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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  A great car - 2002 Honda Insight
  By dan ginsburg - June 6 - 7:52 am

  The Honda Insight is fun to look at, fun to drive, and the gas mileage is outstanding (I have gotten 50 mpg since I bought the car). It is best with the 5 speed manual transmission.

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  My new sports car! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By D, Cochrane - June 6 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car after driving 4 door sedans for years as a caregiver for my folks. Ive in the past, driven Hondas and always loved them..never had any reason to take them back in for any type of noises, etc. I love this care even tho Ive had it such a short time. It is very sporty...was a showroom floor model. A bit sportier, with all the bells and whistles that I really didnt need, but get many compliments on it and just having lots of fun with it. My 90 yr. old father even enjoys it!!! Would never own anything but a Honda again in the future!! I know Ill get even more enjoyment out of it this fall and winter, as Ill be able to utilize my sunroof. The stereo is awesome also!

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  Ridgeline #1 - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Dawn Pulver - June 6 - 5:23 am

  It is a a great vehicle, a nice split for my husband and myself a cross between a truck and an SUV. Very happy with it and love it!

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  So good I bought another one! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By rkharr - June 5 - 9:41 pm

  Just traded in my 2003 with 189,800 miles. What a workhorse! Replaced the battery only in three years of ownership. I highly recommend this vehicle as a company car and personal vehicle. Between work and my 7 year- old twins I could not ask for a more practicle vehicle. Im 200 mi. in on the 2006 and like the volume controls on the steering wheel and the addition of side curtain airbags.

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  See for Yourself - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SmoothRide - June 5 - 5:33 pm

  The car is quiet, smooth and handles corners and hilly roads well. Love the upscale, stylish exterior. Gas mileage is as advertised. And adequate acceleration for city driving. My only concern is the quality of interior fabric for seats and plastic. Scratches easily. Recommend buying the car with leather seats for durability.

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  Very happy so far - 2009 Honda Accord
  By cecexo - June 5 - 9:36 am

  Have my Honda for 8 months with no problem. Glad I made this choice. The car is somewhat big, so parking may be an issue. The only other thing is road noise. Otherwise - comfort, quality, MPG, appearance are superior. Get used to VSM, which did not like in the beginning.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Liz - June 5 - 1:37 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2002. My first V6 and it drives like a dream. I have a lead foot and do a lot of fast breaking so Ive had to replace the brakes and rotors 3 times since I bought it. Original tires lasted 80K miles. Changed all the belts after 100K miles even though it didnt need it. Maintenance on this car is a little pricey, but so worth it. This car is so much fun to drive and its a hot little car even if its not a sports car. After I wash it, I still get compliments even after owning it for 4 years. People whove known me longer still ask, "did you get a new car?" I worry about buying a new car when this one dies. I dont know if any other car will live up to this one.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Crystal - June 4 - 11:27 pm

  We travel everywhere in the pilot with no worries. Great on gas and excellent on reliability. Very glad we bought this vehicle.

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  Performance with verve - 2002 Honda S2000
  By signore - June 4 - 9:29 pm

  Not just a head-turner, but a performance sports car that handles with quick & smooth response. The vtech can become addictive at first and the owner needs to choose the time and place to downshift, step on the gas, and be thrown back in your seat! If you want to maneuver through traffic, you dont need to crank it up or slowly guide it to where you want to go, just do it! Reliable, well built. Have had no mechanical issues. Besides an extra set of tires, nothing but regular maintenance. Got great lines, power, and just downright fun to drive. Easy to get to know, and once youre connected, it becomes your extension to the highway. You can move or cruise at will.

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  Si = performance, handling and economy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Thunder - June 4 - 11:13 am

  The split-level dash is awesome - almost like having a heads-up display. The car reads your mind on changing directions, and accelerates very un-Honda-like when desired. Its a little loud inside, and the ride is like that of a full-size truck, but overall it strikes an exceptional balance between sport and function, and gets 33 hwy MPG. In almost 8K miles so far, Ive averaged better than 30 MPG overall - amazing, as I havent babied it. The low torque (139 lb-ft) of the Si relative to turbocharged competitors was a feature, as it allows me to be far more smooth than while trying to second-guess a turbo.