am

  I love my Honda Accord. This is my 3rd. Honda, what can I say? This car has it all. Styling, reliability, great gas mileage with the 5 speed, more than enough pick up and power, fun to drive and just plain terrific!

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  Outstanding Value - 2006 Honda Accord
  By ench - July 19 - 11:33 pm

  Test drove them all and the decision was easy... the Accord is hands down the best value for your dollar. 4 cyl engine is smooth and surprisingly quick. If you like to drive, go for the manual tranny. The interior is fantastic! Leather comparable to pricey luxury models. Great fit and finish. Seats are very comfortable, all instruments and controls very nicely laid out. All this and great reliability and gas mileage to boot. Honda continues to be the pace setter when it comes to how much you get for your money.

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  Initial impressions favorable - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By VincentView - July 19 - 9:36 pm

  Nice styling improvements from 2008 model. So far seems to be very well built and drives very well. Also seems to be a good value for the money. In my opinion handles better and contains better electronics than my 2007 BWM X3 and is about 10 grand cheaper !

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  Happy honda owner - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By hganurs - July 19 - 4:13 pm

  This is our first honda and after test driving the highlander and then the pilot, we were sold on the pilot. Much more comfortable and a smoother ride. My husband was not excited about an SUV, but found comfort with the government safety rating .

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Austin - July 19 - 1:16 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 2 years now and I love it. My wife is the primary driver and she couldnt be happier with the styling, performance and gas mileage. The last 2 years we have driven it from Ohio to Savannah on vacation and have averaged 40 mpg on the highway. We avg about 34 with a combination of country and city driving. Plan on getting a second one soon!

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  Accord 2006 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Blaine Palmer - July 19 - 7:10 am

  I have been incredibly impressed at the build quality and the engineering that has gone into the Accord. I am an avid reader of anything I can find that deals with automobiles, and through my study, and now my experience, the Accord cannot be matched for value and fun to drive. I have not had one problem, and my gas mileage varies between 34 and 38 highway.

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  maintenance - 1998 Honda Accord
  By maintenance - July 18 - 2:00 am

  found that actual ownership experience is the best opinions from all The Ultimate she drives great and is very dependable!! The seats are comfortable and you do not realy need the sunroof. Erganomics are superb and you should go out and get one!!

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  nice car - 2004 Honda S2000
  By s2000 owner - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is more fun than any thing within 20 k, the only thing that may be better is the lotus elise.

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  CRV or Sport trak? DUH! - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By joans_david - July 18 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were on our way to purchase an Explorer Sport Trak, even after having done research on these two vehicles... my wife liked the Sport Trak. Well, we stopped by the Honda dealer and drove the CRV on the way to the Ford dealer... OOPS! We loved the drive, comfort, and power of the CRV. We then ventured to the Ford dealer and were amazed at how cheap the Trak felt... We are now loving the CRV and it moves like no four-banger Ive driven

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  just a bit better than before - 2004 Honda Accord
  By brntorange - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 2000 accord ex v6, just bought 2004 version of the same. Obvious improvement in horsepower and interior, with the exception of exposed cupholders. I think michelens are not worth their price. Car would be much better off with higher performance tires...and do something about that rear end design, please! All in all, very nice car.