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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  10 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By mohan - July 23 - 10:00 am

  this is the best ever

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  Love my Civic Hybrid - 2004 Honda Civic
  By ElectroTom - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2003 version which is the same as the 2004. I love the car. I have driven it almost 40,000 and no problems. Bought it as a second car (my first is a gas guzzling Ford Explorer) and it saves me thousands each year in gas and maintenance. You cant go wrong with this car. Only one minor warrenty repair the whole time I owned it.

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  My First Import - 2004 Honda Accord
  By callen - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive always driven GM products. After owning my first Honda for 3 days, I may never own another domestic car again! The ride, handling, acceleration, design, quality, EVERYTHING is superior to American made cars. I previously owned an 02 Grand Prix GT. Powerful car, but always felt heavy and sluggish. My new honda would run circles around that Pontiac. Its nimble, responsive, firm, and still comfortable. I was leery at first, but more than happy with my decision. This car is amazing!!

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  This Car is outstanding - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Peter - July 23 - 2:23 am

  Going from Kia Sedona to the Odyssey there is Simply no comparison, Honda a car way superior in very aspect you can think of, cant stop driving it!

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  2008 Civic EX-L, Manual w/Nav - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Jim Patnode - July 23 - 12:26 am

  In all fairness my ride/drive evaluation are being compared to my previous BMW. It will take awhile to adjust. The change was necessary due to gas pricing. Overall I am happy with the car. The styling is very nice along with the interior. The nav system is very easy to operate. The audio system is great. Having problem with adjustable sound (SVS), not a Honda issue...operator error. Aside from the great gas mileage, my 85 mile trek to work is quickly becoming bearable especially when a visiting the gas station...$30 instead of $80.

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  Almost drives itself - 2016 Honda Accord
  By David Carr - July 22 - 8:14 pm

  If you want all the bells and whistles in a great looking and fun to drive car ,this is it and at a great price compared to what you would pay on any other vehicle

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  Whats not to love? - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Lizabelle - July 21 - 10:36 am

  So I had a Prius on hold across town, to replace my pricey Lexus, which had been costing me $200 a month in gas. But $28K is a lot of money. So on impulse, I drove into the Honda lot and saw Fit looking at me. He was hot! Drove like a dream, the folding options make him one big origami machine (for my gardening/furniture/ kid stuff). Im getting over 30 MPG for $10K less than a Prius.

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  Love our new honda crv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Clair Segovis - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We have driven our new 2002 crv for 2000 miles and just love it so far. Getting 26 mpg combined driving. Engine very strong for its size. Transmission shifts really smooth and at just the right times. Nice quiet ride except for some road noise from tires. Handles extremely well with little or no lean in corners. Nice center feel to the steering.

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  Its the best van! - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By che - July 21 - 10:00 am

  We owned a Dodge and traded it in for the Odyssey. Our Dodge had electrical problems and was a complete nightmare ... we wont get into that! My wife and I wanted a van that we could grow into with our two small boys. I already own a 92 Accord EX L (200k miles and going) so I was familiar with how durable they are. We are thrilled with our new Odyssey EX L with DVD because of its control, power and comfort. Honda really did listen to their customers and produced a great van. Now I can sit back and watch moves with my kids while my wife drives without any worries. Thanks Edmunds.

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  Alaska Yukon or Bust - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Ottawa-Yukon - July 21 - 10:00 am

  After spending 7 weeks on the road an 18,000 km (11250 miles) this van drove effortlessly. Gas mileage on the highway was acceptable considering that we were driving at an average speed of 120 kmph (75mph). The engines power and passing ability is simply the best and always had lots of power when you needed it. After returnin from Alaska, I am more impressed with it than before. This van is hard to beat!