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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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Bob - April 18 - 9:19 am

  First Honda I have ever owned and it wont be the last! This car is virtually maintenance free - mjust add gas and change the oil every 3000 miles. When I bought the car I changed the timing belt and water pump but that is all the service in the 18 months I have had it.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By HondaFamily - April 18 - 1:13 am

  This is our second Honda Accord sedan and fourth Honda. After test driving the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, and Honda Accord, we liked the Accord best. Smooth ride, fit and finish, smooth shifting transmission, and feature packed for a $25,000 car! We have had poor experiences with the big 3 American automakers in the past and didnt want to have a financial burden repeat again. We found the Honda to be the best value in the bunch. We opted for no navigation system (we know how to use a map), and were fortunate enough to get employee pricing on our Accord. This is a great car and we hope to have it for many years to come.

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  Its great driving a smaller new car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Evelyn Jacobs - April 17 - 9:30 pm

  I had a very large turning radius in my late husbands Cadillac...What a pleasure it is to be able to make a turn in one movement... It took me a while to get used to the inner mechanics and stickshift [automatic] on the console [instead of the wheel]. I still have difficulty releasing the hand brake because Im not as strong as I used to be. But, now its a real delight to zip around! P.S. Im 88 years old.

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  Best driving experience... - 2006 Honda S2000
  By john carlton - April 17 - 4:25 pm

  S2000 is almost 10 year old now and still I would not change it with a brand new Z4, Miata, Solstice, Sky and even a Boxster. Unlike most cars, S2000 is a purpose built driving machine. Engine, transmission, and chassis is not shared by any other model. Engine is small, light and powerful. Best manual transmission available in ANY car: short, precise, excellent feel. Chassis is so stiff, the rear tire was also raised when I was jacking up the front! The engine is located completely behind the front axles, and the rear is a tad heavier than the front. The steering response is unreal immediate response to any steering input. S2000 is designed to give you the utmost driving satisfaction...

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  Best truck Ive owned! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By STINGREY0007 - April 17 - 4:17 pm

  I bought this truck to replace my Nissan extended cab pickup for a couple of reasons only. I wanted to use this for long trips and accommodate more people comfortably and be able to haul small stuff including yard waste, pull small trailer with riding mower etc, etc. I have looked at all brands and came to conclusion that the Ridgeline gives me the best value for my money plus Hondas excellent reputation. So far my ridgeline has been performing well with no major hiccups. A few times the tire pressure monitoring light came on during cold days and disappear after the truck had been running for some time. That was it, but Im still on the look out in case it happens again.

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  Sweet - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - April 17 - 6:10 am

  This car is just as advertised. 86 miles a day hills, highways, traffic and averaging 50mpg. Everytime I fill my tank its about 10 gallons and my trip set reads around 520+.

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  VERY happy with CRV-EX - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By andy - April 17 - 5:06 am

  Great SUV, very happy with design, comfort and engine. Honda has set a high bar for a small SUV, you cant beat the price ($22,890) and quality in my view.

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  1st Time Honda Owner - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By New Honda Lover - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 2004 Silver Pilot EX w/cloth seats two days after Christmas. Love it so far! Replacing a 2000 Toyota Sienna, which has been a great vehicle for our family. Perfect time to swing a deal - Dealership traffic was slow over holidays, and they needed to sell car before end of the year to make Presidents Award. Bought it for just $500 over invoice!

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  SPIFFY HONDA - 2004 Honda Civic
  By GoodHonda - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 04 Honda Civic EX yesterday in Nighthawk Black and it is to die for. They had one with leather but I left it there and got cloth instead. First civic I had seen with leather. I love the way it looks in black and I love that the Alloy wheels are standard on the EX! Cute little car for the price but beware the option lady who will visit you and all the options look wonderful but the prices arent. (6 disc in-dash changer)!

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  my lifesaver - 2004 Honda Civic
  By melysa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  ive had this car for 7 months...and it is so much fun to drive and i drive alot....the first week i had i drove to virgina from florida and back..and several times to orlando and i have had no problems and the milage is perfect for what i use it for.it was everything i had wanted and more