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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  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

• 

  Love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Kdg - November 3 - 8:34 pm

  Our 2007 crv exl was purchased brand new and shell be 9 in July. We have not had one thing go wrong on this vehicle and she only gets regular oil changes and tires rotated. We are having baby #2 in July and while Im sure well have plenty of room we may end up trading my beloved crv in at some point for a new highlander. Weve been loyal honda fans for years. Hubby bought a 2015 v6 four door accord last summer and we love that car. I not really a fan of the new pilot and toyota gives a better deal on the highlander it seems. Well see when the time comes but for now Im still loving my crv

• 

  Excellent Element - 2004 Honda Element
  By Bellatrix - November 3 - 10:00 am

  It really is a teriffic car in every respect. The practicality is obvious but the surprise is that even though we have an Acura 3.0 CL & a Miata, my wife and I would both rather drive the Element! We took it on a long road trip just after we bought it and found it a real pleasure for that application.

• 

  I like it so far... - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Superman3 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Accord about 3 weeks ago and it seems to be a great car. I have read many positive reviews on the car and they all seem to be holding true so far. The only bad thing I noticed is the paint is very touchy to pretty much anything. But overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone shopping.

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  2004 EX Auto - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By New CRV Owner - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Love the way it handles. Had an Acura Integra for years yet this vehicle is as easy to get in and out of tight spots as the Acura. A/C works great! Tons of room!

• 

  Good Small SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By MommyD - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Wanted something bigger than a sedan but smaller than a big SUV and this is perfect! Fits 2 car seats no problem, even infant seats that are reversed! Drives and handles like a car but with more head and leg room. Picnic table is a plus but not too important. Love the fact its a Honda and reliable. Best small SUV for the money. At $22K I feel like I have a small luxury vehicle for cheap!

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  Civic si - 2004 Honda Civic
  By davids4558 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The Civic SI is a very fun car to drive. I had a 95 civic ex I traded in on this car. Its diffentaly a better car.

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  Solid choice - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DRich - November 3 - 6:53 am

  I dont think you can go wrong with this car. Although the V-6 offers plenty of power, this is not a sport sedan. It is a great family car at a very fair price. Hopefully some day the American companies will be able to build something this solid.

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  Old but still going - 1990 Honda Accord
  By ADS 1 - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased with 150000 km 7 years ago. Just passed the 304000 km mark. Repair frequency increasing over the last year, but understandable given age and mileage. The engine and transmission have not been touched beyond seal replacement. This old horse just keeps on going. I will never buy anything but a Honda product - now own 3 of them!

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  Too Many Times In The Shop! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By SweetTee - November 3 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for two years and I constantly had this car in and out the shop getting minor things fixed on it. I had brakes and rotors put on the car 3 times ( I have a heavy foot) but Im fine with that. I brought the car when it only had 77,000 miles on it. I had water pump, timing belt, temperature gauge, lower ball point replace on both sides and CV boot, alternator and now I need to replace one of my ABS speed sensors and the engine light is on and I dont know whats wrong with the car. I take very good care of my car dont get me wrong. Sometimes I just want to get rid of it. As of right now it has 150,000 miles on it.