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 best one yet - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mike - September 6 - 3:50 pm

  Honestly, I have always been with honda. When they changed their design I couldnt wait to get my hands on one. So far very happy. Bought it on april 10 and on april 19 I have driven this car 738 miles. I love this car

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  2018 CR-V - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Tom2care - September 5 - 10:09 pm

  Just be prepared Honda Dealers are tough and the prices are pretty much the same at all dealersips

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  If it werent so quiet... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Alex Hidell - September 5 - 5:53 pm

  I love everything about this car. It fits my family needs and is extremely fun to drive. The ONLY draw back, is that it is so quiet inside at low RPMs (idle) that I tend to misjudge where the friction point is in the clutch! So Ive been tending to over rev the car from time to time, when starting out. But who can complain right? Its perfect for me. Also, the "little gadgets" that other auto manufacturers put into their cars that end up driving the costs up, are not included in the Accord.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ian - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  From the time we purchased the Ridgeline all of my friends thought it was the coolest vehicle on the market, which it is! The interior design is perfect and it drives like a dream. (17 y.o. son) My son is right. Drives it more than I do. Mom was against getting any truck, until we test drove it. She fell in love immediately - interior extremely high quality as is exterior. Very comfortable, even back seat. Isnt a Luxury car - yet has a feel of luxury and quality. Runs very smooth. 6 banger - not construction worker heavy duty truck, but strong and will do more than we will ever need. I cannot say enough - best car I have ever owned in my 36 years of driving. >17 yo dad

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  Not Too Shabby - 2009 Honda Fit
  By jklengr - September 4 - 2:03 pm

  Not too shabby on the gas mileage. I was expecting around 33 to 35 mpg average. So far after 4 fill ups, averaging 38.5. The car is a little noisy, but to be expected from an economy car. Just turn the volume up on the stereo which is pretty good.

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  Mileage Disapointment - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Doug - September 4 - 12:13 pm

  I love my new Accord. It is fun to drive and roomy. At 63" I can sit comfortably in the drivers seat and have an unobstructed view out the windows. Unfortuantely, I am a bit disappointed with the MPG. I use the highway extensively. Between town and the Highway I only get about 1-2 MPG over my former 2000 6cyl Accord. The best gas mileage I have achieved for this 4 cyl. has been 30 MPG on 250 miles of continuous flat terain highway traveling no higher than 68 Miles per hour mostly on cruise. Around town I am averaging about 17 MPG. For a 4 cyl. vehicle, I expected better especially since I drive conservatively. Bottom line - This is a great car but dont expect it to spoil OPECs bottom line

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  Love it! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Thew60 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Accord. Cant beat Hondas reliability, quality. The ride is harsher than that of a Camry but a hell of a lot more fun to drive, and the seats are more comfortable.

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  club house on wheels - 2003 Honda Element
  By dam - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The day after I got my car it snowed 18" and I didnt know how the little Honda would do even though it is all wheel drive I thought it might get hung up in a drift somewhere but it did amazingly well. I was shocked at all the accidents I watched happen right in front of me as much more sophisticated trucks spun off the road and the little fearless Element rolled on through. and before my temp tags expired I went on a cross country trip from Wash. DC to Moab Utah for a week of outragious mtn. biking. the car gets great mialige, has enough power, piles of space and is just a kick in the pants to ride in. I love it

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  Unlike any other - 2003 Honda Element
  By palmetoboy - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive looked at everything over the past year. Decided to take a look at this "Ugly Littly SUV" just to ease my curiosity. I couldnt believe the interior room. Im 6, 250 lbs and felt right at home. I was concerned about the power of the 4cyl. Went back to the dealer the next day and drove one. Drives as good as my wifes Maxima. They had me in mind when they left out the carpet and used waterproof seats. Theres nothing to mess up on this vehicle and its so versitle. Had the dealer locate a 2wd EX in black and took delivery last week. Other than the ragging from my buddies, everyone seems to think its pretty cool.

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  my favorite car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By TERESA - September 4 - 10:00 am

  what can I say about my civic. this will be the second one I have owned. I gave up my ford explorer for my civic and I dont reget it. It is so fun to drive and zippy. I fits in small places, witch means less door dings from other cars because thier doors dont reach it. I cant say enough about my civic. I tell everyone they should own one. It fits a small family, I have to children, and they tell me they have plenty of room in the back. they like my zippy car, as they call it.