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 Car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Edward Khoury - June 3 - 5:22 pm

  Wish Honda would allow purchase of options independent of model type. This is the only very annoying factor.

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  Accord Hybrid "The best yet"!!! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Kelly Faris - June 3 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased a Civic Hybrid three years ago and just upgraded to the new Hybrid Accord. It has to be the best Honda of the 25 that I have owned. I have found nothing that I do not love about this car and when they describe it as a "Hybrid Rocket", they are not kidding!! What a wonderful addition to the Honda Family!!

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  Just Another S-Box - 2007 Honda Fit
  By joet - June 3 - 2:56 pm

  Better to spend the same money on a used Nissan which would be far more fun and COMFORTABLE to drive. I regret the trade. This car is noisy, gutless and cheap.

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  Value!!! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Chris Mehler - June 3 - 1:23 pm

  I traded a 2002 BMW X5 for a 2005 Pilot EX with leather and DVD. The Pilot is everything the X5 was and then some. Great handling, performance, and ride. Way more comfortable than the Bimmer! Hondas technology is absolutely cutting edge without the price tag of the traditional high performance cars. Buy it today!

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  Auto makers can take a lesson from Honda - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Angellkis - June 3 - 11:33 am

  An incredible ride, outstanding fuel enonomy and great performance. Couldnt ask for more ! The Navi system and XM are true frosting on the cake, and with Hondas outstanding resale value Im convinced this is one of the best purchases Ive ever made. I did my homework about other models and have no regrets whatsoever. No matter what the weather is (Im in Great Lake Snow & Ice Country) Ive always felt secure on the road with the traction, durability and power to drive in any condition. I just wish the American Auto Makers would take these outstanding features (which obviously American consumers are looking for and need) and implement them in cars whose names weve grown up with.

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  The Fit is IT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By G!enn0 - June 3 - 7:30 am

  extremely fun to drive & handles like a race car. great sound & options for the price. tons of room & highly versatile. unbeatable value & gas mileage.

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  1995 Accord LX 4-door sedan - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Zizzy - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A creampuff. An inauspicious car but it has held up very well through 8 midwest winters. Very low mileage, no repairs of any significance. Will buy another.

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  Bring Back the Fun with a 5 Speed - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Reverand - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for an affordable fun to drive manual shift after selling my SUV. This is a wonderful car. I needed to do some maintence (90,000 service and tune up, new tires) but it runs like a dream. Seems like it has a lot of miles left.

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  My CR-V - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By zulan78 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned this reliable car for 4 years now. It has not given me any problems except for slight squeaky brakes. It runs like all of Hondas other cars. If you like Honda then youll like this car.

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  2002 Odyssey - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By BLH - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Have owned vehicle for over one year and am pleased with it. Handles well, lots of room to move about. Have some recurring problems with brake noise but otherwise a great van for the money.