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 Job - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Y.Kanes - December 18 - 8:32 pm

  This is our 3rd one and its by far the best , they truly got it right. We test drove the new Chevy and GMC as well as the Toyota , quite frankly there is no comparison in the ride , handling or quietness that this truck provides. It truly presents the perfect combination of the practicality of a truck with the driving comfort and ease of a luxury vehicle. The redesign hit the mark and we could not be more pleased with the truck.

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  Pilot leads the way! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Peter Merdinger - December 18 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned the Pilot for less than a week, but I sure do love it. The ride is car-like and visibility over my car is ten fold. There is so much room in this mid-size SUV, even more than some larger ones. I feel the styling is very clean, inside and out. Riding down the freeway makes you feel very safe knowing that you have ten air bags availabe, if needed. It may not turn heads on the road, but thats OK because it may prevent an accident.

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  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

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  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

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  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

• 

  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

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  Dont have 2001 Honda crv - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Christina - December 18 - 11:58 am

  2001 got totaled.... hit & run. What luck. But i got me a 2002 Honda crv, still has the picnic table, yea!!! Not the jeep looking kind the 2002 is the next generation more like a van but has a better engine. Overall its a great vehicle. :)

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  First new Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Stephanie Barrocas - December 18 - 10:55 am

  Great car with great accelleration.

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  I love my Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By Teke Mohill - December 18 - 10:03 am

  This is a great car. It does everything we want: goes up steep driveways without a problem, handles bumpy dirt roads, easy clean out after a trip with the dogs or a visit to the beach. It is ideal whether we are in Oregon or Mexico.

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  Get One - 2004 Honda Accord
  By TED VAIMAN - December 18 - 4:36 am

  I drive this car almost every day and can not find a reason to go back to the dealer. That in itself is worth a lot to me. The ride, comfort, features and quiet are so good I cant believe this car sold for only $23,500. I still look forward to getting in my Accord.