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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  Almost perfect - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sam123 - May 14 - 12:03 am

  I replaced a near-luxury mid-size wagon with my first minivan, and Odyssey Touring ended up on top. The styling, driving dynamics, comfort and features all topped competition (Sienna, Quest, Town&Country). It is the most car-like driver of the lot, and top-line Touring has almost all the gizmos I could hope for. Fuel economy has been surprisingly good as well, besting my V6 wagon. As a first-time minivan owner, Im still being surprised by the amount of space and convenience; I should have made the switch sooner. The Touring has nice big wheels and just the right amount of brightwork, too; not your moms minivan.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Ray V - May 13 - 7:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle one week ago and think that this is a great vehicle. The ride and quality is superb. No Flaws found thus far. The power is more then adequate knowing that it a 4 cyl. I traded my Accord V6 for this and overall Im pleased. My first tank all around I averaged 26 MPG which is what I attained in the Accord. I would recommend this vehicle to any perspective buyer.

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  06 Pilot LX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By capilot06 - May 13 - 6:10 pm

  This is a review of a ten day old Pilot LX with 500+ miles driven. (Previous car was a 00 Accord LX-V6). Overall smooth power delivery and transmission shifts. The ride is generally pleasant with some road noise. On rougher roads, there were some low pitch rattle from behind the driver seat (or may be behind the second row.) Driving position is good with supportive seat. Controls are accessible and intuitive. On the first 2 tanks of gas, I am averaging about 21mpg with 80% highway (sometime congested) driving. Versatility is excellent with easy steps to different seating configurations. Overall, this SUV has most features I want and presents a good value.

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  Fantastic Value! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Billiam - May 13 - 8:13 am

  The value of this vehicle is great. To pay under $30,000 and get a vehicle that looks and feels like a $50,000 is right up my alley. The redesign pushed this car up a level as far as Im concerned. I had a 2005 Accord EX and loved it but my new 2008 Accord EXL blows that car our of the water. It feels safe, performs well, looks fantastic and gets decent gas mileage for its size. I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone looking for an upscale sedan but cant afford to spend $40,000 - $50,000.

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  Excellent vehicle to own - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Excellent vehicle - May 13 - 5:20 am

  I did extensive research on various vehicles and decided to buy a Honda LX V-6 four door sedan. I am impressed with its V-6 performance and gas mileage. I average about 28 MPG city/hwy driving. The instrumentation is top notch and user friendly. The 6 disk in dash CD player is very easy to use and the sound quality is excellent. This is my first Honda acquisition and Im going to enjoy this car for many years to come.

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  Wonderful car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By ajprn - May 12 - 10:33 pm

  Ive had my civic sedan ex for a month and still look for excuses to go take a ride. Its comfortable and fun to drive. I use the cruise control a lot to maintain speed at economy limits but today when driving got preoccupied and when I looked at that great digital speedometer realized I was over 80 and the car felt as solid as it does at 25. Only complaint is that the radio seems weak, otherwise an all around great ride.

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  Almost 20 years of complete satisfaction - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Flyha - May 12 - 4:08 pm

  This car was so reliable until about year 15, when original parts needed replacement regularly. Unfortunately, exhaust seems to have the shortest life on Hondas, but replaced it around year 10 or 11 and nothing since.

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  It is a great car - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Tuan - May 12 - 2:26 pm

  Perfect

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  Made a believer out of me - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Gator 19 - May 11 - 11:43 pm

  I was not intially interested in looking at the 08 Honda Accord. The previous models were boring both aestically and performance wise. This model has totally changed my view of the Accord. People come up to me and ask what kind of car it is and if its a European car.

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  Sweet Grocery Getter - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mr. Incognito - May 11 - 10:16 pm

  Test drove the Acadia, Edge, and Equinox. Liked the CR-V best out of all based on size and value versus price and the fact that it drives just like an Accord. The car has plenty of pick up if you know how to drive a Honda. Fuel economy is great although less than advertised (EPA estimates are off anyway), but only by a mile or two. The wife loves how easy it is to load up the groceries or all the rest of our stuff when we go somewhere. I fit comfortably at 64" and 225 in the front seats and even in the back. Great car for the money and Honda reliability/quality to boot.