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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  Awesome first car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Alex - February 12 - 10:27 am

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  Awesome first car! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Alex - February 12 - 10:27 am

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  noisy - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mossy - February 12 - 2:26 am

  Has been in shop twice for whistle noise and still makes the "Honda Whistle" at moderate speeds. Tire noise on some roads extremely loud.

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  watch the wipers. - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By KPM - February 10 - 3:00 pm

  This car is all utility. Its a bumpy ride for the passengers. My husband and dogs all get sick in the car. The deep hollow for the windshield wipers holds the snow and ice, and your wipers are too deep to dig out! They get frozen in there. They ought to do a safety recall!

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  Always a Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ace - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Have never had a problem with a Honda. I have had four.

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  A little disappointed - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Exec - February 4 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat a Honda. We know we got a car that will carry us through, but were a little disappointed with what seems to be sloppy engineering of the interior and inattention to fine details (see below).

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  ok? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Carl - February 1 - 5:16 pm

  I love that Honda decided to get with the times and update the look of the 08 Accord but its obvious that they didnt do enough research in to what consumers really want and need in a 25- 30k car. I had the 07 Camry XLE and like my accord more.

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  Pilot rating - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Michael Johnson - February 1 - 10:13 am

  This is a great car, it has a cup holder and places to put your cell phone everywhere you look. Drives just like a car.

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  Getting to Know & Love my Accord - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Ime Akpan - January 31 - 6:58 pm

  I like what I bought and loving the pleasant surprising features I am still coming across. I will know and tell more after the 1st 1000 miles and highway driving....about 860 miles to go.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Saun - January 30 - 2:56 pm

  I was disappointed with many of the features of the 2006 Honda Odyssey, esp the fuel, the window EPA 19-26 was the selling point I used, I have never gotten over 19 and that is open freeway driving. There is a lot of road noise while driving. The dash features are very complex and distracting while trying to drive and adjust temp settings etc. I found the A/C very slow to cool and the heat very difficult to regulate, it should not be this complex. Overall ride is very nice just too many bells and whistles and terrible gas consumption in this day and age when ecomony is a huge point of consideration. It has performed over all very well with very little problems as far as mechanics.