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 95 Accord - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Ryan - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been very reliable to me. I like most aspects of it, minus the fact that the antenna does not fully retract. Otherwise it has been very good to me!

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  A Great Family Van, and Fun for Dad Too! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By DesperAuto - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Great van, with lots of extras and plenty of power to haul the kids to soccer practice. The kids get real quiet when the movie is playing, allowing you to relax and watch the road. Good for hauling cargo too. Dealers wont spend much time negotiating with you, claiming there are droves of buyers lined up behind you for the same van. Get all the options and then beat their price down to almost free on the option, and youve done well. Work up from list.

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  Another great Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bobs - July 11 - 7:20 am

  We havent had a Honda for a while - last one was a Civic in the 90s. I loved it then and I think the CRV will be even better. We bought the car as a dinghy for our motorhome as it is one of only a few cars that can be towed 4 down without mods. It was recommended by my motorhome friends. I am surprised at how nice and fun it is to drive around the city. I am averaging 27-28 MPG with careful driving - mostly highway on my SoCal commute. Its too new to comment on the AWD but next year we retire back to the land of ice and snow in Canada.

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  Ridgeline RTL - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brett0769 - July 10 - 11:26 pm

  I love my new Ridgeline. Comfort and utility with Honda quality, there is just no comparison to other vehicles. (Especially since its Hondas only truck.) The interior is suprisingly roomy, I can have 3 childrens seats in the back and two adults in the front with plenty of legroom. The sound system is very good and Im enjoying the XM radio and CD changer that came with the vehicle. The ride is a lot more like a car than a truck, broad wheel base and low COG make for low body roll. The 244hp engine is very peppy and responsive. Innovative storage inside and out, 2-way bed door, in bed trunk (You must see if you havent), under rear seat cargo tray and adjustable console between front seats.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  Like wine, it gets better with age - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By sue s. - July 10 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my Honda CRV for over 10 years. I refuse to get a new car because there isnt anything wrong with it! I finally gave it a 10 year birthday present with a tune up, radiator flush, etc. when it hit 100,000 miles. I have had to get new brakes, struts and tires, but no major mechanical problems with it in the past 10 years. It goes in for oil changes but not much else. I will keep it until it literally falls apart. Its been and is a great car. Because its an older model, I dont have navigation tools or satellite radio, which would be nice. (but it does have a cassette player!!) Im curious to see how many miles it will have when I do decide to trade it in on a new CRV - probably in 20 years! I have heard people say that CRVs have poor sound insulation, but its not much different than other cars from what I have observed.

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  new accord - 2008 Honda Accord
  By yinka - July 9 - 10:36 pm

  Picked up an EX-L with nav. Much improved interior over older models. People complain about the center console but it becomes simpler each day. Very smooth drive with more power than the new altima 2.5s which i tested out

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  Dees CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Denise - July 8 - 3:56 am

  This vehicle is eye catching and has outstanding performance. Im proud to drive this car and see the envious glances I get from my neighbors!

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  Great Value for Less Dough - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dave G - July 7 - 4:06 pm

  I bought this car in December 2008 and I really enjoy it. They acceleration is great. There is a large back seat. You get a lot of bells and whistles on this car compared with other models: Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Lexus ES330, etc for THOUSANDS less. Test drive it. Youll be pleasantly surprised. To get the best price, I emailed all my local area dealers and got internet pricing. Youd be surprised by the different responses.