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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  Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Kenny - January 20 - 2:33 pm

  Bought the car used at 40k miles; been driving it for 4 months. Gas mileage is a little shy of what I was hoping for... getting 24 mpg average; however, it suits my 2 car seat life style nicely. Immediately upgraded the cloth interior w/Classic Soft Trim leather and the car looks brand new. As I read the other reviews, several things stand out as true; wind noise above average, low beams are low at night, rattles and bumpy ride is evident on less than average roads, and the cruise control works to hard...after hitting resume hang on, because the respones is equivalent to you mashing the pedal to the floor. Overall, sexy family hauler w/$3k in upgrades; leather interior, tires/rims, etc.

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  Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Patrick - January 19 - 10:26 pm

  This is my first Honda and I have had it a little over a month. It has plenty of pep for a 4-cylinder, doesnt lag too much when accelerating I am looking forward to years of trouble free maintenance and reliability, both major factors in deciding to purchase the Accord. Estimated mileage is OK, currently I do 60% city 40% highway and I average 24- 25 MPG. I know the car has to be broke in, so hopefully I will see closer to 30 in the coming months.

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  2002 EXL-RES is best - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By redody - January 17 - 3:56 pm

  Great van, compared to previous gm van. Superior room, comfort, and power. Tight as a drum. Family looks forward to trips with DVD always ready to go. Road noise is the only downside. Van could use more soundproofing. Paid sticker but worth every cent. Have never said that before and never paid sticker either till now.

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  Ugly car! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mark - January 17 - 12:50 am

  This car looks ugly in person. It looks better on magazine. The headlights and trunk is ugly design. Had this car for 2 months and sold it. Took two hours trip to the mountain. This car has two problems. Has horrible road noise coming into the car and headlights is NOT bright enough. I dont recommend this car for the price. Nissan Altima is better car.

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  Solid ride for a travelling salesman - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hoktaskbasdh - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic car. I bought used 45,000 miles on it. I crank the car 4-5 times a day and really beat on it. 2 years after purchase, the car now has 105,000 miles on it and overall I dont know of any other car maker that can match its long term durability (other than toyota) 86,000 miles had a EGR clog that there was a recall on but the dealer lied to me and never told me about it/tried to make me pay.I had to fight them on it to get them to cover it under the warranty. Hondas rule! Will keep car to 150K and then sell to a family member!

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  Happy to return to Honda - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By carolina - January 10 - 7:03 pm

  Sold Jeep Grand Cherokee. Thought may lose interior space & power, but very pleased CR-V has plenty of space & 4 cyl has surprising zip. Smooth ride & good turn radius. Compared to Toyota Rav4 & Jeep Liberty. CR-V better vehicle/price for money. CR-V fun to drive, smooth ride, lots of head/leg room interior, avg 22-26 mpg so far but dealer says will increase after 1st oil change. Told by several people CR-V exterior similar to Lexus & BMW 4WD.

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  New owner but thoroughly tested - 2003 Honda Civic
  By deleereus - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car handles quite well, rides smoothly and is very quiet. Sporty, fun to drive, better overall feel than a Cavalier. No frills. There are some annoyances -- one delay wiper setting, how the door locks work, cramped driverÂ’s quarters because of a large door storage space that digs into your knee. Brakes are not responsive; you have to mash them to the floor to stop. Shifter does not stop you from shifting through Drive or bumping it out of Drive into gear 2 or 3. The speedometer is difficult to read because the lines that show odd numbered speeds (like 30 MPH) are too short to differentiate. Hard to tell these things on one test drive!

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  Black Beauty - 2013 Honda Accord
  By robert tolbert - January 10 - 5:38 am

  This Honda has been the best one of all the previous ones (7) Ive owned! I have had no problems with it over the past 3 plus yrs.!!

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  2016 Honda Odyssey EX-L - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By R. Finkle - January 6 - 8:56 pm

  Road noise a bit higher than I hoped for. Everything else excellent so far. I only have 1,200 miles on this vehicle since I purchased it a few weeks ago.

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  Get it while you can - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Highway rider - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I have driven porsches for 20 years and it was quite a change to get into a van. I love my odyssey and wish I had gotten one earlier. The interior is well appointed and the navigation system is reliable and fun to work.