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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  One Smooth Honda - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Mark Ayer - September 22 - 8:30 am

  Having put almost 28000 miles on our 2003 EXL-Navi, I can honestly say that this is probably the best car weve ever owned in its price class. Its incredibly smooth, fast, economical to operate and, other than a bubble in one tire, has been absolutely trouble free. Although most people would consider this automobile an appliance, its looks and performance belie that.

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  2008 Honda Accorda, automatic trans. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By JC - September 22 - 8:14 am

  My car is used daily. Serviced at regular intervals. I have the 2.4 litre four cylinder engine. As a realtor, most of my business is conducted within the local county I reside in. Ive read many negative reviews regarding the brake wear. My rear brake pads have been replaced at 36,000 mile intervals. This may be due to the small size of the brake pad design. The front brake pads are original and now have 93,000+ miles. There are blind spots to sides, so caution entering highways and changing lanes. Small after market mirrors are avilable to help. A very reliable and economical car. As with any car, preventative maintenance is important. "Be kind to your car and your car will be kind to you". I recommend the Honda Accord. Fuel economy 22-24 mpg local/33-35 mpg hwy.

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  Nice little car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By av - September 22 - 7:00 am

  I get between 22-25 mpg, plenty of room in back, like the ability to move seats up for more storage, especially since I traded my truck in, it works nicely on the trips to Home Depot.

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  Coolest Hatch on the market - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Dylan Drudge - September 21 - 12:33 pm

  The stock tires and headlights are garbage ! But the rest of the car is amazing Im 6 3" and this car has tons of space. Its crash test rating is through the roof, its 0-60 is ~6.8 seconds which is faster than most cars. Its passing ability is awesome with the turbo ! Really fun and peppy car to drive. I test drove the impreza, mazda 3 , and golf , and this car was definitely the most bang for your buck. the only quells are again the stock all - seasons are terrible in the snow, and the headlights arent very bright. but the daytime running LEDs are really pretty. Ive gotten so many compliments on the look of this car. If you get this car get the sport package the exhaust sounds awesome at high rpms but still keeps quiet at low speeds and not to mention those 18" wheels are so sexy.

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  My Third CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By My CR-V - September 21 - 5:13 am

  I and my family love this CR-V as it fits the 3 of us just right. Its a good looking car and is easy to keep clean. We love the 6 disc cd changer in dash and love the height of the vehicle as we can slide right into it. The only drawback is the road noise while driving. It has great pick-up after 40 mph even though it is a 4-cylinder.

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  Honda Civic Si - 2000 Honda Civic
  By AL - September 20 - 8:49 pm

  I must say I am very satisfied with the car. The performance is good the gas mileage is good. Reliability is very good. It is fairly comfortable for the class. I recommend this car.

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  I am a believer - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Danny T in OKC - September 20 - 3:10 pm

  This is the 1st new car I have ever purchased and the 1st Honda I have ever owned. I have always respected the quality that Honda cars represent -- and now I understand why it is actually so deserved. Plus, it is just damn fun to drive. Feeling like I made one of the best choices I have ever made in my adult life purchasing my Honda Civic. I love it. (Its almost sick.)

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  Greatest - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Juggdich - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This car hasnt had a problem ever. and probably wont have a problem until it gets up to about 250,000.

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  I LOVE MY HONDA - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Islander18 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this beauty in a trade with another private party for my old 88 accord (190000 mi). I have driven this car only 1000 miles since purchasing it but I have already fallen in love with it. The only thing that I have done is replace the standard air box with a K&N Cold Air Intake to increase the horsepower a little. You cant beat 25 MPG in town and the features that come along with an SE. You couldnt pay me enough to sell this beauty

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  Ill never get another Honda again - 1999 Honda Civic
  By A. Nymous - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This was the first new car Ive ever owned and it is the last Honda I will ever own. What a lemon! Ive had the entire electrical system replaced TWICE and still there are problems. I put the car in park, the radio shuts off. I press the cruise control, the dome light comes on. The engine cuts out or just wont start for no reason, I cant go over 50 mph with the AC on or it shoots to 5000 rpm, and the body quality is pathetic. I was "bumped" by an SUV at about 1 mph and it caused over $1500 in damages. I only wish he had hit me harder and totalled the car so I would never have to deal with it again. Not Honda, never again.