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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  Civic has grown up - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Richard Nelson - July 26 - 6:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2015 Civic at end of model year. It looks good, has that solid Honda feel, plenty of pep, and roomier that I expected. It has as much interior room as the 2005 Accord Coupe I used to have. Love the back up camera. Gas mileage has leveled out at 30 mpg for the past 6 months; mostly all in-town driving. Price was good. Paid $17,300 before tax and license. Only negative is there is a bit more road noise than Id like on worn highways; hardly any on newly paved. I understand the 2016 is improved in that regard.

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  Greatest Car ever! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ed Gutierrez - July 26 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car in Dec 06, and could not be happier. I travel from San Antonio to Giddings every weekend. The first time I got 41.33 MPG and the second, I got 43.66 MPG. This was under ideal driving: I filled up just before I got on the highway and as soon as I got to my destination. I drove under 65 MPH without the air on. Absolutely no problems with the car. Many positive remarks from others. I bought the royal blue sedan. The car is quick without being neck breaking. I love the new two-tier instrument panel. Many good comments about this.

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  Great Car - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By iggy5050 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The Prelude is a very reliable and fun to drive car. It looks great even by todays standards and always gets compliments. Its over 13 years old now, and it runs perfectly as if new. As soon as I test drove this car, I knew I had to buy it.

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  00 honda odyssey ex - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By ashley jones - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall its a good car. only 2 recalls. It just only broke down once due to transmission defeat.

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  A Good Decision - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Nancy - July 26 - 1:26 am

  After a lot of research and thought, I traded in my 2005 Subaru Baja for a leaner gas minded Honda Fit. The interior is actually roomier and the ride is just as smooth. The noise factor, however, is a disappointment in that the Fit has a loud engine and is not as quiet in terms of outside noise. I love the paddle shifters on my sport model, as well as the rear wiper, fantastic stereo system, easy to use and reach controls, bright dash lights and open window plan allowing lots of light. The controls are solid and feel expensive. No problems with acceleration or high speed. So far, it has handled well in the snow and rain, which was a big concern for me living in Upstate NY and giving up the AWD.

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  Thought I had bought perfect ca. Wrong! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By zammy Heads - July 25 - 10:26 pm

  When I bought I never thought I had to see a mechanic again for a long time . Wrong. I had minor and major problems. Although I still love my Civic. Maybe it happens 1 in 1000 I dont know. Hope its not a lemon. First had to go back to replace split sun visor. Then battery. ( some times when starting engines makes a zzzzzzzrrrrrr sound. And engines does not start.) dealer adviser told me battery was changed. It wont happen again. Wrong still same . But I gave up on that. Second I had to have my Civic towed to dealer with tensioner belt, tensioner bolt, water pump and dont know what else. That day I wondered myself if I had bought a lemon car.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 05 Accord EXL 4 cly - July 25 - 5:43 am

  A very good ride. It gets good gas mileage with the 4 cylinder and automatic transmission. Very good leather seats. XM radio is great!

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  Fun, Fast, Invigorating - 2010 Honda Civic
  By mitch - July 25 - 3:23 am

  Lots of fun to drive. Youll hear people talk about the low torque, but theres plenty of power to bring you to 60mph very quickly. Fast, fun car, with Honda efficiency and build quality. Typical civic interior design leaves a bit to be desired on the luxury end, but you get what you pay for. Car is very capable on the road and when driving aggressively through corners and on the highway. The sound this car makes when driving, is something that truly must be heard first hand to fully appreciate. All this with real world MPG rating supposedly around 28-32. The car and all its components feel solid and high quality.

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  So good I bought two! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By A-man - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I went looking for a sports car in 2000. Drove the new Lexus, Audi GT and Boxter first. Then drove the S2000. Loved every second driving it. Fast, go- kart handling and dependable! I live 50% of my time in England. I went and found a 1999 Red S2000 with 1500 mis on it (little old lady thought it was too hot for her...sat in her garage). The backroads of England were made to be driven by this car. What a blast! 3 years on with two S2000s (for the price of one Porsche)and not one complaint!

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  Pros - 1993 Honda Accord
  By aloysius - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new for my wife. (and me too) traded in 1988 century. Bummer. Have had wonderful luck with it. Expensive to recharge A/C but worth. Thinking of trading in for 2005 Odyssey. Seating kinda low making getting out uncomfortable. Engine purrs like a kitten.