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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  Practical - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Brett - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the CRV after comparing it to the xterra, Escape, RAV4, and VUE. I picked to CRV because I thought it had the the most room, quickest acceleration, and best price. The Escape was a close second but I have had reliabilty issues with Fords in the past.

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  hondatastic!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By mlmboulder - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Im on my second one. Why would anyone own anything else?

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  Good value. But not for the price. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By bobny - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The van is nice and reliable. I have no problems to talk about. Only two minor issues to report, like occational flashing dashboard lights, and tickleing left strut mount wich I hope to resolve on my next service visit. The only thing I cant forguive Honda is for cutting the wrong corners. Like lighted door switches and garage door opener. Trying to find those swiches and buttons at night is a real challenge.

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  2000 Honda Accord EX-L Coupe 5-speed - 2000 Honda Accord
  By NSXman - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Not really any problems to speak of. It could have come with better tires, but that is easily remidied.

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  Perfect - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kevsmpv - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Ninth Honda over 18 years. Best one yet.

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  Made my heart jump! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Firemaster - November 16 - 5:43 pm

  Honda has really designed a car that I will never get tired of. She is so sharp without having to pay for the huge bucks of a Cadillac! This is my third and last Honda. I love her the most! Thank you Honda for making a beautiful and reliable car. Keep up the good work!

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  My First SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Brian - November 16 - 4:26 pm

  I got tired of using my Accord like a truck so I decided on the Pilot. Its drives great, has awesome power, and carries anything I need. I havent regretted my decision. Every day I drive the Pilot, I like it more.

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  Best looking Civic yet! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Danielle Macagnone - November 15 - 12:33 pm

  The car is great. Its fun to drive and handles very well. The new styling is awesome, and the inside is even better. The interior seats feel like a couch and the digital speedometer is cool too. It even tells you when to change your oil and lets you know what maintance you need. How great is that! Not to mention the gas mileage is great 30 miles city and 40 miles highway. I recommend this car to anyone looking to buy is this category, Its just a great car all round.

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  Why pay more - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Paul H - November 15 - 3:40 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that would help my pocketbook and not cost an arm and a leg. I looked at the Prius, but I found that most dealerships did not have them in stock and no one had the base model. This meant that I would be paying 27K at standard back rate of 6%,with tax and no money down this put me at $562.43 per month. I bought my Honda at a dealership in Las Vegas. They charged me and not a penny above that $22,600 plus fees came out to $24,715 at 2.9% from Honda this put me at $443. per month. The Honda has a 45 MPG rating like the Toyota, and looks like a real car. The only thing I dont like about this car is a smallish trunck. I can live with that for $100 less

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  Drive It - 2000 Honda S2000
  By James D. - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car broke in well at 15,000 miles. I call it "Songbird" for its sound. The more I drive it the more I like it. Do not be afraid to biy one with some miles on it. Dont listen to the naysayers just drive it.