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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  Classy boy racer - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By piotrush1116 - February 27 - 9:45 pm

  The car drives like its on rails, has great power for a four cylinder, and turns heads left and right. Styling is more conservative than other sport coupes, but is very elegant nonetheless. Police doesnt pay as much attention to it either as it does to other coupes. Great choise for any import enthusiast. ATTS technology adds alot once you learn to exploit it.

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  Have had ours for two years now.... - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SpartanMan2 - February 27 - 8:33 pm

  My wife purchased her 99 Silver EX 2 years ago, with only 5000 miles on the odometer (20,000 now). We added a luggage rack and after market tinted glass. The vehicle is used primarily to work and back, groceries on the weekend, but when we need it for hauling our 2 young boys and 3 mountain bikes, it works just fine. We use a Thule roof box and a spare tire bike carrier to create extra space and can haul enough luggage with room to spare for a weeklong trip.

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  One great roadster - 2000 Honda S2000
  By vaww - February 27 - 7:23 pm

  This car is a blast! Drives like it is on rails. Responds well, sounds great. An experience with few parallels.

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  the best - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jim cat - February 27 - 5:51 pm

  without a doubt, the most reliable car Ive ever owned.....moving up to an Accord, and passing this gem to my son....he should get another 100,000 miles of carefree driving from it.

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  I feel Elite in my Elite! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By John - February 27 - 5:09 pm

  I was looking for a great combination of space, high-end amenities (e.g. ventilated seats, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist etc), comfort as well as something I can take hunting and does well in the snow. The closest thing I could find to the Elite is the new Volvo XC90 which is over $20k more once you add all the same features. I have had a 2004 and a 2008 Pilot so I guess Im predisposed to the Honda but I looked at nearly everything from $30k-$90k and this is by far the best value. From what Im hearing from dealers is that this car is rare - three different dealers tol me that they will get 1 Elite trim every 2-3 months so get your order in early! Its early yet but we are getting 31mpg in mixed driving.

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  Do All Transporter - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Tom R - February 27 - 3:38 pm

  I needed a vehicle that comfortably holds 6, can tow a trailer, got 20+ MPG, serves as my office, good for customers - to ride in and does not give wrong impression (I.e., not too nice for a salesman), completely reliable, can haul some equipment around easily, super comfortable for long road trips and looks fantastic. Answer: Honda Pilot.

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  good - 2002 Honda Passport
  By jess - February 27 - 2:32 pm

  what an amazing work of craftsmanship! great car!

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  Finally, a great choice from the get-go! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Mark - February 27 - 9:03 am

  After much research, and trying to make a decision between the RAV4 and the Honda, I chose to go with the Honda and absolutely have no regrets. I am a 64" male, and this vehicle is a perfect fit for me. I traded in a Toyota Matrix. After some pretty severe Midwest winters, I knew I wanted to get back into an SUV. (I had a Mountaineer before the Matrix). This is one of the best handling vehicles that I have ever owned. For continuous winter driving in town I am getting 18-19 miles per gallon. I had several colors to choose from, and I opted for the Urban Titanium Metallic. This color hides the dirt better than some of the darker colors.

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  Great MPG - 2008 Honda Civic
  By francious - February 26 - 4:16 pm

  I have almost 40,000 miles on this ride. I sold a Mercedes C car because I drive so many miles and was only getting 26 MPG. I routinely get 38.9 mpg, never going below 36 and attaining 41.6 mpg on one trip. A larger tank would be great as I have to fill up every third day. I have had no problems with the engine, drive train, body, or trim. My only disappointment has been the drivers seat which has a one inch tear along a seam. It is very comfortable on good roads, a little less so on bumpy roads. At less than 20 grand for a fully optioned fuel sipper, it is a better deal than one of the hybrids.

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  coolness - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By cdog - February 26 - 2:32 pm

  Very fun car to drive. Yes the knocks are that its not a true off-roader. and some dont even call it an SUV, but a wagon. i still think otherwise. some people say that the engine is weak. the car does feel heavy at times, but i think SOLID is a better description. i for one have had no problems with the 146 hp output. yes the car could be slightly quieter, but you can still tell the Honda refinement in the car over a longer period (1 year -4 years) than you can in any other car.