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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  Best Value Ever!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By mikeyt1818 - October 2 - 4:20 pm

  I am 6"3, 235 and this car is comfy! I get 45.8 MPG after 3,500 miles. That is mostly city driving with AC on automatic at all times (74 degrees). I also have Economode on 80-90% of the time as well. This car is peppy for a 1.3 Liter engine, the features are great, looks are very nice and overall I am 100% impressed. Whoever says this car is noisy needs to drive a kia Rio, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Matrix before this car, then tell me its noisy! After driving those cars the last 4 years I am overwhelmed by the library type quietness of this vehicle!

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  Great Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By gary b - October 2 - 2:55 pm

  Excellent car... Never a problem... great gas mileage... good pickup on freeway ramps... great value for the money

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  Super odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Meikel Poess - October 2 - 8:50 am

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  Excellent Value - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Excellent Value - October 2 - 7:10 am

  The best small SUV for the money. Safety features, better looks, more power. I compared the RAV4, Forrester, and Escape. The CRV won hands down. Plus the resale value and reliability exceeds the others. The CRV is more polished, looks timeless, and is easy on the wallet. I sold a 2001 CRV for $7500. Thats value. Thats another reason why I bought another CRV. Plus it looked better than the last generation. Just change the oil every 3K and youre good to go.

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  Loving my Pilot! - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Pam Vinson - October 2 - 6:08 am

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  Great Honda Except The Transmission - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Love My Honda - October 1 - 12:08 pm

  I purchased Accord LX 4dr V6 brand new back in Nov 00 as a 01 model. The v6 engine is so smooth you wont even notice unless you press the gas pedal hard to the floor, then the muffler resonates. Available supercharger upgrades by Comptech makes the car even more fun. I am putting a lil over 75,000 Mi by now (Sept 06). Thus far no problem with the car except the transmission kinda hunting when I press the pedal hard to the floor.I am planning to keep the car for another 5 yrs since I love it plus all the memories Ive had with the car so I will add comptech supercharger to upgrade the power. Probably gotta check the transmission too. Maybe need an overhaul. I am getting 21-24mpg combined.

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  Great Fun - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - October 1 - 12:50 am

  This Truck is a wonderful in between for people who want a truck and need room for a family. I was real suprised with the way it drove. It rides almost like a car. I was also able to take it off road and was really impressed with the way it handled. I think Honda gave this market exactly what it needed.

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  Vehicle of my dreams! - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By lindad2987 - September 30 - 8:46 pm

  I did a log of comparisons on vehicles and went out to buy a Toyota Highlander. There was no comparison in the features, ride and price of the Honda compared to the Honda. A trip recently was the most comfortable trip by vehicle I have ever had. Honda has made me a buyer for life!

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  Civic Si is too much fun - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Curt - September 30 - 6:26 am

  Bought this Si about a week ago and have had a hard time leaving it parked. This car brought the biggest smile to my face that any car has given. Not only do you get amazing performance, but going down the highway I averaged 33 mpg. I havent had it for very long, but this car is one of the best deals I have ever gotten on a car and it is by far the most fun I have had in one.

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  Is there a better Minivan? - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Rikki L - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Quite Simply the best minivan on the market. here and abroad. The ride is great, power is more than adequate, beats my 98 Widstar hands down. The dissapearing third row seat should win an innovation award. It drives so well I am hard pressed to decide between the 2003 V6 Accord and another minivan