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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  Love my V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By BLUEBOY - May 26 - 8:53 am

  I bought my V last month about a week before christmas, the buying process was done 90% via internet/email and phone, it went very smooth. After about 4 weeks now my V has 800s miles and it has been excellent and fun drive. The acceleration is very smooth, easy to get in and out, drives like a sedan, I can load my bike inside with the back seats folded. Plenty of storage spaces and very thoughtful. Honda really think forward and know what their customers want/need (mostly).

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  Best minivan on the market - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Gary Hall - May 26 - 4:56 am

  This minivan is absolutely a great car to drive! Everything about it feels so great....I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a minivan.

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  Nice van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By BigFam - May 26 - 2:00 am

  We have five children and use this van constantly. We put on aftermarket leather seats and sunroof. This van still runs like new and has pleanty of power.

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  Greta Honda Effort - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By nx - May 25 - 8:59 pm

  P/Us have been redefined and the Ridgeline is no exception. Its not a work truck, but it is a great utility vehicle thats comfortable to drive 7 days a week, including long trips. It doesnt lack for power, quite inside and a good deal of overall storage

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  Great Car! Comfortable and Practical! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By tat2dphreak - May 25 - 8:16 pm

  Ill admit, I initally did not want to buy an SUV for my wife. A nice, safe car seemed a better fit. Ill admit I was wrong though, the mileage for the CR-V has been very good, and its been very useful while making home improvements (which is why we got the SUV at all). Its fun and comfortable to drive, both for short commutes to work and long 3+ hour trips. MP3 player stock, iPod connection, solid, quiet, stylish, and reliable. I highly recommend!!

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  This is a great car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By taniasboy - May 25 - 2:40 pm

  I get between 48 and 51 MPG. This car has been smartly engineered.

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  Accord still fun at 30,000 miles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kevin in NJ - May 25 - 3:50 am

  I bought my Accord for a very reasonable 18,300 in April 2004. I test drove a similarly equipped Camry and Accord on the same day and the engine and brake performance as well as the handling were much better in the Honda. After 30,000 miles I am still amazed at the power of the 4- cylinder engine. The engine turns only 2000 rpm at 60 mph and cruises effortlessly at 3000 rpm at 90 mph. Even at high speeds it still feels very safe with one exception. The LX comes with front disc and rear drum brakes. From the start when braking at higher speeds I had a shimmy and mediocre stopping distances. The rear brakes needed resurfacing at 25K miles.

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  Never thought Id leave my Chevy!! - 2003 Honda Element
  By tjw36 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The amount of room in this is AMAZING. I walked into the dealership and was blown away. Loaded it up with almost EVERY option I could think of and STILL got it for under $23K. But did have to wait a few weeks to get everything in. 4WD has been a great and the amount of leg room was very surprising.

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  Very Happy with our CR-V - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By yankeecr-v - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Other than the bland interior our CR-V has been awesome. We average over 27+mpg with alot of highway. The interior space for cargo and people was a big factor in choosing the CR-V over the Liberty and Rav4. Im 63 and I can sit in the back without my knees hitting the front seat backs. The CR-V is a fun, practical, economical vehicle without the typical SUV liabilities.

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  Issue With Some 2003 CRVs - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By marylou - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Just got 03 CRV 2 weeks ago (old car was breaking down a lot and I have a baby) A couple days ago, we stopped for a red light and the car died. I panicked & called the dealership. They said they would call me back in 5 minutes (still waiting). It turns out that there is a problem with about 1-in- 200 new CRVs (not common enough for a recall). Their service bulletin reads " When the fuel tank is about 3/4 full, the engine may stumble or stall when the vehicle comes to a stop... due to fuel sloshing forward in the tank and causing a purge of fuel vapors to enter your engine." It was a 5-minute repair and was covered by warranty