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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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2004 Honda Element
  By PEPIN - July 7 - 10:00 am

  HONESTLY I HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS GREAT VEHICLE, IS VERY COMFORTABLE TO TRAVEL, VERY SPACIOUS, AND EXCELLENT DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.

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  rtl red - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By scott skaggs - July 7 - 7:10 am

  I love this truck Ive had it a couple weeks now and its great. I wish it had a couple extra cup holders, theres only four if the rear center console is up for 5 passengers. Ive had 5 trucks and this is the best ever.

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  This is great! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Megan - July 7 - 12:10 am

  I have only driven my new vehicle for about a week now and i absolutely love my car! I drive my car everywhere and i dont care about the gas because i am saving so much more gas now with have a small car.

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  Get one now! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jas - July 5 - 10:36 pm

  Hondas got it right! Didnt care much for my 2002 Honda, was going for a Camry till I read reviews by unsatisfied owners on this Edmunds site. Got the Honda and love it. Great looks, great pickup. Bye Bye Camry (I had a good one before my 2002 Honda). Ill stay with Honda as long as they make cars as good as this 2008. Get one...youll like it. Gosh, Honda ought to pay me for this!

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  Everything I expected - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Adam - July 5 - 8:26 pm

  I got this car after 5 years in a Dodge Caravan, so I had to get used to driving so low to the ground. I liked the look of the 2 door, but I didnt like the blind spots, so I went with a 4 door. Overall, I am very satisfied with the car. I get between 33-38 MPG, and after one trip across the state and back, I got almost 40 MPG. I got into the Honda for the reliability factor, but I love the look, especially the color (dark blue) and the digital speedometer. It was a little uncomfortable during the long trip; I had to shift around to stay comfortable, but some of that may have been because I was still adjusting from my Caravan (where my legs went down, instead of out.)

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  Just love it! - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By froiland - July 5 - 9:56 am

  Ive been driving my new 2007 EX Pilot for 3 months now. It has good power and acceleration. Very smooth and comfortable ride. Very good stopping power. A bit of body roll but its fun to drive. Solidly built, roomy, very good interior.

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  The best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dagnydeveaux - July 5 - 4:03 am

  Were very, very impressed. With a little self control the mileage really is as Honda advertised it. The way it handles is extremely impressive for a smaller car; we feel as safe in it as we do in our old work horse - the Volvo Cross Country!

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  A Honda Believer for Life! :O) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Dottie - July 5 - 1:40 am

  I have a 1997 Honda Del Sol and have owned 2 Preludes and I have to say that Honda delivers what others do not and that is a quality car with great handling and performance (more than the hp might suggest) for the money. I was hesitant to consider the new Civic after having had an older model as a loaner when getting my Del Sol worked on and I found it to be flimsy and loud but this new generation Civic is a charmer! I went to the dealership to try out the new Honda Fit as a supplemental car to my Del Sol which has over 100K miles on it and test drove the Civic, too, and fell in love. So far, Ive only had it a week but find the ride quality and performance to be great!

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  2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JLHDU - July 4 - 11:06 pm

  This is my third Honda and first CR- V. I am very happy with my V. It has plenty of interior room, except when my 5 y/o son attempts to sit behind me while I am driving. His legs are too short and end up against the back of my seat. Otherwise, I know what to expect with a Honda...excellence! Granted it doesnt ride like my BMW 740i but it is bound to be reliable. The only ride issue Ive noticed is that you definitely feel nearly every bump you drive over. If Honda could just soften the ride, they would have an even better vehicle. Ergonomically, the interior design is very good. Of the vehicles in the Vs class and at the 25k price range, the V is the best buy on the market!

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  A Superior Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By sly98 - July 4 - 6:53 pm

  This is my first car. Hands down, no contest, this is the best economy car you can get out there. It saves you money with the great gas mileage and maintenance costs. Plus theres the great resale value. The build quality is great. I have the blue ex couple and am very happy with my purchase. Have had the car exactly a year now. Just lacks that all out power, but it does have enough though.