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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  Exactly what we wanted. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By WLL - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V has turned out to be exactly what we wanted. It is surprisingly roomy inside and is fun to drive. The fuel economy is close to being as advertised. This is just the car we hoped it would be. The acceleration is good and meets most driving needs. Great car - glad we bought it.

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  ETREMELY SATISFIED OWNER - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By rONDA HAMPTON - March 18 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE DRIVEN OUR NEW VEHICLE ON SEVERAL TRIPS AND GOTTEN GREAT GAS MILEAGE. ON ONE TRIP WE HAD 4 ADULTS A CHILDS CARSEAT (WITH INFANT),LUGGAGE AND BABY GEAR FOR TRIP. WE HAD PLENTY OF LEG ROOM. EVEN WITH THAT KIND OF LOAD THE VEHICLE HAD PLENTY OF SPEED PICKUP TO PULL THE HILLS. AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE.

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  I Love it! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jwcarter82 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the car and I cant begin to explain how wonderful it is to own the car. I traded my gas guzzling suv in and I have saved a ton of money in gas just the first month. In fact, I have driven 400 miles and have yet to fill it up! That should speak for itself. The car is fun to drive and handles really nicely. The seats are a little firm but not uncomfortable.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Chanel - March 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Honda Accord (1993,1998, 2003)it still proves that it economially a great car. A lot of features come standard which come as options on other cars.

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  satisfied - 2004 Honda Accord
  By rosebud2 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth and stable ride. More refined than cars 10K more. Perfect interior layout. By far best buy under 30K.

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  Gas Complaints? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By jillybilly - March 17 - 11:36 am

  Lots of the reviews are complaining about the MPG - it states clearly at Honda that the 4 cyl only gets 2 MPG better than the 6cyl, which is why I went with the 6cyl. If I need some power, I want it available. If you want 40 MPG, buy a little tin-can eco compact car (which = death in an accident). Its not a Chevy Tahoe, its an accord! The MPG for this type of vehicle is great, so lets just get real people. I just bought this car, only 200 miles on it, so i havent settled in enough to have a great review on it as far as ride quality. Ive been a BMW driver for the past 10 yrs, and I like feeling stuck to the ground, this car feels very sturdy and weighted, which I like. Good handling.

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  Honda Coupe 2008 - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda - March 17 - 7:36 am

  Car is very sporty & accelerates & handles quite smoothly. Bucket seats mold to you & are quite comfortable. A power seat would be desirable. Trunk is roomy with fold down seats adding to space. I like the speedometer out in front by windshield so you dont have to look down. Center console armrest slides forward (nice feature) but slips back when you lean on it (should lock in place). Mileage is great. Overall quality & design is excellent! I love driving my civic.

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  Honda does it again! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jack D. - March 16 - 7:43 am

  I wanted an 08 Accord but in light of current fuel prices, decided on the Civic. I wanted the EX, but after driving the EX and LX, decided there wasnt enough difference between em to justify the price variance. This is my 3rd Honda and I am very pleased with the quality that goes into them. My 91 Accord had 326k original miles on the clock when I sold it to a co- worker for $1,800!! Looked great, ran like new. I will agree with prior comments re: the road noise, it is a bit much on rough pavement. On freshly paved roads, though, its quiet as a tomb. This has a lot to do with the Goodyear Eagle RSA tires. When they wear out, Ill install comparable Michelins, which are quieter.

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  Your dreams DO come true - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Patti - March 16 - 2:33 am

  This car is just unbelievable! Ive had 8 cars in the last 10 years and this car is just a dream! It steers like a compact car allowing u turns with ease. It speeds up to allow you to get in the fast lane without making others slow down for you. I mean its just sooo awesome. It rides QUIET and smooth. It is built with creation and safety in mind and it shows. Dont let the odd location of the gear scare you!! :) Patti the best Realtor in S. Fl.!!

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  Grate SUV - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By Stanley Robinson - March 15 - 11:49 pm

  I love this SUV it save our life.