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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  Fun to Drive - 2009 Honda Accord
  By nana - October 26 - 1:20 am

  Generally the car has been great except for excessive dust that comes into the passenger cabin. I have an 03 lx which is great even after 150k still like new inside. Find excessive road noise for a top of the line model. Better sound proofing would reduce fatigue.

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  Good Choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By beva - October 25 - 7:46 pm

  This car really offers a lot of content and features for the price. I love the ability to seat 8 people, even if the back seat is a little tight. I am very surprised at how much I enjoy this car and highly recommend it for someone that needs to seat more than 5 and does not want a minivan. The gas mileage around town is better than my Pathfinder. The driving decision for buying the Honda was based on the massive amount of space it provided, plus the Honda reputation for quality.

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  Wonderful Auto - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Delphia - October 25 - 11:43 am

  I love this car! I am getting about 50 MPG driving hilly rural Northern AZ. I will say I have slowed down and try not to exceed 58 MPH. I am learning to drive all over again and find that getting a higher MPG has become a fun challenge. The car is beautiful.

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  luv my Honda Wagon EX - 1994 Honda Accord
  By paulh - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After my last repair on our 97 Sable I decided to sell it and get a Honda. My wife has had great reliability on her 98 civic but I found the civic to small for me. I wanted a wagon and a Honda so I bought used a one owner EX wgn w/ 60K miles. My first fuel check showed 29.3 mpg in town ! It is fun to drive, easy to park and the cargo space with the seats down is very large (63 cu ft). Im glad I bought this car, I enjoy the CD/tape system as well as the moon roof. This car is a "keeper" as I intend to keep it on the road as long as as I can.

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  1997 Accord EX pleasure - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Susie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This 1997 was our 5th Honda and it has excelled in performance as have all the others. I prefer the std. to the aut.; not because of the 4 cyl. eng., but because the Accord is such a driving pleasure. It gives you all the power you need and I never worry about it hesitating or holding back. We are anxiously awaiting the 2003 to see what they are like. You can NEVER go wrong with a Honda.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By CRVLUVR - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After 8000 miles, we love our CRV. Drove 13 hours on vacation in a day with no problems. We have not had any problems at all with this SUV. Comfortable and roomy. I wish acceleration was a little quicker, but its a trade off for good mileage. Lot of storage places. We finally figure out the best use for the compartment below the radio is as a french fry holder.

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  This SUV Rocks! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Angie - October 25 - 10:00 am

  We were shopping for a CR-V, there were none to be found, so we got the Pilot instead, and we absolutely love it!

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Honda Fan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Jetta, but always liked the fact that my friends who drove Civics thought the world of them. There just happened to be a Honda dealer next to the VW one I was at, so I figured, "why not check it out"? I am so happy I bought the Civic - its fun to drive, gets great mileage, and is surprisingly roomy inside for a smaller sedan. My only complaint about its performance is the transmission sometimes "catches" as Im accelerating (I drive an automatic).

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I was planning to buy a Jetta, but always liked the fact that my friends who drove Civics thought the world of them. There just happened to be a Honda dealer next to the VW one I was at, so I figured, "why not check it out"? I am so happy I bought the Civic - its fun to drive, gets great mileage, and is surprisingly roomy inside for a smaller sedan. My only complaint about its performance is the transmission sometimes "catches" as Im accelerating (I drive an automatic).

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  2002 Si 1700 miles - 2002 Honda Civic
  By kcma - October 25 - 10:00 am

  From the time I drove it off the lot this car has been a blast to drive. It is my first car and I am very happy with it. Some people think the exterior looks odd, but the looks grow on you. Everyone loves the inside and the shifter never fails to be noticed. I havent seen any others around where I live in MA, but I enjoy driving a unique car.