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 Car, not getting the gas mileage - 2007 Honda Accord
  By silvia - September 18 - 1:20 pm

  Love everything about the car. The gas mileage is not panning out. On highway best mileage so far has been 27 MPG. On street stop and go I have gotten as low as 14 MPG.

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected - 2010 Honda Insight
  By lovemynewinsight - September 18 - 11:00 am

  When I went to buy a new car, I was looking for fuel efficient and economical. I tried the Prius, but didnt love the way it handled and couldnt handle how expensive it was, even used, especially if you want some additional features. I was very pleased when I drove the new Honda Insight. The handling is great. It is comfortable. Extra features (I got the EX) dont add that much to the price. So far I look forward to driving my car every day. And I am getting over 50MPG (I drive entirely in city), versus the 41 average that is advertised. I no longer rush to get where I am going- instead I enjoy playing the game of how to get better MPGs.

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  Great for road trips - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By AZPilot - September 18 - 2:16 am

  We bought this SUV to drive on our honeymoon, as we were planning on driving 2500+ miles, with a dog. This was the most comfortable ride, and lots of storage room. Perfect for long trips, and daily travel.

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  kick some german axx - 2003 Honda S2000
  By spitfire - September 18 - 2:00 am

  this is an amazing street legal race car. plunge the gas padle and drop your clutch, the roar from the exhaust will make you believe you are in a rocket, a topless one. steering is perfect, handling is precise, braking is stable and powerful to say the least. this is one car that has all the major components perfectly orchestrated each time you sit behind the wheel. there is simply no better sports car one can buy for $35K.

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  I love everything about it - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Ravi - September 18 - 2:00 am

  superb car with all the features and performance you can only dream in other roadsters.. no matter what you are driving now you need to change your driving style.... you need to drive this beauty with high rpm keep your rpm between 6-8000 (remeber red line is at 9000)

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  You get what you pay for and much more - 2003 Honda S2000
  By ready2go - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best true sports car for the money, period. We all know what it is not so dont be confused about what you are buying, this is not a cargo carrying sport sedan. This is a sports car. An excellent sports car. I considered a Boxster S (used) and still could not justify the extra money over this car.

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  I love everything about it - 2003 Honda S2000
  By ravi - September 18 - 2:00 am

  superb car with all the features and performance you can only dream in other roadsters.. no matter what you are driving now you need to change your driving style.... you need to drive this beauty with high rpm keep your rpm between 6-8000 (remeber red line is at 9000)

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  Radical Roadster - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RRD - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car provides an awesome driving experience. It is pure pleasure to drive!

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  SWEET....Collectors Car to Be - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Roboy - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I dont understand why Honda quit making the Prelude. The profile is very sporty. It is strong,with near 200hp from the DOHC, 16 valve, VTech 4 cylinder engine. The low profile tires and the suspension system make it stick like a race car in a tight corner. Handling is superb and the 4 wheel disc brakes will flat stop you.The overall quality is what we have come to expect from Honda. The price was right for the upper end performance of the 2001 Prelude

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  My baby - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By irenemichelle - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is very reliable. It holds its value extremely well!!