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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  Wonderful Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Onlysee - April 30 - 6:26 pm

  Great Van! I traded in my 2004 Odyssey EX-RES for the 2006 EX. I love the re-design, and I couldnt be happier with my new vehicle. The ride is smoother, handles better, and has more cupholders than my family could ever dream of using.

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  great commuter - 1992 Honda Accord
  By shannwarr - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I drive 80 miles every day to work and back and didnt want to depreciate my Z71 or Infiniti. The car had 176,000 miles when I bought it. It had some body damage, but ran like a top. The car now has 189,000 miles and still meets smog standard and gets 29 m.p.g. on an automatic. Honda builds an awesome car!!

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  Well Worth It - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DonaldZ - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I now have 95k miles with regular service only. I have grown to love the window control location. Great combination of room, looks, performance and fuel economy. Very good in snow. The table is cool, but I have yet to find a time to use it. Follow the regular scheduled service and you will have very little to complain about.

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  cant believe how happy we are with it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By detroit_lion - April 30 - 2:00 am

  love it! in a word, this car is just easy. easy to own, easy to maintain, easy to drive, easy to ride, easy on the wallet, easy on fuel economy. easy, easy, easy. we have been so happy with it, its been unbelievable. cant believe you can get so much car for just 18.2K. thats less than an accord!

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  Dont need navigation - 2017 Honda Accord
  By JR - April 29 - 5:28 pm

  You can hook up your phone and use Google maps on the touch screen via Android Auto (or a similar iPhone app). Handles great and comfortable ride.

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  Affordable Midlife Crisis Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Theresa Cooper - April 29 - 11:00 am

  I have an empty nest now and I was looking for a really cool car. It was time for Mom to get something she really wanted. I test drove many sports cars and still came back to the Accord. Only this time I went with the coupe. I added what I like to call the Mid Life Crisis Package. I added the body kit, fog lights, spoiler and it is red. When I pull up to stop lights and go thru drive through resturants, it is very common to receive comments about what a neat car I have. Honda has finally exceeded my expectations by giving me reliablity and performance of an Accord and added coolness of a sports car. I use my car with my work and reliability is number one. Thanks Honda!

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  5 years and getting our second - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By shawn - April 29 - 9:13 am

  We are getting our second one replacing our 2011 the brakes SUCK weve gone through 3 sets of rotors up front and one axle in 70 thousand miles.However we load the carp out of it roof box four bikes and camping gear to the top inside .the brakes are off the 94 - 02 Acura tl so its under braked they added better venting now so well see. Over all its a good buy

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  Fly the Coupe - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BR549 - April 29 - 8:20 am

  I gave my 2000 Accord Coupe to my daughter with 196,000 on it and with only 200 miles on the 08 Coupe and I love it. Its the first car I bought sight unseen and no test drive. I knew I was going to get it when Honda first previewd the concept at the Detroit show in Jan. I was a bit apprehensive wrt the VCM and the new polished metal metalic color. The color is awesome looking good in all light environments, but especially at night. Im surprised how much the VCM kicks in. I know I can milk mileage with my driving style and requirements. Going from 200 hp & 16" whells to 268 hp and 18" wheels is a huge difference in handling. Cockpit/Cabin looks great at night. Looking forward to it.

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  this car is great - 1995 Honda Accord
  By delinah - April 29 - 2:00 am

  this is a great car

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  BUM doors are defectiveNot a HONDA - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ForSale - April 29 - 2:00 am

  We love Hondas but this one is a not really Honda. The ride quality is not really up to par, We are on our third incident with broken side doors that DONT open! Much to Hondas credit, they fixed them for free, but not the damage that the broken doors caused to the paint. We have a complaint in to Honda, our dealer Valencia Honda was non responsive. I want to sell it quick.