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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  Fantastic, Roomy, Pleasant to Drive - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Gertis - August 17 - 12:15 pm

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  MY FAVORITE ELEMENT - 2005 Honda Element
  By BIGDOG - August 17 - 4:23 am

  This car has solved so many of the reason why we needed a new car. Affordable, reliable and fuel efficient for an SUV. I am 62" and 250 and have long legs and this is the only SUV we found that had sufficient headroom and legroom. Plus with the seats in the cargo configuration, I was able to buy a washing machine and was able to take it home in the element. Awesome machine. Thanks Honda.

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  2009 Base - 2009 Honda Fit
  By cruiserbruiser - August 16 - 5:07 pm

  Perhaps the best engineered mass production SC on the planet, however, it has its not for everyone. I wanted a small, safe, comfortable, fuel efficient, utility vehicle. The Fit fills the bill, but safety is a relative term and no amount of engineering can overcome the physics of mass X velocity. I wont be using the Fit on long trips w/ my grandchildren in the back until the large SUV is off the roads.

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  Fun for the Price - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By curtis - August 16 - 11:35 am

  Great Car, should last beyond the payments. Front seats are weird, but not too tough, we love it and have seen many on the roads in Florida... Center Console is different, but were ok with it... Great Job Honda.

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  New SUV Owner - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By New SUV Owner - August 16 - 9:15 am

  Before buying this, I did long test drives of Toyota Highlander and Pilot back to back. Although the Highlander has better looks, pickup and performance, the steering response was non-existent, it was like playing a video game. Also, the space after the last row on the Highlander was minimal, and the last row did not have a split seat. Pilot on the other hand did not have great pickup, but once you get to the highway speeds, it performed remarkably well. The ride quality and steering response were excellent. The utility factor is awesome, with 110v outlet, ipod link etc. Also, I sat much more comfortably and had a better view of the road than the Highlander. Overall a great family SUV.

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  08 Accord Leader of the Pack! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jay - August 16 - 7:20 am

  Safety is standard equipment! Has three wide seating in the rear. How do they make a four cylinder produce that much power?

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  Great Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Les - August 16 - 1:13 am

  Traded in a 2003 with L/DVD. The amenities and redesign on the 2006 are excellent. Comfortable, roomy and reliable. This van will haul it all. Toyota loses to this one hands down. I will stick with Honda.

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  My 2010 CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Michael Spiro - August 15 - 8:02 pm

  Love this car

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  200K & It Wont Quit - 1996 Honda Accord
  By kSLC - August 15 - 7:40 pm

  Mechanically and with looks, this car is incredible. Over 200K and no oil leaks and looks like new. Doesnt burn oil, doesnt drip, doesnt show any sign of stopping any time soon. Worth twice what Detroit was putting out during that same time! I dont count myself as a Honda nut, but honestly, the engineering of this car is incredible. Planned obsolescence be damned. :)

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  Nice Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By GJ - August 15 - 5:53 pm

  Cars dives well and smooth at 70- 80mph. I do alot of highway driving for work and the car has been great so far.