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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  Love my new Civic! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Shawn - September 5 - 7:20 pm

  I love this car! Its my first Civic. Ive always driven Nissans, but no more! This car is comfortable, fast, reliable. This car definitely gets second looks! People have been stopping and telling me they think its a pretty car! And it is! You wont be disappointed.

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  Its a head turner where ever I go - 2003 Honda S2000
  By pvc374 - September 5 - 4:42 pm

  This car is an adrenaline rush every time I drive it. It negotiates tight curves at high speed like it is on railroad tracks. I especially like the feel of the wheel and drivers seat. It is as though I am sitting in the cockpit of an Indy formula car. It will rachet up to 100 mph so fast it will take your breath away and handle the same as though you are doing 35 mph. I would buy this car again in a heart beat. It measures up to other roadsters costing far more money.

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  Best car for price - 2005 Honda Accord
  By chimera - September 5 - 1:12 pm

  I am 99% pleased with my 05 Accord. It met all my expectations for the price. The 1% I do not like is road noise. It seems they cut corners when insulating.

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  The Fit is go - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Hank - September 5 - 4:20 am

  Just purchased this car yesterday and so far I love it!. The most amazing aspect is the room inside and comfortable seats. The ride is a little choppy yet smooth. I can tell it is going to be a gas miser because I have drove it everywhere today and the gas guage hand hasnt moved yet. The stereo is powerful with a quality sound. The handling of the car is quick & precise.

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  More than we imagined - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James Kindleberger - September 4 - 6:06 pm

  Replacing my wifes Lincoln MKX...reviewed all vehicles in this class and came down to the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Choose the CR-V Touring based on performance, storage, and cabin layout. And weve been blown away by the electronic and safety features of this solid automobile...such a driving pleasure! Could not be happier with this purchase!

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  Whats not to like! - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Joe Coppola - September 4 - 2:56 am

  Own this car for a month and what a drive. Power, handling, smooth ride. Engine very quiet and max pick up with the 6 cyl engine. Only drawback with the non-luxury models is the road noise. But hey for me it isnt worth 30k or more to eliminate that so called problem. Was a loyal Nissan owner, now a loyal Honda owner.

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  Love my Pilot - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By karen - September 4 - 12:34 am

  This is my fourth SUV. I love just about everything about it! It rides like you are driving on a cloud with plenty of interior space, extra seating in the back, seat belts for all passengers, leather to sink into, and great handling on the road. There are only two cons I can think of. Some wind noise over 15-20mph with just one window down (when two are down, the noise is gone)....Small sliver space in front area between the console and driver and passenger seats is hard to clean. Thats it! When I get ready to sell this Pilot, I will definitely be looking at another one!!

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  Wish I Bought One Sooner! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Ming - September 3 - 8:46 pm

  Ive been driving Ford SUVs for over 20 years and with the crazy fuel prices I decided to go back to driving a car. After getting in the drivers seat, I wish I had made my decision to buy sooner! Once seated, you feel like youre in a sports car, the seat fits just right and the tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjusts perfectly! On the road the Civic is responsive and is very nimble in its handling. Having the audio and cruise controls on the wheel is great, everything is at hand and in sight. Speaking of sight, the instrument panel is in plain view, nothing is obstructed. My combined MPG is 34 and climbing. IMO Honda has done an outstanding job w/ quality and ergonomics. GREAT JOB HONDA!!

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  love my CR-V - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - September 3 - 5:43 pm

  I just bought my car about 2 months ago, and I absolutely love my CR-V. I have always had little sporty cars and needed one with a little more space. I researched a lot of vehicles, and I couldnt be happier with my decision. It handles beautifully, and I still have that sporty feel that I love. Considering I do mostly in town driving, it gets good gas milage for its size. I love the sun roof and in-dash 6 CD changer that comes standard with the EX model. I traded my Scion tc in on the CR-V and am very glad I did.

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  Shattered my expectations. - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Odindusk - September 3 - 8:16 am

  This car has an incredible fun factor when driving it. Its zippy without feeling "weak" and steering is very nice. I bought the "Storm Silver Metallic" which I think complements the body design the best (goes great with the alloy wheels on the Sport trim). The interior is ridiculously roomy for what you think it would have for space. Im 62" and my there is something like 6" clearance above me still. The instrumentation is very sharp. The lighting/color/font scheme is very attractive and something I wouldnt expect in a sub-$20K car. Paddle shifters add another dimension to the enjoyability of the ride.