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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  Best Honda yet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By steve - April 2 - 9:10 am

  I just bought this car today. So far, so good! I love the exterior and interior styling. The dealer had no idea how the external jack worked for the stereo. So I went to Best Buy and they figured it out. Its not the best stereo but my Ipod works with it so yahoo! This car is so quiet for a 4 cyl engine. I cant wait to see how it performs on my 80 mile round-trip commute

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  Mini Giant - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Jack - April 1 - 7:12 pm

  Overall a great car... the interior noise is a little loud on the highway. The vacuum is not as great as they advertised... since I never bother to use them.

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  Should have bought a Prius! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andrew Lyon - April 1 - 5:30 pm

  When I went shopping for my car, I was looking for fuel economy and a little bit of fun. I first went to a Toyota dealership to test dive a Prius. Well I at least got to look at one in a brochure. I tend to buy cars on the spot (its more fun that way) and I did not want to wait 30-90 days, but I went ahead and put myself on the list. The next day I went to a Honda dealer and they had 7 Civic hybrids on their lot. A 5 speed even, so I bought it. What a bad decision! It cost me less than the Prius, but its trade in value is $9,000 less than the $2,000 more for the Prius! Its cramped, slow, and completely dull to drive. Skip this car! only 10 miles per gallon better than an EX civic.

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  Pilot vs mdx - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Lee Liebenstein - April 1 - 9:46 am

  I have been a loyal Acura owner for years. But after drving the MDX, I liked the features and looks on the Pilot better. Could not Justify the 9700 difference in price. If the the price was the same id still by the Pilot. Only 1000 miles so far, but i love the Pilot.

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  Test drive others first - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Kal - April 1 - 6:40 am

  I agree with the precious reviewer, the car is bouncy and you can feel every bump in the road, I did the same thing, I reduced the tire pressures but no use. I made the mistake of not test driving the others, do not believe the reviews they are biased I think, the Sienna drives much nicer, the Sedona has all the technology that the Odyssey does but at a lower price. The Odyssey has a better reputation but thats about it. What Honda needs to do is upgrade the Odyssey to an Acura Minivan, with Acura comfort and styling, it would really go along way. The difference in price between the EX-L and Touring Elite is not really worth it. No LED RDL is stupid. No LED headlight choice is also stupid. The LDW is very sensitive. Drives like a regular car so thats great. Honda Vac? who cares. Wide screen, a gimick. No panoramic roof offering. Dealers are stupid to deal with they are useless, just sell your damn cars direct better than a person spending hours dealing with tall white sales people. Bottom line, its a Minivan, a good hauler for kids but as soon as Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW figures out a way, the high end Sienna and Odyssey will be dead, I wish Tesla comes up with something so I can just buy direct.

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  The greatest minivan ever! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Dr. Effy Oz - April 1 - 12:20 am

  This was love at 1st sight. Its the most comfortable minivan we testdrove, with the best design of space. The ride is VERY comfortable. The vehicle is simply beautiful inside, with plenty of storage bins and smart rear seat folding.

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  Honda Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Rohde - March 30 - 10:00 am

  A very different vehicle. Almost like a little hummer. I havent had a single problem yet. However, Ive only owned the vehicle for a month.

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  Good all around, not perfect - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By enginerd - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Has plenty of power to make driving fun, but shakes like hell under HARD accelaration. 4WD was engaging/disengaging rapidly? My biggest complaint is that you cant turn the AC off when defrost is on. Found a "hack" on the web that if you pushed butons in a magic sequence you can now turn AC off when in defog. There is serious storage space throughout vehicle. My rear tire brake seized at ~30K miles. Dealer fixed without charge. Getting to the oil filter and fuses are a major pain. My final complaint is that the rear wiper does not go 180 degrees like it should. I think it is an excellent compromise between SUV and car. I am quite happy overall.

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  Good Buy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By smmmmmm - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am very happy with my purchase. The only problems I see with its appearance are the small wheels. I also notice a lot of road noice while on the interstate. My 62" boyfriend cannot drive the truck because he cant get the seat back far enough to be comfortable. Other than that its a wonderful buy! The interior has a lot of room and I get a lot of compliments on the truck.

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  Yeah - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Asheetmypants - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Awsome SUV! great car best suv awsome big sweet sweet rime tight color