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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  TERRIBLE SEATS - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 2004 Accord EX - October 14 - 8:13 am

  This car is nice looking and has a lot of nice features, but comfort is NOT one of them. The seats are hard as a rock and we cannot endure trips longer than one hour. This car stinks. Its totally worthless on a trip. If you intend to buy a new Honda you had better test drive it for at least 2 hours. We really regret buying this vehicle. It is our first, and LAST, new Honda. This is not a quality car - its a $23,000 boat anchor. If you want to buy a quality Japanese car, look at Toyota or Nissan. Toyota has a better warranty, and has rebates. Honda sales are declining. Now we know why. We screwed up. Dont you screw up too. You have been forewarned.

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  Thank You, Honda for this great car. - 1996 Honda Civic
  By L.Mendes - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I Bought this car new in April 1996, and so far its been a great car with 58.000 miles. I change the oil every 3.000 miles. In 2002 Ive replaced the Battery,Brakes,Tires and Muffler. Now,Married and one child on the way I will buy Honda again and this time a Pilot.

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  Hondas are the best ever! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Cmdrsils - October 14 - 2:00 am

  A great car all around. It drives great and has almost no problems except for regular tune-ups. Had to replace the A/C system and the clutch, but the engine runs like new.

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  All around good deal - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Fred Fengar - October 13 - 9:52 pm

  Reputation & Reviews

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  Love my crosstour - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By dee - October 13 - 12:40 pm

  I saw the Crosstour and fell in love with it. I have never owned a Honda and have spent a lot of time and energy trying to find a car/SUV that I really like. I would encourage others to buy a different car so I can be the only one driving this awesome car. I like the styling and the interior head/leg room. I am 59" and my husband is 63" and this is perfect. I can see myself driving this car and loving it for a long time. I think the look of the car and its performance are fantastic.

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  Cool Truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Jon - October 13 - 9:53 am

  Just bought my new Ridgeline and its a very cool truck. The ride is better than the Pilot imo. If you havent driven one yet, go and drive one. Youll be impressed how Honda did with its 1st truck.

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  Truck with a Tux - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By VSEG - October 13 - 9:31 am

  Im 2 months into ownership and absolutely love the Ridgeline RTL-E. Its smooth, comfortable and elegant with the alloys, running boards, chrome and rear tri-fold cover. Its a head turner in pearl white. This is my first truck and its everything I will ever need in utility. If youre looking to drive in comfort and have the ability to pick up stuff at Home Depot and could care less about hauling and off road this is more truck then youll ever need. This truck is well mannered, car- like and composed and I love all of the tech features, lane departure, collision mitigation and the auto hi-beams. Audio has great sound, Navigation is great but the touch screen is quirky and takes some getting used to. I think they should change the touch screen going forward. They need to add cooled seats and outside mirror signals, as the RTL-E is the top of the line. Lastly the tailgate does not lock; bummer. Overall, great truck!

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  Our impressive Civic - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Happy owner - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought the civic new in 1992, Since then it has given us 134,000 miles of trouble-free service. We took the car in once for a defective distributor which was take care of by Honda.We have done all the regular maint.,and service and it has given us back dependability and saved money in our pockets at the fuel pump(35 to 44 mpg).We our so pleased with this car that in 2002 we bought our second Honda, a 2002 Civic LX.I know that our 1992 Civic will go another 130,000 miles with regular maintenance and care.

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  2002 S 2000 Honda Roadster - 2003 Honda S2000
  By MattG - October 13 - 2:00 am

  There cant be a better place in the world to test yourself than the twisting, turning roads of Tennessee. I meet a lot of other roadster drivers here and the talk is always how the S 2000 drives. I cant compare it much because my only other sports car was an antique Porche. This one screams, hugs the corners and goes where you point it. Theres no frills in this car to take up your slack except antilock brakes which I appreciate. Its trully a sports car and will test any drivers skill but also instills confidence and makes you want to do it all again. It makes your dopamine levels surge when you do it right!

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  Great car for todays high gas prices - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ben - October 13 - 1:16 am

  Already have 3200 miles on the odometer. While I havent gotten the 40+mpg results, I have been averaging 38 mpg driving the speed limit. With my commute of 80 miles round trip five days a week, Id be saving over $4000 over five years (in todays $4.50 per gallon gas price) compared to the 2007 Accord V6 it replaced that gets 27 mpg in conservative driving.