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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  Great Choice - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Mike Lopez - December 4 - 6:44 pm

  Fantastic car that will get you from A to B. Cheap and hauls an insane amount of cargo for a vehicle this size.

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  You could find a better car, Period! - 1996 Honda Civic
  By jack - December 4 - 2:32 pm

  I have owned my car for about ten years. It has been from New england to Florida a few times. Its been so reliable that I would recommend this car to anyone who wants very little headaches and does not obsess over transportation. In ten years of ownership Its been in the shop for CV joints, for an electrical malfunction in gas tank and for power window regulators, all 3+ years apart! What more can you say about that? Oh yes, tires and brakes are inexpensive. The car is so simple to work on that you can 80% of the repairs yourself, if handy. Car has 163K on it, bought it with 30K. Ive waxed the car, so rust is just now starting on fender.

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  Great SUV! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Sue Hutchins - December 4 - 8:31 am

  Comfort, Style, Technology and Safety all in one!!!

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  Awesome design for car under 30K! - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Lance Dao - December 4 - 4:06 am

  Awesome design! I buy it cause every time I see it on the road and I turn my head. I dont really need a car. I own a BMW 328i convertible. The reason I brought the BMW 328i convertible cause it was turning my head every time I see it on the road... Same reason I brought the Accord and Its less than a half of the price of the BMW 328i convertible. very conformable ride and handle not bad but of course cant compare to BMW on the handling department!! Turn my BMW 328i convertible to weekend car.

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  The Ultimate in Affordability - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Geezyss - December 4 - 3:20 am

  I got this car when oil prices were skyrocketing and cannot believe how much it saved me! I was driving a 2005 Pontiac GP and only got 22 mpg on average. I get about 35 mpg with my Honda! My best tank was 43.2. My worst tank (on purpose) was 29.7. I just wish it was a 6 speed. I would like to see how much better I can get on the highway cruising at 1800-2000 RPMs instead of 3000. It is so much fun driving this beast. The new 1.8L engine purrs wonderfully. It can really get up and go fast. The new two-tier dash is pretty slick looking. I can always just see how fast I am going without taking my eyes off the road, which is nice without a cruise control feature. You will not be disappointed. :)

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  HONDA [non-permissible content removed] EX - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Debbie - December 4 - 2:25 am

  I have had the car for 6 yrs and have only put 38000 miles on it due to the fact that its parked more often than not. First it was the tranny then the head gasket then the front end right now its the valve cover gaskets [oil in my plugs] and the 4 ignition coils [auto stores want app. 50 bucks each thank god for Amazon got for 60] I used to think Honda was good. Now I no they are good GOOD FOR NOTHING Would not recommend to my worst enemy .

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  Impressive! - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By WhosCar - December 3 - 9:27 pm

  Just, wow! Picked up my 2017 CRV Touring 4 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. As soon as you slide in, the super cozy interior just makes you feel at home. Super comfortable, supportive seats with power lumbar support, attractive dash and control layout, soft materials everywhere, and a fantastic looking wood trim with a matte finish that looks like real wood. Overall, really high quality interior. The back seats have tons of leg and head room, plenty for a 6.2 friend to sit behind the driver. Rear seats are surprisingly as comfy as the front ones, with plenty of softness and leg and back support. The cargo area is huge for this sized SUV! I can fit 6 mountain bikes with the rear seats folded down, which is another big win win to me. As far as styling goes, its definitely up to you to decide what you like. You may like the looks of another car better, but remember youll always be sacrificing something. With this car, the interior sold me. I still dont hate the exterior though, it definitely turns heads (not in a bad way!), and Ive gotten lots of compliments already. It looks modern, funky, stylish, and definitely has personality. I have zero complaints with this car so far! Do yourself a favor and test drive the CRV. You wont be disappointed!

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  Going Green - 2009 Honda Civic
  By edhil - December 3 - 2:26 pm

  This is my 6th Honda, my first Hybrid, so far the fuel mileage exceeds the sticker. Been getting 46 plus, city & highway. Typical Honda, very solid and fun to drive. I did notice for some reason the brakes are not as good as my last couple Hondas.

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  my new crv special edition review - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By jennifer waugh - December 3 - 6:20 am

  I just bought my CR-V Special Edition in June of 2005, its my 3rd Honda & so far so good, I love it. Its so much fun to drive, I like being up above the other cars on the road. We have alot of rain over here on the Big Island of Hawaii & the CR-V handles very well in rain & on curves. Its a very quiet vehicle, some times I can hardly tell its running. There is plenty of room in the back seat for tall passengers. Ant there is so much storage space, Now my dog & I go everywhere in it. Im glad I bought it instead of another car. Well gotta hit the road....

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  30,000 mile pilot driver - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By desert rat - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Pilot since June 8 2002 the week it was officially released. I Have only had to bring it in for the 2 major recalls . Other than that i have only had some very minor nits. i.e. the driver side windshield washer nozzle sometimes leaks without using them. I have driven my car in Death Valley and on the dirt roads around Southern California. Works great to me. One thing though is I take my Pilot to Acura for the major services since Honda dealers around here seem to nickel and dime you for certain things that are supposed to be done. Acura does everything for one price with no extras.... Eric the Desert Rat