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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  If you dont need to tow a house... - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By truckin - March 26 - 3:44 pm

  Great truck! Rides like a luxury sedan and handles like one too. Honda build quality is excellent. Ive owned only domestic trucks since I learned to drive and this one tops them all. It doesnt have the payload or towing of the others, but like me, not many need to be able to tow a house. Gas mileage is pretty good for a 4wd truck (19 mpg combined - not broken in yet). Innovative features are great (in bed trunk, composite bed). To complete the package, the safety features are top notch. Six air bags, stability control, traction control, ABS - what more could you ask for? Only complaint is that it is a little goofy looking, but when your behind the wheel, you forget all about that.

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  Best Sports Car? - 2002 Honda S2000
  By jpodvin - March 26 - 1:01 pm

  This has got to be the best all around sports car I have ever driven, and I have owned many. Stylish body lines, suburb suspension, Near 50/50 weight distribution and what has to be the most powerful 2.0 four cylinder in production! Not to mention the 9K redline, and ability to sustain 26 MPG under my abusive driving. Some people have complained that there is not enough low end torque, but I say show me a four cylinder sports car with more. At 60 MPH in sixth gear I rarely have to downshift to pass. Has more low end torque than my fiances civic Si, and weighs less too!

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  Excellent car ever made - 1992 Honda Civic
  By tony - March 26 - 2:19 am

  this is my first car and i am driving it from last 5 months...its excellent. its comfortable, fun, dependable. i bought it used. previous owner was careless, he never care for it. since i bought it it sits in garage. its an automatic but i SHIFT AT!! MPG is low (because of my driving habits 3rd at 80 mph)..i dont like driving my second car (2003 accord).. i like most is its comfort. it feels solid.. wish if honda restart its production with 300+ HP, I am really gonna buy 1.. I LOVE MY EG!!!

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  Refined small SUV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By mikeymikec - March 26 - 1:20 am

  I traded in a 2000 95k+ Honda Civic, and decided to get something that was a bit more roomy. So far, the CR-V has lived up to its billing. Firstly, the acceleration is much better than expected. Ive had a few brief moments of lagging response, but for a 4 cyl 166 hp engine, its extremely peppy and responsive. Interior display & materials on the ex are beautiful (the reason why I chose the CR-V over the rav4). Unfortunately, after only 1,500 miles of driving, my alternator, battery, and fuse panel needed to be replaced. Not good, but Im hopeful this is an isolated incident, and not indicative of future reliability. My mpg is respectable, averaging 23 with 50/50 city/highway.

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  "Ive wanted this car for 10 years!, - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Paul Moore - March 26 - 12:09 am

  You have to like 2 door cars, the versatility of a hatchback, and a slightly noisy ride, but this is a fun car to drive. The engine is 160hp and it will acceleratequickly. The front seats are supportive and the shifter is in a unique location.

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  Cajun Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By bcp1 - March 25 - 9:33 pm

  Was ready to purchase an SUV, saw Ridgeline in early March. Went to 4 different cities, 6 dealers and walked away with an exceptional deal. This is my first truck. The quality and the ride are fantastic. I am very impressed with all the safety features that come standard. My wife loves it completely. I am hoping for better gas mileage as I go. In town is 15.8 and highway is 18.9 so far. Have 1300 miles since 4/27/05 All my friends, family and neighbors are really impressed with the truck.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By terpfan - March 25 - 11:43 am

  We purchased this vehicle to travel back and forth to myrtle beach sc. It is a 10 hour trip. I cant say enough about this vehicle. We had no problems whatsoever. It is comfortable and the dvd for the kids is great. We got around 24 mpg on the highway with the AC on. I think that is great for just breaking a vehicle in. It ran flawlessly. No doubt we purchased the right vehicle.

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  "Best Minivan of All Time!" - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By paola baez - March 25 - 12:53 am

  I like the new design they came out with this year, thats why I decided to buy it. Its fuel economy its the best in the industry. Confort level is awsome, and its safe too. Interior design is very modern yet confortable. So all in all a great vehicle.

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  Review 2005 Honda Oddessy - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Bill Mayo - March 24 - 5:33 pm

  This is a very comfortable, reliable automobile. The information provided by display: range, average speed, tire pressure, etc., is very reassuring to the driver.

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  My pilot - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By cellardude - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Wife has always driven the family car, but after we sold the MDX and bought the Pilot, I volunteered. Rides and drives great for its size. Drove the Toyota Highlander but the Honda is a couple of knotches above.