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 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jim martin - July 10 - 10:00 am

  honda quality, snug seats,interior same as acura tsx.

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  Love my Honda - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Karenn - July 8 - 5:23 pm

  Have had my 97 Special Edition for almost 9 years and am looking for another one! Loved the car reliable, reliable, reliable. Only issues were a weak air conditioning system - even when was working after being repaired several times due to leaking inside the car and just warm air coming from the vents, it was still weak A/C - barely kept the car cool. And the drivers window never had much power going up once it was down - tended to freeze up in the winter - not good after paying a toll and not being able to get the window back up. Those were my only complaints with the car and I think subsequent models have taken care of that.

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  lot of car, little money - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By isides - July 6 - 9:41 pm

  Ive had this car almost two years now and I can say this is best car Ive ever owned. I had a 97 blazer before this and I must say the rear leg room is far more than the blazer, not as much front leg room but its a smaller vehcile. The shifter coming out of the dash takes getting used to but I love the placement now. All around a wonderful car.

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  8 Years Old & Going Strong! - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - July 6 - 2:25 pm

  I bought my CRV new just over 8 years ago and this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. At 116,000 miles I still have not had to replace a single light bulb in the car. The Reliability and Quality have far exceeded my expectations! To date, I have not spent a dime on any unexpected service related items. It hauls my family of 4 nicely and provides plently of cargo room when needed. Keep up the good work Honda!

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  It all works great. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By KipK - July 6 - 8:09 am

  We bought the 2003 CR-V 4WD auto in June of 2003, replacing my wifes 1995 Maxima. She loves to shop yard/garage sales on the weekends. The CR-V is perfect for that. The CR-V is more fun to drive "around town" than my 2003 Pilot. After nearly 2 years of ownership, we took a road trip and arrived as refreshed as we would have in our Pilot. At 24K miles the reliability has been great. No problems except the power port fuse blowing twice when she charges her cell phone. She averages 22 town and 27 highway. I avg 2-3 mpg better for both. More than ample power around town and adiquate power on the road, most of the time. However, passing above 65 is a bit slow!

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  Jackson Racing supercharged SI - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jong - July 6 - 2:18 am

  My Si has has a supercharger, headers, cold air intake and catback exhaust. It makes about 210ish HP and 150ish torque. Its have plenty of speed and a lot of fun to drive. I still maintain 20-23 local and 25-30 highway. I dont like the stock body much but it looks sharp with the HFP package

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Passport
  By Kathi - July 5 - 11:07 pm

  Bought the car new and have driven it over 150,000 miles with very little trouble. Always starts. Was never stranded. Four wheel drive is very good. I am replacing it soon, but have enjoyed it for over six years.

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  Price bargain is a challenge. - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By H Choi - July 5 - 5:48 pm

  Request quotes from multiple dealers to ensure the lowest prices.

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  AC needs to be upsized for hot climates! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Meredith Smith - July 5 - 5:10 pm

  I love this van in many ways but am VERY disappointed with the AC system. I live in Phoenix and it takes at least 20 minutes to cool the cabin temp down to 75 when its 100 degrees or more outside (happens all summer here). I only ever take short in town trips that are usually less than 10 minutes. Anyway, Im devastated about it but serves me right for just assuming Id love it because its a Honda Odyssey. I recommend an extended test drive before you buy to be sure youre happy with it! UPDATE - Tempe Honda here in Arizona has been wonderful in helping me to love my new van. First, they evacuated and recharged the AC system since I purchased a vehicle that had been on the lot a long time. That improved it somewhat. Second, they offered to swap for a white van (we purchased the beautiful scarlet pearl), but after a test drive we decided it wasnt that different and my family prefers the red. I asked if theyd throw in the custom fit sun screen for the windshield and they did. It keeps the dash much cooler when Im shopping and makes the cabin temp lower after a few hours compared to leaving it exposed under our intense sun. Id recommend getting the custom fit shade from Honda when you purchase your van. Makes a huge difference on that large dash!

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  Great Car - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Marilyn - July 4 - 4:01 pm

  I like the car a lot, its easy to drive and has worked almost perfectly for all 14 years I have had it.