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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  Good car - 1997 Honda Civic
  By JMCollins12 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  My cars like a child, I love my car and it loves me, its very dependable and Ive never had a problem with it, I plan on buying a new honda and hopefully I can get the same quality out of it.

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  2001 Honda CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By twrljck14 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Honda CR-V. I have had it for over two years and have yet to have troubles with it. Its very reliable and very fun to drive.

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  Sport Touring is a premium car for a great price! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Joshua Price - August 4 - 11:45 pm

  I was excited to get my sport touring because Honda has decided to offer nearly all the same features on the Civic that they do the Accord. The quality and comfort of the car is one of the best in the class while maintaining a sporty look in my opinion. Numerous compliments will defiantly come with the purchase of this car. I would recommend this car to anyone considering to purchase a new midsize car.

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  Cr-V - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Jorge - August 4 - 5:43 pm

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  Great car and fun to drive - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Gary F. - August 4 - 2:46 pm

  I have not owned a car in about 15 years. My truck is a gas guzzler so I bought a civic. It gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive. Drove home in a rain/ice/snow storm recently and the car handled the icy road very well.

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  2006 Civic Sedan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Maureen - August 4 - 2:13 pm

  Incredibly impressed with this car. Thought I was buying an economy, dull car. This car drives like a formula one sports car. Great on gas, handles like a dream, roomy for such a small car.

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  Wagon that races - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Z__E__O__O__ - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The car still may be old, but the suspension is top-notch! Suspension tuning is easy, and improves the cars stability greatly. The motor runs and puts out a good ammount of power considering it is a 1.5L motor, but runs best with out the air box. Just tape the filter to the top of the intake piping.

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  Not to shabby - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By Eric Blum - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is not bad for the price.I just feel that for the way it looks it needed a bit more power. I feel the looks are the hook and sinker for this car.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Miles Matsui - August 3 - 8:33 pm

  Excellent value. Lots of room inside for passengers and huge storage area in back for our sports gear. Best rear visibility of any SUV I have driven or ridden in. Really fun to drive and easy to park. No maintenance issues at all. One of the very best cars I have owned and I would buy another without hesitation.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Miles Matsui - August 3 - 8:33 pm

  Excellent value. Lots of room inside for passengers and huge storage area in back for our sports gear. Best rear visibility of any SUV I have driven or ridden in. Really fun to drive and easy to park. No maintenance issues at all. One of the very best cars I have owned and I would buy another without hesitation.