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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  The cream of the crop - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By KLT - March 11 - 11:53 pm

  This van handles like a sports car. I find myself frequently traveling in excess of the speed limit, unintentional of course, simply because this van is so smooth and quiet. The Odyssey has held very well under the onslaught of my three active kids. And when it gets really bad there is enough room to create the appropriate buffer zones between them. This has been a great family van, and think we could not have made a better choice.

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  So Far So Good - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mb6986 - March 11 - 10:36 pm

  Bought my CR-V over the weekend and have driven it about 150 miles so far. Everything works well except the sunglasses holder. It takes a little push in the back after the standard push in the front that should have done the job. The car drives nice and feels solid, much tighter than the 04 Odyssey I got earlier in the year. The car feels a bit under-powered above 70 mile per hour, however it could be me missing the instant acceleration I got used to from the 2000 Accord V6 I traded in or the fact that I was unease with driving too fast while breaking in the new car. Headlights are nice and bright, now I am bothering car drivers like I used to be bothered.

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  Great car! - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By NUCLRXN - March 11 - 4:43 pm

  I love the Prelude excellent car. Id only get rid of this car for a 6th Gen Prelude or a GT-R (R35).

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  This is a GREAT Minivan! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Alfredo - March 11 - 9:43 am

  My Wife and I have made fun at minivan people for years. We never test drove one as we wouldnt get caught dead in one. But then we were pregnant with our 4th baby. The Odessey is one awesome minivan. Strong engine, cool to drive, great fuel economy (then again, our previous car was a GMC Yukon XL) and absolutely, positively the most versatile and comfortable vehicle for someone with a family. If you have 1-2 kids, get a sedan or a wagon, if more kids this is your car. Seats move, come off and configure anyway you want them. Get the DVD player if you have kids, its well worth it! The sunroof is great too.

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  Honda Fail - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Peter - March 10 - 10:21 pm

  This is Honda number six for me, but sadly, the last. Purchased with 8k " certified". Car was delivered with multiple problems, broken power seat, interior rattles, and damaged paint. Certified indeed. Have owned for three months and have been to the dealer nine times and counting..... Cannot remedy the multiple interior rattles. On the plus side, looks amazing, drives fine but not exciting, pretty good gas mileage. But not enough good to overcome the poor quality construction, dealer deceptions, and a complete lack of support from American Honda.

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  A modern CRX - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Gazings - March 10 - 5:50 pm

  I had low expectations of this car - much to my surprise it is quite fast, handles great, and it very comfy. Auto climate control is fantastic. Styling STILL turns heads. Very roomy inside. I strongly suggest you opt for the CVT version - it is way too easy to drain the batteries by lugging the car in too high a gear with the manual, plus you have to downshift to very low gears for good power (2nd gear at 65 mph!). The CVT does it all for you.

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  Sleek, sporty car - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By TheoCity - March 10 - 4:11 pm

  With its stabiliser bars and double-wishbone suspension, this car provides sporty driving enjoyment. Exterior styiling and the 200 HP Vtec engine really turn heads. Prelude is 100% built in Japan, rare these days the Japanese assembly and parts are totally superior to every other maufacturer in its price range. Heavier body and lower profile set Prelude apart even more.

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  Wont beleve it till you see it !!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Sandy Leaverton - March 10 - 2:22 am

  This is the best Honda I have ever owned. Ive had 5 Accords and a CRV. The thing that impresses me the most is the beauty of the car and the outstanding job Honda did with the Interior. I never much liked the quality of the interior in any of my other cars. This one is well designed, has quality materials, and the electronics are out of sight. The radio has great sound and everything is at the fingertips of the driver. The reason I am selling this car is the size of the trunk.

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  happy owner - 1992 Honda Civic
  By jay - March 10 - 12:32 am

  This is a great car that I have had no problems with. The only part of the car that I dont like is the "a" pillar. The design is awful,rain enters vehicle while raining with window cracked open, wind is horribe against side of head. Just a poor design. The rest of the car is great. I would buy more if I had the money.

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  S2000 Rocks! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Berto in Kansas - March 9 - 8:11 pm

  What a car - 0 to 60 in 5.6 secs... Great road feel and responsiveness. Tough sledding in the snow. Excellent exterior and interior styling based on the looks from other motorists. Fun is the S2000s middle name at a great value price...