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 car I have ever had. - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Civic_driver_66 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Honda, and everything that anyone ever says about a Honda is true. My Civic has 85,xxx miles on it and is running like it is brand new. There are also limit-less parts or performance additions. The best thing I think about my Civic is its reliability. As another user said,"If you see a Civic with 100,000 miles on it, it is just a baby." That is so true!

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  So reliable that its almost boring - 1996 Honda Accord
  By WS6LS101 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My friends and family reccomended the Honda and they have definitely given me the best advice I think I have ever taken, for this car is amazing! I feel very confident in the car, just knowing that it will always get me where I need to go. It is six years old and looks and drives like its a brand new machine, infact this car probably hasnt even broken in yet! And its especially nice when the mechanic compliments you on your decision to buy a Honda, ensuring you that they are nearly mechanically perfect.

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  Pilot - Detail to Engineering - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By wandering69 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Everything from design to build quality is typical Honda excellence (I also own a CR-V). Practically no detail was overlooked. The EX is great value for those priced out of the Acura MDX. Why pay for a name... when 67% of the parts between the 2 vehicles are common?

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  pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By troy long - August 3 - 10:00 am

  What a ride! another homerun for honda! quiet,smooth,roomy,fast,

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  Great Value - 2007 Honda Accord
  By 07accord - August 3 - 7:46 am

  After driving an older accord for many years, I upgraded to the 07 model and am very satisfied with that decision.

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  honda - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Roberto Prego Novo - August 3 - 5:33 am

  see different alternatives

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  My Baby - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Pam, Pineville,LA - August 2 - 10:06 am

  Since I picked up my car, I have been completely satisfied with the performance, quality and comfort in operation. I work in the retail sector and have people stop me to find out about the car and its operation. I receive questions from all age groups. The biggest question has been how could they get so much room in the interior without squeezing things into a small vehicle. I love my "FIT" and it fits me fine.

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  Wow! Terrific little sedan. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By kathleen - August 2 - 10:03 am

  The Civic hybrid is suprisingly powerful when acceleration onto the highway. I expected to have to make a trade-off here from the gasoline powered model, but no so. The new Civic sedan is much bigger inside than my 1998 Civic. Dash design is really easy to see with all indicators and gages just above the steering wheel. While I havent averaged the 51 mpg advertised, I am getting right at 47 mpg. I absolutely love my new car.

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  great mileage car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nycajun - August 2 - 9:10 am

  This auto gets great mileage but nowhere where what the window sticker states. Even consumer reports couldnt come close in their testing. With that said, I am averaging 45 mpg (combined city/hwy/rural). The money saved goes towards the purchase of the car. I have owned Honda before and had no trouble whatsoever. I anticipate the same with this one. This Civic looks sporty and drives as such. Honda did good with the restyling both inside and out. I highly recommend this vehicle. Its nice not having to worry about getting gas until I have driven at least 550 miles.

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  lori - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lori Guarino - August 2 - 7:40 am

  I love my honda element my favorite car of 12 cars i had in life, thanks honda.