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 convert ever - 2004 Honda S2000
  By desertmonkey982 - June 16 - 2:00 am

  its an awesome well rounded convertable with lots of pep

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  Buy This Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By mndice - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I rarely like anything, but this car is the best purchase Ive made since my big screen TV. If you are looking for a vechicle that sits 4, can haul like a truck, and has honda-like mechanics, then buy this car; you wont regret it. I absoultely love my 2004 EX 2wd orange car w/ side airbags.

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  First 100k Miles - 2001 Honda Accord
  By R.Couturier - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Just turned over 100k miles. Very reliable. Handles and rides very well. 5-speed is enjoyable to drive. Interior is well designed and efficient. No squeaks/rattles after being hammered by I-94 in SE Michigan on a daily basis.

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  Go Hybrid! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Curtis R. Blakely - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I am just a little disappointed in the MPG as my Civic Hybrid is only averaging about 40.9 (calculated). I purchase the car new in 06/2002 and now have 33,400 miles on the car. The overall quality is wonderful, the design is nice and the interior is great too.

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  51+ mpg - 2003 Honda Civic
  By JFoster - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Great little car that makes me feel like Im making a statement to the US car manufacturers. Why dont we all drive cars that enable us to reduce our dependency on imported oil? Why car Japanese companies make them and American companies cant? Maybe they like the oil companies...?

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  My 3rd EX - 2004 Honda Accord
  By RDHarris - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Honda Accord EX since 1991 and my second with the 6 cylinder engine. I went looking for a year end purchase of an EX with the 6cyl and Navigation. The navigation is a feature everyone should consider if they do any traveling or city driving. In city driving the voice command of radio and climate control is a very nice benefit. It allows more focus on the road. All in all, this is a very good value for the money. Also, I will likely subscribe to XM radio after the trial period. Its quite good.

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  You HAVE to test drive before decision! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Swish1651 - June 15 - 6:06 pm

  I was interested in a 3-row vehicle and SUV. Knowing the terrible gas milage of most SUVs i started inclining to a van. Making a second trip to Honda Pilot, i fell in love with the 05 model. I STRONGLY SUGGEST DRIVING THIS VEHICLE BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION!! The price is amazing for the things included - sunroof, amazing bose system, very reliable navigation system, leather, and a 3rd row seat with compromisable trunk space. I purchased this vehicle in black with saddle leather interior, and was amazed at the beauty, while being a Honda. We did our hw, and payed $31,500. The Acura MDX was our other option, but was ending up being $43,000+.

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  Great Compact Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kathy - June 15 - 3:20 pm

  I went from a Yukon Denali to a Honda Civic as my main vehicle with no problem. I was hooked on a Honda once I drove my friends Accord several times. It felt heavy and handled the road well even though it had over 125,000 miles. I am very pleased with my purchase of a Honda Civic.

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  Still Lovin my Fit!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By barbiedoll - June 15 - 1:30 pm

  I have owned this car for a little over 3 months now, and it never fails to surprise me! I loved it the moment I test drove it. I have helped several friends move and taken a couple road trips already, and the amount of cargo this car can hold is staggering!! Along with that, it is comfortable for people of all heights and is fun to drive. It is much more zippy than you expect for an engine that size, and accelerating on the highway is done with ease. If you want a reliable, driver-friendly car, you should seriously consider the Fit!!

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  MY WONDERFUL NEW 2016 HONDA CRV - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By SHERRY COOK - June 15 - 5:54 am

  ONE WONDERFUL vehicle. drives like a pleasant dream. cruise resumes very gently and nicely, no gravity pull at all. Awesome graphic interface, turn up to full brightness and the display is sharp and clear and visible in any light. Simple graphics to operate. Back up camera has a lens in the passenger side so when you signal for right turn, you can see whats beside you in your blind spot. AWESOME. You can use that for parallel parking, too, to see how far from curb you are. WE LOVE THIS CAR. the wheels are GORGEOUS, too.