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, But a Few Things Missing - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Tom H - April 19 - 3:56 pm

  My Accord EXL V6 is almost everything I could wish for. Smooth power, nice handling, lots of features, good looks. It replaced my 10 year old Saab 9-5 and Im delighted with it so far.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Dagda - April 18 - 8:36 pm

  We bought it in April, and Ive been enjoying it ever since. Was concerned about reviews of low power, but combined with the size, its not a problem at all. And the cargo capacity is amazing! We catered a friends party, and carted in food for 30 people in three large coolers with space to spare for other supplies. In addition, my father-in-law is 64" and can sit anywhere in the car comfortably. Its very peppy pretty much anywhere in its range, and I constantly find myself having to slow down as I hit 80-85 mph without a problem. Cant wait for the rumored hybrid model.

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  Honda 2018 test drive review - 2018 Honda Ridgeline
  By Paul Lannoye - April 18 - 1:52 am

  I took it for a 30 minute drive in all kinds of traffic and found it just as I expected. Exciting! Lives up to all the Honda standards and more. I am purchasing one.

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  ELEMENTal Excellence - 2006 Honda Element
  By Happy Honda Owner - April 18 - 12:36 am

  I you are an active person, live life out of your vehicle, this is the one for you. I used to own a pickup truck to carry my gear (bike, climbing, camping, scuba equipment). It worked fine; but with the Element, packing and unpacking is done is a third of the time it took for my pickup. It is amazing how much space this little SUV has. With all of the safety features, the easy (and I mean really easy) clean-up floors and seats, it is perfect for the active lifestyle.

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  Honda Civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Ashleigh Brock - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Very noisy and rattles constantly. Heat and air dont work well. Does not get very good gas mileage like they claim. Carpet coming away from door panels, exposing "shell." Good things: the rear- end is hard to mess up. I have been "rear-ended" twice and there are only scratches.

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  If I could Id give it an 11 - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Coleman - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have owned most euro. sports cars over the years and this Honda is head and shoulders above any of them. I was in the market for another German Spotrs car and while at the dealership I spoke with another consumer who couldnt stop talking about the S2000, reluctent to buy a Honda I went and drove one anyway and the rest is history, the fun factor is an 11.

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  Good compact car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By patrick99 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a Dodge Neon coupe, which is quicker than my new Honda civic coupe but the civic is a lot more refined, much better built and looks great. It can easly hold 4 adults with baggage and gives better fuel economy than the Neon. This car is also very reliable.

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  Sweet Deals in TX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By erock34 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, good price.

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  love our honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By happy folk - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We never were minivan people, but when we had our third child something had to give. The odyssey GAVE!!!!!! From day one we loved the ride, handling and were surprised by the performance.The leather interior is comfortable. It really has a neat apperance and nice lines. a winner!

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  Worth the Wait - 2013 Honda Accord
  By carguy1212 - April 16 - 10:15 am

  I have been waiting to buy a new car for a while now and test drove, the optima sx, Hyundai 2.0, Camry, Altima v6 and finally the 2013 Honda accord v6. Out of all the cars, the Honda has surpassed all them in the feel and power. I read alot of negativity on blogs and other websites, but i think these people need to get behind the wheel of this baby. The interior was well spaced out, the backup camera moves with the wheel (cool). The overall look from the outside has a Acura look and feel with a Honda price .