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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  Excellent Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By RWP - June 21 - 7:29 am

  Purchased in March of 2005, car has been reliable and fun to drive 80 miles each day for work. Gas mileage has been pretty good although the AC does zap mileage more than any other car Ive had. Seats are comfortable for short and long drives. Those reviewers who state otherwise havent adjusted the seats correctly. Back seat leg room is very good for the size of the car.

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  very good car and value - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Coco - June 20 - 5:40 pm

  I liked this SUV a lot. The cons I found are: 1) there is no much space in the front seats (for a 5 11" person) my knees hit the steering wheel and I cant move it to avoid that and 2) it has too many blind spots when looking back or through the mirrors, we had to remove the headrests from the back to see better. The rest is very good. It does not burn a lot of gas, it is reasonable fast in highway, it is well equiped and it is reliable. In new england the 4wd help even when such a narrow tires.

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  Urban Living with a RidgeLine - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By SB Ridge - June 20 - 10:54 am

  I own a 2006 RT, I went with the basics as XM, leather and Nav have no place with me. So far I have really enjoyed my truck, it has done all that I asked with out complaint. I have moved heavy objects like wood flooring, bulky objects like shrubs and basic stuff like family vacations. My Ridgeline as proven itself worthy of Vermont winters and the AWD has been up to any urban task I have put before it. My Ridgeline is an urban rig, I do not tow at this moment and I am not an off road driver. My only addition to my Ridgeline was a BakFlip cover to add additional storage options and keep the winter snow out of the bed. This is a truck for people who are tired of the SUV but dont ne

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  all things considered...the best - 2005 Honda Accord
  By mitch - June 20 - 5:10 am

  Replacing a 2003 A4. I looked at the Mazda 3 with nav, and the Mazda 6. I also looked at another A4. This car car an exquisite ride, and excellent on center feel for the steering, although a little too much lean, and too many minute corrections required on sweeping turns (compared to the Audi). The dash is simply the best looking I have seen, the leather is nice and soft. You cant lower the seats as much as I would have liked. The stereo is quite good until you get past half of max volume, and then there is distortion. They missed the boat on exterior styling, but if you add a rear lip spoiler, it helps a lot. I will also add at least 17" wheels. All together an impressive car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Fox Mulder - June 20 - 1:00 am

  Truly is the best car you can get for the money. I have sport trim with sensing. It has enough power, great amount of space, enough technology, good looks, and most importantly great driving dynamics. It hugs the road. Ride is smooth but not floaty, a bit on stiffer side which is expected with sport trim having 19" wheels. The suspension is very good, sticks to the road like glue and absorb bump pretty well. I am getting 35 mpg on highway. Also love the led tail lights, led running lights and duel exhaust pipes. It has a sporty hum from tailpipes. The steering feedback is good, although it could be more tighter as per my taste. But for daily driving its easier, so its good. Overall I am happy with the car. It reminds me of my Acura TL I used to have few years back.

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  First Class Vehicle - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Robert Douglas - June 19 - 2:11 pm

  We bought our Pilot new and have been extremely satisfied with it. It rides very smoothly and is very comfortable on long trips. Our maintenance costs have been minimal. I definitely intend to buy another Pilot.

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  Great van, but tires dont last long - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By atlatnamike - June 19 - 1:09 pm

  The van was a great purchase and is fun to drive. It is very comfortable and have had little issues. I would have passed on the Touring and purchased the next level with the entertainment system, since the tires wear about 24K miles and are very costly.

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  Honda Accord Touring model - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Donna Petersen - June 19 - 1:01 pm

  Feels like a BMW. Awesome acceleration, comfort, tech, bluetooth. I love it!

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  Love the K20 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Mr Green - June 19 - 12:34 pm

  So far I have had 3 Sis. A 1992, 1993 and 2002. I love the feel and styling of the 02 hatch Si. Great car as usual. Thanks Honda for doing what American car manufaturers have failed to do.

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  Smoooth - 2006 Honda Civic
  By HondaAlltheway - June 19 - 12:06 pm

  On my first long distance trip, an impressive 40.5 MPG, and it cruises quietly and comfortably at 75 mph on only 2400 RPM. Honda got the perfect formula for a small car. I was considering bigger cars, but end up with the Civic for the mileage and absolutely happy with the choice. Its as quiet as the mid-size car with the near hybrid milage performance and Honda reliability. You cant go wrong buy this car...Love it