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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  Worth every $$$. Want to save 10K? - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sampathk1 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I just saved nearly $10K by going for Pilot instead of MDX. Be smart and do the same! Only thing I miss is that loaner car service!! Enough about this... Things about Pilot - good design, handling. Lot of interior space.

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  2000 Honda S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By go top less s2000 - March 29 - 6:09 am

  Love the ride. Even though Im 63 and its a tight fit, I still enjoy it royally. Gas is great, gone for weeks on a tank. Even though its high test its worth it.

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  S2more4urmoney - 2002 Honda S2000
  By boobie - March 28 - 4:17 pm

  this car is great on a curvy road. the convertible top is easy and fast. the whole car is easy and fast.

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  Redline fun - 1999 Honda Civic
  By bpayne - March 28 - 11:35 am

  I loved this car, its a great high reving b16 engine, similar engine to what comes with the acura integra.

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  My Civic is pretty G - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Thug Life - March 27 - 9:12 pm

  I have been driving this car for about nine months. I have to say it is quite premium. It looks very nice, is easy to work on, and is fun to drive. Like other reviewers, I really like the lack of power steering and the driving feel it brings. The car is easy to work on and has a lot of tuning potential. Also I get well above 35 MPG in the city.

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  Classic Sport - 1999 Honda Prelude
  By Gock - March 27 - 11:59 am

  This car is excellent for those looking for something fun. Although the interior is bland and the car is a portly weight, its mostly a silent killer. A little heavy to take 90 degree turns with ease, but if you take it on a curvy backroad, you see its true power. Take it on a sharp curve at speeds even a WRX would be scared of and the Prelude laughs at the curve and eats it for breakfast. Interstate driving is like a cakewalk for this car, easily passing any car with a quick downshift or two. Stop- and-go driving is a little boggy but still spirited. Also very quiet! The added reliability and high-quality materials make this car a smart buy for anyone wanting something fun!

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  a good little buy - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By rbreen - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall,I love driving our newcrv. My main disappointment is that the gas mileage has not turned out to be as good as posted. I do like the drive and the extra power you put into the vehicle and the side airbags add to my feeling of safety. It takes hills much better now. I love the 6-cd changer. Overall, we are very happy with the vehicle. The only down side is that I think our dealer sells them for too much.

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  Perfect Compact SUV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By W - March 27 - 8:31 am

  The size of the vehicle and available cargo space are perfect for my lifestyle. I live in a pretty busy city where parking can be a problem but I also needed cargo space for the activities that I engage in. I absolutely love the aesthetic and performance of this car. I initially had an issue with the headlights not operating but the service center of the dealership took care of it right away!

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  MPG monster - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fitz - March 25 - 3:18 am

  Paying attention to what the mainstream reviewers focused on: 1) Its a CVT and youd only notice the tone/feel if you were waiting for a normal upshift during light acceleration. If you stomp on it, it GOES. If youre looking for the turbo lag, youll find it - but youll also hit 60 in 7 seconds. Theres just no downside to the normal needs of daily driving in this car. 2) "No volume knob". Yeah, you get used to the steering wheel controls. It was a non issue for me. I do compare it to our Ford Edge though. The Synch 3 has a multi-display (like radio and map at the same time) and the Hondas only shows one thing at a time. Both have advantages. 3) Lane Watch is better than looking backwards over your shoulder to your right side blind spot. Im afraid the new habit will kill me when driving another car. 4) Styling: Never mind the opinions. Handwashing all the nooks and crannies is a pain. The number of textured features is incredible when youre sponging out seasonal pollen. 5) Theres a lot of commentary about lack of lumbar support in the seats. Yup. Im used to Accord level leather seats and these civic ones sometimes give like an old recliner cushion. I have had no discomfort on my regular long commutes though. They also look great. 6) Handling: Sweet. When you start turning too hard/fast on a highway ramp, you can feel the dampeners take over and start subtracting G-force. It gives me the impression Im being seduced into going faster when perhaps the car should be telling me to behave. Ive gotten nothing but wild compliments and jealousy in this car. Its a lot of fun.

• 

  MPG monster - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fitz - March 25 - 3:18 am

  Paying attention to what the mainstream reviewers focused on: 1) Its a CVT and youd only notice the tone/feel if you were waiting for a normal upshift during light acceleration. If you stomp on it, it GOES. If youre looking for the turbo lag, youll find it - but youll also hit 60 in 7 seconds. Theres just no downside to the normal needs of daily driving in this car. 2) "No volume knob". Yeah, you get used to the steering wheel controls. It was a non issue for me. I do compare it to our Ford Edge though. The Synch 3 has a multi-display (like radio and map at the same time) and the Hondas only shows one thing at a time. Both have advantages. 3) Lane Watch is better than looking backwards over your shoulder to your right side blind spot. Im afraid the new habit will kill me when driving another car. 4) Styling: Never mind the opinions. Handwashing all the nooks and crannies is a pain. The number of textured features is incredible when youre sponging out seasonal pollen. 5) Theres a lot of commentary about lack of lumbar support in the seats. Yup. Im used to Accord level leather seats and these civic ones sometimes give like an old recliner cushion. I have had no discomfort on my regular long commutes though. They also look great. 6) Handling: Sweet. When you start turning too hard/fast on a highway ramp, you can feel the dampeners take over and start subtracting G-force. It gives me the impression Im being seduced into going faster when perhaps the car should be telling me to behave. Ive gotten nothing but wild compliments and jealousy in this car. Its a lot of fun.