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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  2006 Si, review after 1,500 miles - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ginobilieee - April 5 - 10:30 pm

  Downside: Firm ride for those not use to sports suspension. Back seats, though roomy enough for anyone under 6is not made for getting in and out of often. Upside: Everything else: Handling, speed, traction, stereo, size (I am 511, 160lbs). Seats fit perfectly, engine sounds great and is easy to rev up to get going. Mileage checked over 3 tanks hovers around 29mpg. Overall a quality little car for the money. Double Upside: iVTEC will scream when revs hit 6K+ (wait till broken in!!)

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  Our 6th Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Julian Nestor - April 5 - 4:45 pm

  We have never had to repair any Honda we have ever owned. Brakes and tires are the only replacement parts we have ever needed. Thats why we buy Hondas. The CR-V is surprisingly big inside but is still a practical size for Southern California traffic and parking. The CVT transmission is very smooth and so far we are surprised how normal it feels around town. Time will tell on reliability but we have always had faith in Honda engineering. We bought the Special Edition that Honda usually offers and the end of a design run because of the standard content. We normally purchase the EX model but have never liked or used the sun roof feature that is a large part of the cost of the EX package. The SE model has reasonable content without the gimmicks that are so common today. The reasonable size was also an issue. We were afraid that Honda like so many other companies would make the next design bigger. Horrible traffic and tiny parking places are a fact of life in Southern California. We expect number 6 to be as reliable as all the others.

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  5-in-5 - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Lex - April 5 - 2:46 pm

  I have owned 7 Hondas, 5 Hondas in last 5 years; I certainly will buy an 07 if there is a design improvement and more horses. I get lots of compliments and stares. I enjoy honda cars because they are reliable, and have a good resale value, safety features, and they make a quality product. I have never experienced any problems with any of the vehicles I owned.

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  Odessey Touring 2005 - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Benjamin - April 5 - 11:33 am

  I have been driving from Glendora, CA to St. Louis, Missouri, to Houston,Texas, to Biloxi, Mississppi and driving over 6000 miles from the time I bought my Honda on May 31, 2005 up to this time and I enjoy it very much. When you driving in the Freeway, you feel you are floating in the air. Pax system is very satisfying to have.

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  Great little car! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Bill Klett - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Only thing I don;t like is Honda dealers using receptionists. I want to talk to my mechanic & not just see his photo on my bill. Soon as my warrantee runs out, Im going to a garage that lets you see & talk with the "technician". Also, a 20,000 mile checkup with oil change costs $90 at Honda & I got the same thing across the street at a "Tires Plus"for $18.95!

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  Pilot Soars - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By rdy2tk3 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I am a Honda person, so I may be biased. I love this truck. It is so roomy inside (I have friends who recently purchased the Highlander and they say it feels smallish compared to the Pilot). The power is nice right from the line. Youll be happy you decided to purchase this vehicle.

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  Enjoying our Odyssey - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By ustexans - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Odyssey on Sep. 20th. We got back yesterday morning from a trip to California and Oregon and now have over 5,00 miles on it. It performed like a dream. We also have a 2000 Honda Accord with 48,000 miles and have not had any problems with it. Before that we had a 1989 Honda Accord LXi for 10 years. We have been a loyal Honda family and expect good things in the future from our Odyssey.

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  Smoooth - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mooncurser - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 EX, the 2003 had too much road noise(tires I presume). So I waited. I was impressed with this 2004, quiet, handling, comfort, and quality. I have less than 1000 miles showing but getting 20-21 mpg average driving which is not bad for a suv that weighs in at 4,440! We bought it because most Hondas with automatics can be towed flat on the ground behind a M/H.

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  A full Package - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By rf - April 5 - 10:00 am

  just a perfect mini van

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  Best Compact car for a reason - 2004 Honda Civic
  By BK2259 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car from Tempe Honda, In Arizona and and was extremely pleased, it was no pressure, and my salesman Brian could not have been more helpful. I looked at the other cars on the market and the Civic was by far the best. It had the best safety, best fuel economy, and best looks, although that last one is a bit subjective. I purchased one of the first of the redesigned 04 civics. I have had no problems, and because this is not my first honda, I do not expect any. Overall, like the title says, it is the best compact car for a reason.