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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  Best car I have ever driven!!!!! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Wolfman - June 16 - 12:06 pm

  I travel 3 states as a territory manager and this is the best car I have ever driven. It is so fun to drive and everything is rtight where you want it. Stereo with 6 disc cd is awesome. Power moon roof is great and engine and transmission are solid.Handling is nimble and athletic. Styling inside and out is really sharp. This is my first Honda. Wow! I have owned GM and Ford and Chrysler products all my life and this CR-V from Honda is almost too good to be true in every respect. I will be a customer for life! 5200 wonderful miles so far. Thank you Honda for a job well done...

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  As old as it is, its a wonderful car! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By 92sedanEx - June 16 - 10:00 am

  We bought it used from a private sale, but man, this car is absolutely excellent. Its really fun to drive, nice layout, and as old as it is, its very well for its age. Its is somewhat lacking (since its a SOHC) but still peppy.

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  Best In Class - 1994 Honda Accord
  By AccordMaven - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought what was literally the first 94 EX 5-speed on the dealers lot. It felt weird to drive it around and not see another one on the road for what seemed to be months. Its been used primarily as a commuter, with a few long (2,000 mile) family and business trips thrown in. The Honda has never been less than sterling. Good power, great handling, fine ride, comfortable. Only significant problems have been a radiator failure (fixed under warranty) and a starter failure. Very few other issues, all of which were/are inconsequential. Overall, its been so good that I bought a second one for my teenage son (who is customizing it big time!).

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  great buy - 1999 Honda Accord
  By islander - June 16 - 10:00 am

  excellent quality,and very dependable.would highly recommend to anyone looking for great value for what you pay.my car looks good rides good and is comfortable. i know i drove it from coast to coast. also it holds its value very well. the next car i buy will be a honda.

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  Honda Pilot: nothing is comparable - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Asiandude24/7 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle, nothing is too bad about this great vehicle, I recommend it to everyone.

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  Fuel economy and reliability - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Liegeagain - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife because she wanted it and it was the smallest car I could fit into without being extremely uncomfortable. We drive the car 70-80 miles per day on average (almost all highway)and average over 40+ mpg driving between 65-70 mph. Currently, I have 572.3 miles on this tank of gas and I need to buy some gas today. The ride is bumpy, but it has been with my last two Hondas Ive owned. The Interior of this Civic is about the same size as my 1991 Accord was before this replaced that vehicle after 207K miles. If the car were a bit bigger, Id buy another one to replace my car.

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  Wanted a Civic EX came out with Si ! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By CivicSi - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I went in to purchase a Honda EX, but with low financing rate and 2000$ off I purchased the Civic Si! Its good on gas, environmentally friendly, fast, reliable and had a decent stereo system.

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  Vanilla - 2009 Honda Accord
  By gene strathdee - June 16 - 2:13 am

  The Accord is good. reliable transportation. The LX model is pretty plain with nothing fancy but that is what my wife wanted. We have had only a couple of repairs and the car has 96000 miles on it. WE have had all the recommended maintenance performed at the dealer and have found them to be reasonably priced. All things considered it is a very good car, just not that exciting.

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  Love it!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By MadMumbler - June 15 - 4:30 am

  With a disabled child who races wheelchairs, and being service dog puppyraisers, a tough vehicle is a must, and this is easy to clean and tough to stand up to what we put it through.

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  It saved my life - 2005 Honda Civic
  By agross - June 14 - 9:50 pm

  I had this car only two months and was extremely happy with it. A freak accident threw me into a concrete retaining wall at 60 mph, with impact on the front right half of the car. The entire front of the car was smashed flat and the engine block split. I walked away in tact with only two scratches, a chest bruise from the seatbelt, and a burn on my hand from the airbag. I loved the car before...it handles like a dream and is very comfortable to drive. But Im going straight out to buy another, because I know first hand how well made they are! I wouldnt be here otherwise.