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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  As good as its reputation... - 1999 Honda Civic
  By lawchica - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my little silver Civic because it is reliable, comfortable, and bigger than it looks. Need I say that it is great on fuel economy and low mantinentce? My major issue is that exterior is cheaply made, which makes this car very vulnerable to dings and scratches. Likewise, I have had more flat tires in four years than some people have their whole lives, but maybe that is just me. The performance is decent for the price and size of the engine, but if you want horsepower, opt for the si version. Repairs to date: new front brakes, new exhaust and lots of new tires.

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  2017 ex-l v6 coupe...sweet ride !! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Mattie - May 11 - 1:42 am

  This is my first Honda and i am extremely impressed. I test drove a couple of higher end coupes before test driving this Honda and for the money you cant beat the EX-L. Very sporty and surprisingly QUICK !! With 3 driving options , ECO Drive, Sport mode or Paddle Shifter, this car is a blast to drive. If you like Gadgets this is the car for you, especially with the apple car play !! Two tone leather heated seats is also very comfortable !! Having trouble seeing traffic on the passenger side to switch lanes ? Dont worry , this car has you covered with a passenger side camera mounted under the mirror that shows you the whole right lane !!........I can go on and on, but get out and drive this car,you too will give it a thumbs up !!

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  Happy with my CRV-2010 so far - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Bobby - May 10 - 8:36 pm

  Bought CRV-2010 in SC and immediately drove to Orlando and back (about 1100 miles in just 5 days). Crispy vehicle. The maximum gas/mileage I got was 29.2 in the highways. Convenient and roomy interior. Pickup is slightly inferior when compared with a few of the others in this class.

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  What else to say? Its a Honda. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Dennis - May 10 - 4:42 pm

  First of all, the reliability of Honda is unsurpassed. They make a great car. Although I have the 2door coupe with the 6 cyl., being 68 years old its more difficult to get in and out of as when I was a teenager. The power, reliability, steering, and general wear are terrific. I keep my cars for 10 years and take excellent care. It is garaged 365 nights a year. The body doesnt have a mark on it. Perhaps because I park in lots where few others are willing to walk so far. The past Hondas Ive had were passed down to my children and driven for another 100,000 miles. They are just great.

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  love my Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By gill - May 10 - 2:48 pm

  Before I bought this car I had done a lot of research on it so I pretty much knew the ins and outs before I even bought it Honda is a real reliable motor Ive been running on Honda motors for many many years I have very little complaints like the carpets were cheap the floorboard is cheap hand the clipse that they use to hold the panels together are cheap but all in all it is a gorgeous car and I can deal with the little problems like that but I love the new design I love the new interior it is all around a gorgeous car we came from a luxury vehicle and I feel Honda has really made the Accord a nice lunch review. Has to be the touring model its the best one

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  the Fit is our near-perfect vehicle - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Packy - May 10 - 12:46 pm

  After going over the specs and reviews of the Scion xA, xB, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and VW Rabbit, the Fit won my wife and I over. I wanted an xB badly, but for the price the Fit had everything I wanted and needed, plus had higher NHTSA safety ratings than the Yaris and xB (my other two choices). We test drove a Toyota Yaris, but found it to be claustrophobic, less functional (space-wise), and cheaper feeling on the inside. After a test drive of a base model AT Fit, we were sold! The cornering and handling of the Fit is amazing, and it really drives like a little go-kart. It has minor issues, but every car does, especially in this segment. =)

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  ONE OF THE GREAT CARS!!!!!! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By DMITRY - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car.I THINK ITS FAST AND POWERFULL ENOUGH!!!! Seems like itll run forever. Very confident suspension. Comfy on long rides.NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!!!

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  Best value in a Family SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Abe - May 9 - 5:43 am

  I wasnt a big fan of the exterior design of the Honda Pilot, but the changes made in 2006 made it a lot more appealing, eventhough the changes were minor. The interior is much improved as well...esp. the dashlighting. The SUV drives more like a luxury car than a truck. The EX comes with a ton of standard features esp. new safety features like side curtain airbags and Stability control. Features I would have had to pay thousands more on the Sequoia I was also considering. So far the fuel economy has been pretty good(@20mpg) for a large SUV with the best being 22.5mpg on mostly highway driving. Had a chance to test the AWD in some snow over christmas and the Pilot passed with flying colors

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  great car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Peter - May 9 - 5:23 am

  When my car suddenly broke, my first thought was a Toyota, but found out that they were too small. Next I saw a Camry, but wasnt smooth enough. I looked at the accord, and fell in love with it. My son liked the ex-l the best, but that was out of our budget. He wanted the ex for the sunroof at least, but that wasnt necessary for us. We went with the LX-P because of the rims. The car is very smooth for a v4, my first, but I thought that the gas mileage should be More about 38-45. Well I guess we cant have everything. The car is great, both with styling and performance. This is my first Japanese car, and so far so good! I would definitely recommend this car to any body, any age

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  All package is whack - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Johnny Tan - May 9 - 3:13 am

  Infotainment has too many glitch while driving on the road (very annoying) sound system rattles (cracking sound) whats the point of getting 10 speakers? Honda diamond dealer in Glendale refusing to fix the issue.