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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  Not carpeted - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By L.L.A. - February 24 - 12:58 pm

  I didnt realize that the car did not have carpeting until I got it home the next day. Everything in the car was black and the emphasis with the dealer was the controls. Ive never heard of a car without carpeting. I have the EX. I guess because they put in a moon roof and heated seats they had to cut cost somewhere else. I scotch guard everything in the car anyway and do not have kids. The seats fit my body perfect. Overall I like the HR-V, a step down from my previous CR-V.

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  S2k - 2003 Honda S2000
  By S2K - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful car, consider I drive over 35,000 miles per year. It does have a rather harsh ride, compare to my old Prelude and Integra GSR. Nevery the less, it is a beautiful machine. If paying cash for the car, should look into a low mile used NSX.

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  A good "every day" car!! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Rank - February 24 - 2:00 am

  First, I must apologise for the not so good quality of my english... So, my 93 Chevy broked down last april and I bought this 150 000 Km Honda Civic knowing that its not a sport car, but an economic one! Its realy good at what it is suposed to do! But, I love powerfull cars... so... The 102hp/98lbs.ft. is not satisfying my need for speed! but shes good with my wallet! The most fun to have with a Civic is... at the gas station! but, it still handle very well and, with a manual transmission, it is possible to pass the slow ones on the highway!

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  Good choice for me. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Mr K. - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Good car over all, but its not something that will knock your socks of (unless you are upgrading from Yugo.) Its a good choice for my needs, but its overpriced and overrated.

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  Good Car so far - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Jeff0204 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  very good car for the price.

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  If you find one, BUY IT!!! - 1995 Honda Prelude
  By Erik - February 22 - 8:32 pm

  I bought this car with 36,000 miles on it, and it was in near perfect condition. It now has 110,000 miles on it and runs almost as good as it did then. Outside of normal routine repairs or changes such as brakes, tires, oil changes, & tune-ups this car has never had any major repairs. I only just recently had to change a broken radiator, but if thats the worst of it, Im happy. The body could be better because it has a tendency to rust in the rear quarter panel, but almost everything else about this car is perfect. I will never sell this car if I dont have to. I would rather spend the money to keep it forever. I only wish I could have found an SE model with a V-TEC and manual trans.

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  Always in the repair shop - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By ddebari - February 20 - 6:11 pm

  This is perhaps the worse vehicle I have ever owned, In three years it has been in the service shop to replace the entire air conditioner unit. The last time occured in September 05 when the compressor exploded for the second time. Honda took the dash and front end of the car apart and then could not obtain a new compressor. the car remained in the shop for two weeks. When asked if they would extend the warranty on the AC, Honda denied the request and said it could not happen a third time. When it does I will sue DC Honda and Honda motors as many others have had the same problem.

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  Look Carefully Before You Buy - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mrbritcar - February 19 - 9:16 am

  Blinded by Honda reputation. Did not look as carfully as we should have. Seats are very hard. No lumbar adjustment. Brakes very touchy. Sheet metal is thin, almost dents by pushing on it. Paint quality not good (lots of orange peel). Not smooth, steering wheel and shifter vibrate at idle, worse when cold. Glass in windshield is poor quality, lots of distortion. Its an inexpensive car that will probably run great for a long time but it is clear that they needed to cut corners to keep the price down. In retrospect, something else would have been a better choice.

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  Everything we expected for 3 little kids - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By A & J - February 18 - 5:04 pm

  We recently paid off our van and plan to keep it for another 5 years. It has been very dependable and would highly recommend this van.

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  very reliable - 1994 Honda Civic
  By 1994 Honda Civic - February 17 - 9:25 pm

  bought this car brand new twelve years age and it has been great Extremly reliable and I change the oil twice a year and the car still runs strong I love this honda