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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  Darn Near Perfect - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By JW Adams - December 19 - 4:10 am

  This auto has been driven hard since my family purchased it. It is just a pleasure to drive in the city as parking is no problem with its tight turning radius, that being said, It is also very freshing to get out of it after an 8 hour drive and not be cramped up in the least. The engine has plenty of zip, enough to sail the truck on down I-95 in excess of 90 mph. Youll just be cruising along listening to the six disc CD player and do a quick speedo check and be wowed by the speed you were doing. Its a super car that has not had to be back to the shop for any unschelduled maintaince, period.

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By chantal callow - December 18 - 8:37 pm

  I have had 3 CR-Vs in a row. If they made it in a hybrid, or brought the diesel version to the USA, I would buy another. It is everything it is advertised to be!

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  The best car that I ever purchased. - 2005 Honda Accord
  By James Trotter - December 17 - 6:50 pm

  Ive purchased four hondas prior to buying the Accord EXL, and each one had there own special touch to them. But what makes the Accord EXL unique is when I take a road trip. There is nothing like it, I mean its like youre dreaming. You cant feel the road or hear the vehicle when its going down the highway. Thank God for XM radio, because it makes all the difference when you cant decide which CD to listen to.

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  Honda Civic 4 dr Hybrid - 2007 Honda Civic
  By clayssilky - December 17 - 8:50 am

  great little car. Get 45 to over 52 miles per gallon. Most of my driving is around town but it does handle well on the highway.

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  As Expected - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RJ - December 17 - 4:46 am

  Ive put 9000 miles on my Accord so far, and it has been exactly what I expected. Many of these reviews have talked about the mileage, Im not sure what they expected from a car with 250+ HP. I get 22-27 in the city depending on traffic and season. I take frequent long road trips and drive about 70 MPH on average, and get about 35 MPG...if I drove 60 Id probably be closer to 40 MPG. When I drive the car I feel like I am driving a well built quality machine. The sound system is very good. Bottom line is you get reliablity, comfort, and muscle, while getting better than average MPG, esp compared to other cars with this much HP.

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  Hondas ROCK - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Paterick - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been one of my dream cars for as lond as i can rember.And know i own it there is nithin wrong with this car but it needs to be made in aoutomatic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Happy camper.... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By senna1 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and I am totally satisfied with my purchase. The combination of performance, space, economy, reliability, quality, resale and value is unbeatable.

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  Best sedan for the price - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TBP1 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased for less than $22K + tax, I agree with others, it is comparable to much pricier sedans. Very luxurious & loaded all around. I had been considering lower- priced cars to provide basic transportation, but decided to get something the entire family could enjoy despite the fact we have a Toyota Sienna van. The 4 cyl. is very peppy and frankly a 240hp 6 would be frustrating - it really isnt prudent or necessary to accelerate like that. The leather seats, the ride, sunroof, stereo etc, make this a car I will happily drive for a very long time. The stick shift is very smooth and rather fun, and lowers the price. The stereo & 6 disk CD changer rock.