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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  Great Grandma Taxi - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Mary DeRose - January 10 - 1:57 pm

  I care for my two grandsons every day so I need a big, reliable car. This does more than what I need and I am thrilled with it. That said, I was VERY disappointed that it does not come with power folding side mirrors! The manual implies that it does, as does the icon on the mirror adjustment button. Since I have a three bay garage, I only have about 2" of clearance on each side! I really was (am) bummed about this. I manually fold in the left mirror when I pull in to give myself a few more inches. (Yes, I think Honda should remedy this.) The styling is awesome and the interior is designed beautifully. It has great acceleration, braking and handling. I went from a BMW 3 series to this car so I care about quality and handling. It is classy looking and I think I will have this car for a long, long time.

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  Do your Civic duty - in a Hybrid - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bryan C - January 10 - 7:26 am

  I just went one year in my Hybrid - 18,006 miles. My low mpg has been 41 and highest was an interstate drive from Richmond to Miami at 56.4 mpg for the trip. Terms like performance and fun differ with this car. I have owned Audis before this and still keep a Miata in the garage. They are the traditional performance models. The Hybrid ranks high in performance for how it performs its mission - transporting me around in relative comfort with extremely good mileage. The car is slow to accelerate but if you adjust your driving habits (I have) the reward is peak mpg. I still get to my destination but I do not have to pass other cars or arrive first.

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  Yes Ill have another Honda Thank You - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Douglas Berry - January 10 - 2:24 am

  By far the best running car I have ever owned, it never gives major problems always warns me if something needs attention and just keeps on going. Other than normal wear and tear on parts comp[onents etc. There has been no problem with this car.

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  Typical Honda - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Tony from Tampa - January 10 - 1:08 am

  Its another buzzy four cylinder overpriced import. The car magazines will gush over it initially, then back off in a couple of years. Hondas reputation for reliability is well deserved and is a big plus. But the car is small and feels cramped. It does handle well. The tech is good, especially blind spot detection. For the same money you can get a nice Kia Optima or Mazda3 or Mazda6 even. They deserve to be driven too.

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Kent - January 9 - 1:33 pm

  I recently bought a 1.5 year old EXL w/Navi. I traded a 2005 Infiniti GSX, and should have done it sooner. I owned an Acura for 8 flawless years and am a Honda fan, but a friend whos a sales manager at a dealership called to say he had a clean 08 accord, and I jumped at it. Bang for the buck its hard to imagine a better vehicle. Its very comfortable, remarkably large inside and just an overall great vehicle. It is far more refined than the G (granted, the G is an aggressive car) but the fit and finish are much better. The mileage is great, and Ive had to get used to stopping less for gas. For you non-Honda people, try one, and try the Accord. It deserves the raves it gets.

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  The Greatest Utility Vehicle - 2004 Honda Element
  By CDWilliamsUSCA - January 9 - 12:36 am

  A lot of people dont seem to like the Element, but it is what it is. Its the easiest around town hauler to use. Its very very functional. And the flip-up seats make it great for last minute loads of stuff. The design is very retro/modern. The sound system is great, and the engine performs well. Its a very well rounded, low end Utility Vehicle, its not sport anything. Its just stylish.

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  Its as unique as the owner! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Michael Aranda - January 8 - 11:26 pm

  When I was in search of a new vehicle, I wanted another SUV, only more economical and efficent. There were many to choose from, but only one stood out from the rest. I saw this cubical creature on the road, and wasnt for sure about it. I test drove it, and went to other dealership, and tried other boxes, but came away dissapointed. I couldnt put this, small looking box out of my mind, and remembered how roomy and efficent it was inside. It had alot of practical qualities inside of it, that some of the other more expensive ones didnt. It made me feel that I wasnt getting alot for my money! I had a chance to go with a major upgrade with all the fuss of the name, but I choose my box instead

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  Luv my SE CRV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Al - January 8 - 11:16 pm

  I love everything about it including the satellite radio. My wife finds it a little hard to sleep but the heated seats are awesome.

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  the best car yet - 2004 Honda Element
  By tom gansert - January 8 - 3:11 pm

  The element get feature is the calm doors make its interior access a pleasure for not only entering and exting but cleaning also. The leg room for driver and front passanger is a little cramped but the head and amr space makes up for it. I bought all option for the vehical espeacially for the extirior, it cost close to an additional seven thousand, but it was worth it. It looks like a different call when you put on the trim. The 2.4 litter engin has plenty of power. I have trailer hitch and plain on useing it this summer, so I cant coment on its towing capiblities, but main taining speed even on steep inclines is no problem. The car is built soiled giving you a safe feeling inside.

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  Honda Accord only replace battery at 80,000! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Laura Prendergast - January 8 - 11:29 am

  Now that is a great deal!!!