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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  2002 crv review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Gp - March 30 - 10:00 am

  terrific vehichle. versatile and reliable. solid build quality.

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  2002 crv review - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By gp - March 30 - 10:00 am

  terrific vehichle. versatile and reliable. solid build quality.

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  Great car, but not what they used to be - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MichaelO - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a 97 Honda Civic DX coupe, which is the stripped down model for those of you who arent too familiar with the line-up. I now own a 02 EX coupe which is their top of the line model. I must say, there have been some drastic improvements in those 5 yrs, as well as some disappointments. My 97 DX was supposed to be getting only 106 hp while the 02 EX is supposed to be getting 127. Still, the DX felt much quicker. The 02 also has a lot of little creaks and rattles on the interior. The last complaint is gas mileage. Honda claims 32 city and 38 on the hwy. I do a mixture of both and am lucky if I get 30.

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  2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe - 2003 Honda Civic
  By spowell1226 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a pleasure to own/drive. I really like everything about it.

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  Pleased - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SBM - March 30 - 10:00 am

  My first foreign-made car. I decided to bite the bullet and go for reliability. I have been very pleased with my purchase so far.

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  EX V6 Coupe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gary McDowell - March 30 - 10:00 am

  The new Honda Accord sedan seems a bit stodgy. However the coupe combines great looks, panache, good handling, excellent power with the traditional Honda virtues. Its a car to aspire to, not one to settle for.

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  Nothing but a Honda for me - 2006 Honda Accord
  By JDF - March 30 - 8:13 am

  Traded in our 03 CRV for a new Accord, didnt really need AWD anymore, and wanted better gas mileage. Tried the Camry XLE first, nice ride, but lacked a few features i wanted, like dual zone A/C, and didnt like the wood trim. Accords interior is top notch, nice design, clear gauges, comfy seats, lots of storage space.

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  Try one more - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By C-A-K - March 30 - 7:56 am

  We traded our 2002 Odyssey because we were getting our third transmission at 51,000 miles. Weve had other Hondas without problem so we decided to give it one more shot. So far so good, only 1,000 miles driven, and we love all the upgrades the 2005 has. The third row goes down without removing headrest, my wife loves the sunroof, I like the better mileage, the doors seem to work smoother, the illumination of the controls on the dash are cool, we like the layout of stereo and air controls better and definitely like having the controls on the steering wheel. For the money, I think we got a lot more with the 2005. Hopefully we got a better transmission.

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  Water,water,everywhere - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By L Freeman - March 30 - 1:18 am

  Bought the especially designed top cover for the bed because the ad said it would protect and keep your belongings DRY.mine got soaked.The dealership only gave me a partial refund and explained the difference between waterproof and keeping things dry!After market people are afraid to touch it because there is a slide in bed protecter and they do not know what is behind it.So I am stuck with an open bed.and the dealership will not help.A fantastic truck is being ruined by a dealership and a leaking bed cover.

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  2018 CRV EXL Purchase - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By James Shoop - March 29 - 8:21 pm

  Look at 2018 Toyota RAV4