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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  CRV4ME - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bergazz - September 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time we have bought an SUV. Where we live there are a lot of windy roads and I am very pleased at how the CRV handles the curves. My other car is a 99 Accord. We have had absolutely no problems with it and expect the same with this vehicle. For such a reasonable price it is so well appointed. You would have to spend $30,000 to get another SUV with the room and equipment.

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  great car so far - 2002 Honda Civic
  By sweet 02 civic - September 28 - 2:00 am

  well, the main reason i bought this car is that my previous vehicle was a jeep wrangler and if you cant guess already.. miles per gallon.. from 12 mpg to 32-39.. i know the vehicles are very different but im just happy to be in this one instead now! the suspension is just right for my taste(semi aggresive driver) as is the conservative styling. i am 64" tell and sit fairly comfortably in my baby. no defects of any kind so far after 3500 miles. the headlights work very well and signals are highly visible.

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  First Mini Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By DP - September 28 - 1:46 am

  I think this van is great. I always told myself that I would never get a minivan, but with kids its a must. I think its the best looking minivan on the market, both inside and out. So far I havent had any of the problems that some have complained about like excessive road noise or squeaking. This van has tons of room and the backup camera is awesome. It drives just like my accord which makes driving it much easier for my wife. Out of all the vans I researched, this had the highest rating and now I see why.

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  Love my new Honda! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Janet Broadrick - September 28 - 1:08 am

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  Responses and Updates - 2008 Honda Accord
  By EC - September 27 - 8:23 pm

  You guys are too harsh consult Honda owners. I have been driving Honda Accords since 1994. 1) They always had a noise issue (larger tires and a timing chain didnt help since now its more noisy BUT you get better handling and no timing belt replacements at 60K miles). 2) For those who have to change rear pads too early; You have to USE THE PARKING BRAKES to set the rear brake pads properly. The inside and outside pads should ALWAYS wear evenly (IF ONE PAD IS WEARING TOO FAST SOMETHING IS WRONG) 3) Always had stiff ride and seats.

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  My Honda Minivan 2005. Mi. 4000 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By aloysius - September 27 - 10:13 am

  We love our Honda minivan. The riding comfort on the leather seats is perfect. Heating and air conditioning and radio controls too far from driver seat. clock very difficult to read.

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  Ridgeline is the King of Snow & Ice - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Snow Thrasher - September 27 - 6:03 am

  This truck is simply outstanding in the fridged northern frontiers during winter. Effortless traction control capabilites using technology which is a combination of the tried and true with advances truly above any other vehicle on the road today. Its a blast driving circles around the competition during the fearless winter weather of the northern tundra!

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  Not again - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By notagain - September 26 - 9:13 am

  All aspects of handling have been great. The interior design is not comfortable on long trips. VERY NOISY. The driver seat is great if you are a small person, but the steering wheel cannot be adjusted in or out, so if you have long legs and torso, you would need exceptionally long arms to reach the steering wheel. We have the need for eight seats but the middle 2nd row seat is just a joke as a baby seat wont fit there nor can anyone over 5 sit in comfort without cramping the seats on either side. Getting in or out of the the third row of seats is just passible for small children, just dont make this a teenager passenger vehicle (soccer team?).

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  Nice car but eats rear tires. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Bart - September 26 - 5:23 am

  I like the new Civic. It is comfortable and gets great milage. The only time I drive this car is to go to work, "87 miles each way". I keep close track of mileage and I see 37.4 to 38.25 MPG highway. I only have 2 issues with the car. The left rear tire cups or wears unevenly. Dealer said its not the cars fault. Had to replace it at 15,500 miles. I thought Honda fixed this problem already. The 2006 and 2007 civics including hybrids had rear suspension control arms that built wrong. No recall but they will replace them if you take it back. The only other issue is the LX radio sounds kind of tinny.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By billybud - September 25 - 10:40 am

  I have had this car for a little over a week. My wife has had a civic hybrid for over 2 1/2 years. Never had a problem so I decided to trade in my crv. I have 1000 miles on it so far. My mileage has been pretty consistent 50 /51 mpg. I dont do a lot of city driving. so I will have to wait and see. It is a very quite smooth runing car.