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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  Huge bang for the buck - 2003 Honda Accord
  By M-1 - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my EX V6 sedan in December 2003. Compared with Camry XLE V6, Passat V6 GLX, this was the best combination of features and handling for the price. Previous car was a 1998 Passat, which was excellent and is still running fine after 190K miles. The Honda was larger and more powerful, handling is close to the Passat, and thousands less. This car is so FAST - it always feels like theres more power waiting to be used. I am averaging about 28 MPG in mostly highway driving. I dont really miss the Passat.

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  Huhoooooooooo! Love it! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CalivinTheGreat - January 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is so awesome all around... It is smooth and quiet. Very fun to drive. I love the front and rear design. A few disappoinments... Honda didnt XM Radio. They offer for Acura but not Honda. Also, Honda Coupe EX didnt have thermometer and Compass.

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  setting the bar higher - 2003 Honda Accord
  By maronti - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car for the money. The interior leather seats are awesome!!! The overall finishing and handling makes it a pleasure to go somewhere and be seen in this car. My last car was a Camry, no comparison.

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  Loved it. Drove it. Own it. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SeoulChick - January 1 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing about this car I dont like.

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  SIMPLY THE BEST - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BIG BILL - December 31 - 8:00 pm

  I am a domestic car salesman. I drive a Fit! This car is an absolute hoot! Tons of room (I am a 250 lb man), very nimble, very versatile. If I sold them I would be wealthy! Problem being, Honda cannot build enough. I love this thing and plan to keep it a good long time!

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  2012 Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
  By virgie - December 31 - 10:32 am

  We bought a 2012 Honda Civic back in June. It is just my husband and myself and we decided to downsize. We had a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. We were disappointed with the service we got from the Impala. I was interested in buying a Toyota Corolla. My daughter has a 2004 Corolla and has gotten excellent service. For example she still has the original battery. The Corolla has only had to have routine service work (oil changes, brakes, and tires). When the time came to ditch the Impala we had trouble finding Corollas. So we went and looked at Civics. I loved the dash inside the car. I love the Econ. feature. We loved the way the car handles.

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  Excellent, Great V6, Fun to drive it !! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By AndiKev - December 31 - 1:56 am

  We purchased this car a few weeks ago and love it a lot so far. The engine is very quiet and pick up is amazing. We also own a 98 v6 2 door coupe and its also amazing. We took on a 3 year lease and will very possibly end up purchasing this vehicle later after the lease ends.

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  I have the scoop on Accord vs. Camry - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Greg - December 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have purchased 3 new 4cyl Accords (83,90,99) with absolutely no mechanical problems, we drove the 83 60k miles, the 90 134k miles and the 99 we drove 84k miles. But lets face it...Honda and Toyota know what they are doing. I have also bought 4 New Toyotas. Averaging 100k miles. Neither car is perfect but both do as advertise..reliable, clean lines, great value, good size,good resale, low maint. cost. The 99 accord is great but does have excessive road noise (Camrys are significantly quieter). The 4cyl Accord has plenty of power...I like to zip around and cruise at 75-80mph on I- 5. Anyone that says they need more power must have the thing loaded down and going straight up a steep hill.

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  1998 Prelude SH - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Don Boynton - December 30 - 5:34 pm

  The car is fun to drive, and corners well. The car needs more HP (195 HP), but the car still zips along. Overall its a good car!

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  Love My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tiregoddess1 - December 30 - 2:46 pm

  I loved the look of the Ridgeline the first time I saw it. After test driving it, I was really smitten. I bought an RTS Amazon Green model. It has a comfortable ride and doesnt feel like Im driving a truck. Recently took it on a trip of over 500 miles roundtrip and the gas mileage was better than I anticipated, even with the air conditioning running. It ran at 22 mpg. The trunk "hidden" in the bed is the best idea. I absolutely love this vehicle.