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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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis Miller - November 17 - 1:05 am

  I have a 2001 CR-V with only 63,000 miles that Im about to trade in against a new car for my wife. This car has cost me nothing in repairs other than the usual things like the battery, belts or tires. Its economical, specially on the highway and just in general, the CR-V is the most perfect example of Keep It Simple Ive ever seen.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Dennis Miller - November 17 - 1:05 am

  I have a 2001 CR-V with only 63,000 miles that Im about to trade in against a new car for my wife. This car has cost me nothing in repairs other than the usual things like the battery, belts or tires. Its economical, specially on the highway and just in general, the CR-V is the most perfect example of Keep It Simple Ive ever seen.

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  Happy Honda Owner - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By AJM - November 16 - 10:03 pm

  Purchased to replace a 1997 Suburban, and have been very impressed with the vehicle. Normal maintenance and have followed Hondas recommended maintenance schedule and the vehicle continues to impress mile after mile!

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  Very Happy LX Owner - 2006 Honda Civic
  By gabagooo - November 16 - 7:46 pm

  After 2200 miles I must say that we are very happy. Average MPG is 34 city and 39 highway. I recently drove the car on a 14 hour drive and the seats were uncomfortable after just a few hours of driving. While on vacation, the car was parked under a tree and suffered acron damage on the hood - I think that the hood sheet metal is a bit thin. The overall driving experience is excellent, however, the auto transmission seems to search for the correct gear on hills and highways - it is slow to up and downshift. Build quailty and materials are excellent - our Atomic Blue Civic (which we call Pug) was built in Japan and I am hoping it will provide years of safe, reliable service.

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  93 Prelude Si with 4ws - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By dirk - November 16 - 6:59 pm

  This is a really fun to drive car. Its got good power, when you take off in first and run it up to about 3,000 rpm and just stomp on the gas, the tires break loose and just start spinning. I love it.

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  The Old Girl! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By TOGs Mom - November 16 - 4:04 pm

  I affectionately refer to my 1990 Honda Accord as, "The Old Girl" or TOG for short! I purchased her new in August of 1990. Shes had her ailments throughout the years due to wear and tear, but has surpassed any vehicle Ive ever owned. She is GREAT on gas and has just about the same pick-up as my 2005 Acura TSX! After coming from a 1986 Oldsmobile that needed 4 transmissions, torque converter, etc., my first little Honda Accord coupe has sold me on Hondas for the rest of my life!

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  Amazing car! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Cory - November 16 - 3:05 am

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  EX 4dr w/Navi - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Joe - November 15 - 10:30 pm

  Traded a Lexus GS300 for this car, & loved the Lexus so that should imply how impressive the new Civic design is to make me trade ($3 gas helped also). 35MPG minimum so far in town (40+ easy on Hwy) nowdays the savings can make a big dent in your payment! Adequate power, very good handling, solid feeling car. Honda GPS/Navi is worth every penny, dont short yourself - get it!! Safety ranking is tops, airbags etc. - outclasses many luxury cars in safety. Doesnt ride quite like the Lexus but is smooth, satisfying, quiet & agile, brakes butter smooth, turns on a dime. Youll have to drive to believe, as this is Not your Fathers Civic. Hard to believe its an econo mini car actually.

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  JDs CR-V Review - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By littlering22 - November 15 - 1:56 pm

  I just have one thing to say about MDs review. If you wanted a Buick, why did you by a Honda? What one driver interprets as a lousy ride another will call a great ride. Its called vehicle feedback and its the one thing a driver requires to interact with the vehicle while driving. The best example is a race car driver and his race car.

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  Great Small Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Acme858 - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a fantastic car. Beautiful inside and outside: clean, simple, and effective. The control is nice and tight and the transmission, even for an automatic, is very smooth--both typical of Hondas. The EX model comes very well equipped with sunroof, 127 hp, alloy wheels, 6 speakers, CD player, ABS and a myriad of little things that make the entire car worthwhile. Gas mileage is great: 31 City, 37 Highway. I got the car perfectly content without any of the dealer installed options like foglights and interior trims. The foglights would be nice but the installation fees are absurdly high.