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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  Very happy Honda owner! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Mel - December 2 - 9:49 pm

  I have had my Honda CR-V for 1 year and 9 months now and still cant say anything negative about it. I had the 2006 Civic before but, it was too small. I upgraded to the CRV and am convinced I will only buy Hondas from now on. It is roomy, fuel efficient, reliable, and comfortable. What more can you ask for. It doesnt have all the fancy bells and whistles but, who needs those? I definitely suggest the CR-V. In fact, Im searching online to pick one out for my mom.

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  One leads to another - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Nonoy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Honda Accord 6 cylinder is very reliable. @94K miles in 4 years, it never had any problem. Never had a wheel alighnment either. Its sturdy and firm. Overall driving was enjoyable. Fast and easy to handle. I had a Civic before which I used for 10 years. Upgraded to an Accord 6th cylinder and it seems it would last forever.

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  An excellent vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By dickins - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I am in my late 60s, so I have owned a few cars. This car is the best car I have ever owned. I also want to say that the service I have received at three different dealerships. It has been excellent.

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  fully researched - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By ohiobob - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Did extensive safety research, and the 2002 CR-V and the subaru forrester topped all lists. Test drove both (plus the Toyota offerings: Highlander and the RAV4) -- fell in love with the CR-V. Subaru drives like a station wagon. CR-V drives like a much more powerful car. Its zippy and peppy. Ordered the standard, though, since the automatic shifted a little weird between 2nd and 3rd. Gas mileage decent (high 20s). Kid and 2 big dogs have plenty of room.

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  Honda Accords Rule - 1999 Honda Accord
  By iamj2b - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent reliability. Great to drive on highway.

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  Really well built - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By schrist2000 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle that you can tell was really researched for a long time. THey took the best of most SUV and cars and put them into one vehicle. You have the ride and feel of a car, and the room more thatn any other SUV in its class. Lots of storage places as well as extra outlets for almost any growing family.

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  Accord01 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ynk - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great Car. This is an ideal full size car in the market with balanced performance, mileage and style.

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  Nice car with a nice price. - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Patrick C - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car about two weeks ago, and I love it ever since I drove out from the dealerships parking lot. The transmission look weird at first, but once you start changing gears, itll became second nature to you. And the seat, its just the best seat I have ever sat in! (Under $20K) It got really good support to your back and torso, and the steering wheel, its give you the feeling that you are driving an S2000 (no kidding!) To sum it up, the SI might not be the fastest car youve ever drove, but for a car thats give you so much fun (and standard equipments) well under $20K, who really care ;-)

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  I love my car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By nicolec - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. After spending 3 years driving a Hyundai Accent, this car blows that one right out of the water. The engine while is not of the same caliber of the Mustangs of the world, it has the "spunk" and pickup that I never saw in my Hyundai. I just love this car!

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  Fun car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By rm - December 1 - 9:46 am

  Bought this a week ago and love it! So much fun to drive. Heated leather seats are great in the cold the weather, love the one-touch sunroof. At first I wasnt sure about the split dash when I was shopping around, but after driving it its so easy to get used and actually a lot better for checking your speed. Great on gas too.