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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  Honda Prelude Coupe 1998 - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Mozgrrl - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car, great for cruising around. The v-tec engine offers plenty of pep!

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  11 great years - 1993 Honda Accord
  By nanook - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new and got 202,000 miles before the tranny blew. Low maintenance costs throughout. Change the oil and it just keeps on going. I drive hard commuter miles and got my moneys worth and then some.

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  Starting to have some problems .... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By glennlaj - March 11 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Odyssey in July 2001 after extensive due-diligence. Loved the vehicle for next 14 months for obvious reasons, but now starting to have some very annoying problems: 1) body integrity is very poor (have had this problem on prior owned Hondas) as chips in paint on hood, bumper, etc starting to show after 18 months 2) both rear power doors have gone and had to be replaced by dealership (fully covered under warranty, but still a pain in the arse to have to spend a day at the Honda dealership), and now the passenger side has broken yet again (not looking forward to another trip to dealership - waste of my time).

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  Comfortable/Pronounce noise - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Al1Lynn - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, smooth ride. Quiet engine that is economical on gas. Considerable leg room even in last seat. Interior gadgets could be more sturdy and stable. This vehicle could enter the luxury line if road and wind noise were not so pronounced.

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  ODYSSEY - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Owen Abrey - March 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VAN!

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  Be Warned - No Blue in Bluetooth - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By MPK - March 10 - 7:56 pm

  Blue tooth works like no other car...and not in a good way. Very confusing and difficult to use. So poor I received a ticket because one has to transfer the call when one receives it. I did not do it in time and was pulled over by officer friendly. We are debating to sell the car because of how bad the blue tooth performs. While I am on a role...the transmission jerks between gears. Make sure you are able to test the blue tooth with your phone and drive it in many conditions prior to buying it. Car does drive well and handles well.

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  Original Owner Stills Drives Car in 2017! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dee - March 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned and first Honda! Bought it on a whim in 1996 and still own it today. The only mechanical work Ive had done is general maintenance. The radiator and transmission both lasted over 200K miles. wow! I have about 240K miles on it now and expect to drive it another 240K at least. Just keep up with regular maintenance and it will pay you back many times over. Great fuel efficiency too. Gets 35 mpg in town and has gotten well over 40 mpg highway. Ive driven this car in high elevations, coastal areas, snow, rain, you name it. Its always held its own with traction. Never gotten stuck. Great little car. If I could say one thing that I dont like about this car is that the front seats are very uncomfortable on road trips.

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  Original Owner Stills Drives Car in 2017! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dee - March 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned and first Honda! Bought it on a whim in 1996 and still own it today. The only mechanical work Ive had done is general maintenance. The radiator and transmission both lasted over 200K miles. wow! I have about 240K miles on it now and expect to drive it another 240K at least. Just keep up with regular maintenance and it will pay you back many times over. Great fuel efficiency too. Gets 35 mpg in town and has gotten well over 40 mpg highway. Ive driven this car in high elevations, coastal areas, snow, rain, you name it. Its always held its own with traction. Never gotten stuck. Great little car. If I could say one thing that I dont like about this car is that the front seats are very uncomfortable on road trips.

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  Ridgeline Kicks Butt in Texas - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By H.C. VanScoy - March 10 - 5:26 pm

  Traded in our 2004 Odyssey on the 06 Ridgeline -- its a great vehicle. Comfortable, stylish and wonderful for long-distance travel. Hondas innovative storage solutions are great and the sound system is beyond our expectations. Can you tell we love our new Ridgeline?

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  Good Car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By randy - March 10 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this car after having 7 Toyotas. Liked the looks and the value. However there are some issues. There is a white substance that comes through the heater/AC vents on the dash. Dealer has no idea what is causing this. States he will get back to me after talking to the factory, but so far nothing. Also the EX-L 4 cyl. needs power seats on the passenger side. Feels like your riding on the floor. Thought gas mileage would be better. Only getting 23 combined highway/city. My wifes Camry 4 cyl. gets 28 mostly city driving.