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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  Worth the wait - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 06 Civic Si - April 26 - 5:00 pm

  The new Civic Si is a practical high performance car. It has 197 h.p. and also gets 32 m.p.g. It is priced under $20,000 and is very well equipped, including sunroof, 350 watt sound system and special Si interior features. After my 1996 Civic the new Si seems like a space ship with the digital speedometer placed like a heads-up display and the steep windshield ahead. The car is very quiet and the 2 liter V-tec engine is as smooth as butter. The drive-by-wire throttle is super responsive and the performance is excellent through all six gears.The electric power steering has a great road feel to it, and has a quick ratio for right-now response. Great job Honda!

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  Honda Pilot is Elite!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By BGood - April 26 - 3:25 pm

  If you want the Elite Trim you will have to be patient and lucky. Some sales associates that need to make their numbers will push the lower trims. They may tell you there is not much difference in what you get. Do your home work and sit in one yourself. The Elite closes the gap with Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Lexus RX etc. You may read reviews that complain about the controls for the radio and navigation. There are some valid annoyances and you can get over them. (Volume can go crazy when switching between sources, i.e. Bluetooth to phone, Bluetooth to FM, iPod to radio.) So turn down your volume a little prior to switching sources.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By lynne - April 26 - 1:06 pm

  Everyone told me that Honda was a great car, now Im a believer. A Nice smooth ride handles very well. This is my first Honda and I know I will be a return customer.

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  All we ever wanted and more - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Vernon Bevill - April 25 - 7:13 pm

  Wife wrecked her 03 PT Cruiser in January, so we car shopped 3 yrs sooner than planned. After research between a Toyota Rav4 & Honda CR-V. Test drove both, especially at night for low beam headlamps in deer country. Both tested well but felt the Honda was a bit better in comfort & mileage and details for the money. Several customers said the service at this dealership was great. We have been getting 24.8 in the commute/town driving and the one road trip of 360 miles I got 29.8 doing around 70. We loved the Cruiser, but already like this one better. It is roomy and well built and has all the appointments needed. Arm rests & visors could be wider, but thats all we see needed after 3 mo.

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  I love my Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By kd,dayton ohio - April 24 - 9:13 pm

  I have only had the Civic for a week but I love it. I had been looking for a couple months and finally picked Civic. Its much quicker than I expected. This car drives great! The coupe may be a little tricky to get into for larger adults and the rear seat is out of the question for most adults. But almost everything else is great! The two tier dash board has grown on me, although I didnt care for it at first (too space ship). The car looks great. I have had loads of compliments. One lady said she thought it was an Acura. Ive driven many different cars but the main reason for going with the Civic is the reliability. I expect this car to run great for many years to come.

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  Honda Happy! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Donna - April 24 - 5:06 pm

  I love my new Honda CRV!! It is so fun to drive, easy to operate, and very kid friendly. I am getting 21-22 mpg (mostly city driving) but Ive only owned the car for 3 weeks. Hopefully, that will improve a little as time goes on. I just added two accessories, the roof rack and the moon roof visor which really added to the overall appearance of the car. I traded in a Pontiac G-6 for my CRV. All of my groceries fit into this car - all $350.00 worth! I test drove a Pontiac Torrent, and a Rav4 before the Honda. I definitely made the right choice. Love it!

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  Surprise - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bill@KingwoodTx - April 24 - 1:50 pm

  For the last 21 years Ive driven only BMWs. I thought it was time to grow up since I am now 64. I drove everything in Houston over the last 2 years and to my surprise I fell in love with the Crosstour. It does everything well. Im 65" and have no problem with headroom like with 95% of everything else. The car is fun to drive (it isnt a BMW but then I didnt want another one) sporty in fact. Mileage has been great with the 3-4-6 cylinder operation of the engine. The build quality is exceptional and the car feels very solid. After much looking and test driving I believe I made the correct choice. The only cars I liked as well were the Acuras, which is a Honda, but I fit in only the MDX.

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  Cant wait for spring - 2004 Honda S2000
  By dbaberant - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with my S2000. Plenty has been written about this car and it lives up to all of it. Great performance for the price.

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  Great Fun!! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By G Miller - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has the power,stopping ability,and fits like a glove.

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  The cool mom car - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kar_m - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is great for a family of 3 - 8, while still having room for junk