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 compact SUV on the market - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - September 15 - 1:40 pm

  I bought the 2005 CRV after having driven my 2000 Accord for 120,000 miles. I wanted a compact SUV to better handle the harsh Boston winters, but fuel economy was a major concern with gas prices climbing recently. The CRV is rated at 22/27, and after 1,000 miles, Ive been averaging 26.5 in mixed driving. The build quality is superb (it is a Honda, after all), the handling is top notch, and the passenger and cargo areas are generous. The CRV competes with the Toyota RAV-4, and there is no comparison. After test driving the RAV-4, I found it to be cramped with sloppy handling. In my opinion, the CRV is the best compact SUV available, which would explain why you see so many of them!

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Vcaserta - September 15 - 3:36 am

  Bought my EX-L V-6 Coupe on 2/1/08 and then had to take a road trip. The interior is plenty spacious and once I mastered all the controls and settings, they were easy enough to operate. This is replacing a very nice 05 Altima SE V-6 sedan, which had a lot of space I didnt use. The Hondas steering is much nice than the Altima, the turning radius is much smaller. Handling is excellent; body roll almost imperceptible, braking nice and stout, acceleration strong and steady. The trunk is more than sufficient for duffel bags, groceries, etc, although I wish I had the optional cargo net as things do slide around a lot. I have had several people ask me what kind of car it is already!

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  Excellent family vehicle - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By YS - September 14 - 5:50 am

  Great space and excellent features. Really like the lane-change camera!

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  No Regrets Whatsoever! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By F12FAST4U - September 14 - 1:56 am

  It has been about 5 years since my last exposure to a Honda Accord. It was a nice car but nothing to get excited about. Well, the 2007, opened my eyes. This car is great. The 3.0 litre VTEC engine married with the 6- speed manual....jeez, this thing is fun to drive. The suspension is sure. The interior is very nice; leather with heated front seats; dual temp controls on the A/C...I can go on. I will...I can get all three of my kids into the trunk with room to spare (joking!). With Honda reliability to look forward to, I have the confidence of knowing that Ill be enjoying this car for years to come. This car is worthy of serious consideration.

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  New Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By HarryO - September 13 - 7:50 pm

  We have a 15 year old and needed the extra space. Rides a little like a truck but is very smooth and handles very well. Love the iPod connection and surround sound. Mileage could be a little better but only filled up once so far. Great riding SUV with great styling.

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  Over 400,00k and still kicking strong - 1990 Honda Civic
  By veazeyr - September 13 - 1:52 pm

  This is my 3rd civic this generation and I have to tell you they are one of the best Hondas come out with. The body and paint are in excellent shape, nothings wrong with it, pass smog all day long. You can beat the hell out of them and they still keep coming back for some more miles.

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  Very Little Room to Improve - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By iam4ecu - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Had a 99 Ody, but # of improvements for 02 tempted us to a new one. Prev. issues were fixed (shifter, noise, pwr, etc). We love it! Drives great-real power. Very nimble for a van this size. Very luxurious. Amazing room & versatility. Interior feels solid-many vans feel cheap. Have the EXL w/DVD-no issues w/ the sound system. Watch Jurrassic Park & you will believe! Lthr seats are comfy & seem durable. Magic seat is great. Center row very easy to get in/out. Pwr doors are great. Best looking van by far-looks like an Acura. Highly recommend this van-Get a LX w/ less goodies & youll still have the best deal going!

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  Even better months later - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Juan33138 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I was very surprised at the test drive, the car has zip. After 6000 miles I notice that the engines purrs like a quick cat, and has even more guts. For small SUV under $25,000 (in 2002) no one else came close. Can carry 4 six foot guys easy. My average gas mileage is around 18. Only complaints are I wish I had another 2" of leg room and that the seats had larger seat bolsters to support the legs... then again I am 6 3".

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  My Wife loves the CR-V AWD with NAV. - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Frank Orsino - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  I have always purchased Fords. When we went to the Ford Dealer. The sales Person, who emailed me and said (come in any time and I will serve you ASAP. After 2 hours waiting for her (she told me to sit down and wait, she was going to lunch). We left and went to Priority Honda (Chesapeake, VA). Shay Patel (Sales Person) located the exact vehicle we were looking for, gave us a free loaner vehicle until the new vehicle arrived, gave us the price Edmunds quoted plus Military discount. Best decision on the best SUV on the market. Payed cash. Thanks to EDMUNDS for your help and support.

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  Good value for the money - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Hondaman - September 12 - 3:56 pm

  This is an update from my last review 4 years ago. Now with 30K under the clock, I can say that this car is still good value for the money. True, it is a bit date now compared to Jan 03, but it still better looking than the dopey Camry and the cheap looking Altima. Yes, the rear end is still debatable but with the spoiler in place, its look good enough. The engine is powerful, smooth with reg. gas that several times, I left it in D3 and hardly hear it at 3K RPM. So far, I had a few issues: front brake rotor resurfaced, bad wiper motor and a couple of recalls to fix the 5sp AT and brake caliper. However, it has been reliable every time I turned the key (except on cold days, two).