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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  Honda Civic LX 1998 - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Deeblacke - February 20 - 9:02 am

  I got this car when it had 125K miles and i have had for 3 yrs. Now it has 195,000 and still going strong. The only major breakdown i had was with the clutch but other than that its a good car. I intend to drive it until it has 400K

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  2nd to NONE! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Teacher Guy - February 19 - 9:00 pm

  We researched minivans for years before we finally bought one and without a doubt the Odyssey has met all of our expectations except for one. To us it looks the best, but it truly shines in all the important areas. Its ride is awesome. Plenty of power and handles like a dream. The fit and finish are impeccable and everything is where you would expect to find it. The leather is fantastic. It is the best vehicle we have ever owned.

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  Terrific car, handles like a slot-car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Michael - February 19 - 7:33 pm

  Driven the Civic for 2 months now and find it to be a wonderful car all-around, fuel economy at about 42 mpg at 70 mph with the A/C on! Car still gets looks in parking lots and at stoplights, even had one photographing it while at a rest stop on highway. Young daughter loves to sit in centre of back seat as it has the 3-point belt and shes able to see out the extremely large windshield easily. Car sticks to road with Turanza 55R16 tires and handles like a dream. First "import" Ive ever owned and after one ride each with our elderly fathers, they saw how great this car is.

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  Love the CR-V - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Eightpaws - February 19 - 7:13 pm

  This is the first vehicle I have purchased in 24 years, and a lot of research was involved before I bought it. I am so happy - I think I made the right choice. Just got back from a 2000 mile round trip from Oklahoma to Michigan, and the CR-V handled like a dream. Gas mileage was around 27 mpg overall. It was plenty roomy for my two dogs (in the back seat) and I and all our cargo for a week fit nicely in the storage area behind the back seat. LOVE the cargo shelf - it was perfect for lightweight items. I felt very secure in the CR-V; it felt very stable. Plenty of get up and go for passing all the semis!! I imagine that I will have this vehicle for a very long time.

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  Awesome Car to Start Driving On - 2002 Honda Accord
  By StickShift - February 19 - 5:13 pm

  Well, as a 16 year old whos just started driving, I have to say this is an excellent car. Powerful and economical I-4. Only time it struggles is fully loaded with 5 people in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Excellent build quality. Steering is responsive and offers plenty of feedback, as do brakes. Only odd noise is a clicking coming from the sunroof when its cold. SE package offers a sunroof, CD player, alloy wheels and a few other nice features. However, 4 wheel disk brakes, ABS, and power seats wouldve been greatly appreciated. Compared to our previous 98 Camry, the Accords better handling, stronger motor and nicer design inside and out make me love it.

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  BUY THIS ONE! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Walt L. - February 19 - 2:53 pm

  With a family of five (3 kids 9,6,&4), we desired an SUV w/ a third row and a dvd. I personally desired leather. After months of research, it came down to the 2005 Pilot and the 2005 Pathfinder. With basically the same amenities, the Honda came in about $3,000 less than the Pathfinder. We are extremely pleased with our purchase.The Pilot has excellent room and superb power. If you are looking for a so-called "mid-size" SUV, BUY THE PILOT!

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  My Honda - 1996 Honda Accord
  By sheila - February 19 - 2:38 pm

  I have no interest in replacing this car, which has served me well for years. It did require about $3-4000 in replacement parts at around 105,000. It was well worth the investment. I wish they were still on the market! Only disappointment is that it only got 22 mpg in the city, and about 23-25 highway.

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  30 mpg!! Average - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Robert - February 19 - 1:52 pm

  Love the color and everything about this car... No more Camry, no more Chevy. No need for Lexus or High end Acura. Just get the v6 if you want more power. Got this 5500 off the sticker :)

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  My CRV does not give me the blues! - 2017 Honda CR V
  By ugogerl - February 19 - 11:42 am

  The test drive and my salesman were the clincher on my search between the HRV and CRV. I was wanting to upgrade from my 10 year old Honda Fit. Love the reliability of the Honda so wanted to stay with the same brand. CRV was a smooth ride and the "standard" features were just what I wanted without paying too much. Heated seats, sun/moon/power roof, bluetooth, cargo space, roomy rear seat, power, power, power and more!

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  2010 Pilot EX FWD - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By dmac2010 - February 19 - 10:50 am

  We purchased this vehicle to replace our 2004 Ford Explorer. We looked at the Toyota Highlander and Mazda CX-9. Our criteria was 4WD, third row seat, class 3 trailer hitch, good resale value, quality and gas mileage at least in the low 20s. As soon as I sat in the Honda I felt right at home. The controls, storage spaces, seats, everything just felt better. Weve driven it on one trip and have put about 1.5K mile on it. The gas mileage is as advertised. No regrets.