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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  Best car available? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ray - July 7 - 5:26 pm

  Wonderful car - well equipped even when compared to BMW/Lexuses and the mileage cant be beat. Not for drag racing but acceleration for passing quite adequate. Keep your BMW 850i or Lexus LS400 in the garage for special occasions - be a patriot and drive a Civic to work/errands.

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  Love it! - 2005 Honda S2000
  By lcsaggie - July 7 - 1:01 pm

  The car fits me perfectly, although my husband at 6 is a bit snug in the passenger seat. It is a blast to drive and handles very well. It has great acceleration. The trunk is small, just big enough to fit an overnight luggage piece, but then again it is only for 2 people. Although there is only one package option, there are plenty of colors for both the exterior and interior to choose from.

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  Miata On Steroids - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Tony - July 6 - 9:34 pm

  I recently traded my 2nd Miata on a 2005 S2000. I thought Id miss the Miata, I was wrong. Dont misunderstand, I loved my Miata, but the S2000 is just that much more car. The new engine is very drivable, great MPG, more usable trunk. I usually run out of speed limit before running out of gears, and still get 28 miles/gallon.

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  Honda Accord - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Brian LaScola - July 6 - 8:17 pm

  Fun to drive. Great car for the money. Not a lot of bells and whistles to go wrong.

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  Great Car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Justin - July 6 - 4:42 pm

  I have owned 2 previous models and this one by far is my favorite. It is a very nicely equipped car. Anyone wanting to buy one should not worry about getting a bad one because they all are a great vehicle.

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  Five years and still love my Si coupe - 2000 Honda Civic
  By billz1 - July 6 - 4:35 pm

  Bought new - I drive hard and love the way this red rocket runs. Excellent value for the money. Extremely reliable. I regularly check the resale on this car - a stock Si holds its value as well as a Mercedes.

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  Bought it new and still driving daily - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Mike - July 6 - 3:02 pm

  1999 Civic EX coupe. What a great little car. It is never in the shop except for regular oil changes. I had the timing belt, water pump, gaskets and other belts replaced at 100K miles as preventative. Now its ready for another 100K. If youre looking for a dependable vehicle, this is a good one.

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  Someone finally got it! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By William - July 6 - 2:16 pm

  So its 2005 and our cars are getting the same type of fuel economy they did twenty years ago. Honda has got it together, the CR-V is both versatile, elegant, fun to drive and yet it sips gas when compared to its American counterparts. I will stick with Honda even if they gave me a shoe box for a really expensive price, as long as it has that "H" symbol and its good on gas Im all good!

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  Truly a fun drive! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Terry - July 6 - 5:36 am

  This car is more than all about fuel economy. Its well built, comfortable, and fun to drive. The car literally teaches you how to be a better, more fuel efficient driver. My oldest son drove it to a college campus 40 miles from home and challenged himself to get better mileage every time he drove it. He consistently pushed 50 MPG. I do a lot shorter trips, and like my a/c on high, so I was more consistently around 44 MPG. Not bad even at that! My high school twins cant wait to "inherit" this car next year. The only drawback has been that realistically, it only holds four adults comfortably, and the back seat can be a tight squeeze even then. Also, the sound system is good - but not great.

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  My 2nd S - 2005 Honda S2000
  By Russ - July 5 - 11:09 pm

  This is the best sports car for the money. The Mini was tempting too, but only sine the S convertable hit the streets. But the looks beat the Mini without a contest.