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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  Comfortable and Intuitive - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Diver Down - March 21 - 8:11 pm

  Hondas initial shot at producing a truck was a huge success. The trucks in bed trunk is huge and the dual action tailgate is extremely helpful. Although the exterior of the vehicle is quite conservative, its functionality makes it a step above domestic and foreign rivals. The interior is quite comfortable and did a fairly good job at dampening road noise. The back seat is very big...plenty of room for three adults and when the seats are lifted, reveals another huge cargo area. The power rear window is great at getting fresh air in the cabin without getting wind turbulence. I was very impressed with the quality of the 160 watt sound system.

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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By kmikh - March 21 - 12:53 pm

  We bought this car new and have since put on 48,000 miles. We have not had a single problem. Its a good performer. Our two kids love it. It has hauled a lot of cargo for us. This car is 10 time better than our old Chevy Venture. America should learn a thing or two regarding reliability from Honda.

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  Accord beats Passat - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Accord Wagoneer - March 21 - 11:55 am

  When my 2002 VW Passat wagon was diagnosed with over $3000 in repairs for bad components such as starter, wiring to accessories, suspension, etc. I sold it at a huge loss and found a ‘96 Accord Wagon with 79k miles on it. It is such a superior car in reliability and ease to service, there is little to compare. I have two 96 Accords now, they are amazingly reliable, and 11 years on these cars is nothing – they are lively, cheap to own, safe, and fun. I regularly get 25-30 mpg, they start in any weather, owners can service most components, and the web forums are very popular and informative. Pick one of these cars up, they are young at 150k, you can’t go wrong at the prices they go for now.

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  Hondas are almost better than men - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Mandy - March 21 - 10:29 am

  I love my honda. In the two years I have had it I have not had one issue with it. When someone backed into me not a single scratch on my car. My kids first car will be a Honda Civic. These are the safest, most economical, not to mention sexy car s you will ever find.

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  I love my E!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By FranGra - March 21 - 10:05 am

  I love my E!! I did a lot of research on this car and others, (compared high end to low end). The E was the best choice for our small but active family. I love the look, very comfortable and extremely roomy for us and our sons 6 ft friends. I emailed several dealers to get pricing I was satisfied with. I love how "open" the car is with its big windows. It is a great priced vehicle. I feel like I got a quality product, and can still afford to travel and put food on the table:) Insurance rate did not change too much. Other E owners have told me how great the car is in snow and ice,son cant wait to go snowboarding to see what it can do at the mt. Plenty of room for his sports and snow gear.

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  Sad to see this beauty go - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Pete - March 21 - 6:09 am

  Had to finally trade this beauty in on a new Honda Civic EX for our daughter. Bought right after Desert Storm, and have driven this great car on German Autobahns at 125 mph, to and from Army posts around the US for the last 16 + years. Paint went due to a factory problem within a year, then had a hail storm in Kansas, then another hail storm in Germany. Rust at rear right wheel well, antenna does not retract all the way, and drivers door window out of track. Regular maintenance, but time to move on... In our driveway is a 97 Accord LX Wagon, in out garage is a 2006 Subaru Outback XT, and now our daughter will have a 2007 Civic. Honda has to make a wagon or crossover based on the Accord!!

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  Love the car - 2017 Honda CR V
  By Judith kahn - March 21 - 5:21 am

  Car is great. Had a little trouble getting used to short front end. Not as crazy about the dealership

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  Awesome - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sarah Morris - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I love this car! Its comfortable, simple, and easy to use! I feel so safe driving my 6 month old in it!

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  Outstanding SUV - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Tom - March 20 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove a number of SUVs before settling on the Pilot. Its an outstanding value. It provides plenty of space for the kids and their friends, has great safety features and ratings, and gets decent gas mileage for its size. I have been very pleased so far.

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  great little car - 1993 Honda Civic
  By barry - March 20 - 10:13 am

  this car is so good on gas, i average 6.5 litres per 100 km, mix of city highway. the interior is very roomy, good head room for 62" driver. More rear seat room than most big cars. I put a trailer hitch on it pulls a single seadoo no problem. little 1.5 liter engine is nice and quiet. The car is quick, goes over 180 km/h. manual tranny is nice, precise shifting, if your not after status, this cant be beat.