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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  Sinviking - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Rone811 - August 2 - 8:46 am

  Its a great buy for the expensive gasoline times we live in. Its a fun ride regardless of it not being a race car it sure looks and feels like one. I like the mods that are out there I just want to say that its a great buy.

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  honda hybrid power - 2005 Honda Accord
  By davevro - August 2 - 3:53 am

  This car has more performance and mpg than I thought possible. It really gets 37 mpg highway and 29 city and is the most responsive car I have ever driven. However I only have 3000 miles on it so all the complication necessary to get mileage and performance may yet bite me.

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  love my element - 2004 Honda Element
  By mush - August 2 - 2:00 am

  ive had "my element" for a year and plan on keeping it forever!!!great handling-shifting-comfort!!! able to transport large items (2 lawnmowers- dual burner bbq grill-bicycles-kayaks- and thats inside!)!!!everybody stares and questions ;but they all love the look!!!!i say "buy it and enjoy it!!!" i almost forgot, if you love music youll love the stereo!!!

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  im happy - 2004 Honda Civic
  By brockyates - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great great car, but a big adjustment from the 1995 Nissan Quest I had been driving. I just took it down to NC from MD and it performed very nicely. Only problem I have had is that I have been tabulating mileage and only got 26 mpg city at one point. I got 37 on a tank when i was driving completely on the highway the entire time. Not sure if honda is lying to me. Have to agree with a previous comment that this car does not have much power. My sister has a 94 accord and this drives just like it.

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  Love IT - 2003 Honda Accord
  By tta - August 2 - 2:00 am

  i have always wanted to own a Honda Accord, since i was a teenager. I use to think that the price for them were out of my budget, but to my surprise i could afford it.

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  6spd Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By A-rideII - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have found that the accord 6spd v6 is very much fun to drive. It is extremely quick, good on fuel economy (26mpg for me), and very comfortable. At first I missed my 98 accord and thought it was noticeably more comfortable but as time went on I managed to find the correct seating arrangement and find the car extremely comfrotable now. Especially after I drive my parents Camry. I find that the features on this car are comparable to a luxury car. The only thing I wish Honda would have added were some HIDs.

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  A Nice Ride! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Mother of two - August 1 - 6:00 pm

  Ive had this car for three years and have been relatively happy with it. I am a mom of two and use it to shlep them everywhere. It rides very well and looks cool too.

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  best honda civic ever! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By jasonic - August 1 - 2:41 pm

  this has got to be the greatest car i will ever own. it is so much fun to drive. has plenty of power right at the start and there are tons of afordable performance parts available for this car if your into import tuning. ive had no problems at all, even as hard as i drive this car it still holds up like a champ.

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  Civic - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Terry Carney - August 1 - 5:28 am

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  Grown Up Vehicle - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Dr. Love - August 1 - 4:44 am

  I really like the 2016 AWD CR-V. I would like to see the climate control dials upgraded. I traded in a 2014 Accord Coupe. The inside was easy to navigate, especially the climate control knobs. Id like to see that version in the CR-V. The CR-V is comfortable, handles well, gets great fuel mileage, is heavy enough for city driving, and winter weather conditions. I leased the 2016 but may purchase the vehicle after the lease is up. I highly recommend the vehicle.