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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  Reliability is the key - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Bernie - September 11 - 2:00 am

  I love the Civic LX. I gave it an 8 on economy but its probably closer to a 7. Im getting 29-30 with 50/50 driving thats a bit lower than I anticipated based on what several salespeople and the sticker claimed. They claimed it was better on fuel economy than the Fit which didnt seem likely but it tipped the scales toward the Civic. I would have probably bought the Civic anyway for better comfort but Fit owners have told me that they were getting in the 35 mpg range. Im not sure that wasnt some sort of marketing ploy to bump up the sale. If youre choosing between those two look extra closely.

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  08 EXL vs 10 Touring - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Rich - September 10 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 08 (50K) for a 2010 touring. We liked the low belt line and style of the 2010 vs the 2011. Honda Incentives helped lower the cost. The 2010 touring is quieter than the EXL and both 2010s quieter than my 08. Other improvements over the 08 exterior paint, matte finish on silver dash trim (hides finger prints), interior plastic seems more scratch resistant, ride quality. From day one our new 08 had minor suspect sub-frame noise and a loose feeling front suspension. The touring drive dynamics feel more substantial. Style, ride quality, reduced noise, and improved radio trumped touring cost premium. The 2010 end-of-production model should be more reliable than a new 2011.

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  07 Civic Si - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Detar24 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Excellent gas mileage (mid-30s on the highway). Given its competitors, it could use a bit more power however, the engine pulls strong through the entire power band (redline of 8k). It also has one of the nicest shifting transmissions Ive ever driven. Granted, the styling, both interior and exterior, is very polarizing you either love it or hate it. The dashboard does give the impression you are driving a space shuttle, and visibility suffers.

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  Best car ever purchased - 2009 Honda Accord
  By assia - September 10 - 2:00 am

  It was the best car i ever bought, easy transaction great staff wonderful dealership. i lived and still live my accord.

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  Best Used Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By owlflfurry - September 9 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Honda has been a pretty good car. Ive had it for 4 years and it now has 150,000 miles. Right at 147,000 miles the A/C stopped blowing cold air. $500 to fix! The other day my door handle on the inside just broke off. The paint on every 97 Honda seems to rust off or something. It looks ugly. Ive had to replace the alternator, get a major tune-up, and I had an issue for a couple of years with the computer. It would stall out while driving all the time, just randomly. I had the Honda dealership fix that issue though which was like a $500 issue. My check engine like came on the other day too. There are a lot of repairs needed, but its old...has a lot of miles and has been a good car

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  2007 Honda Civic 4dr Sedan Automatic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Honda Driver - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is definitely one of the best sedans on the market. It only costs 17k nicely equipped and you get one of the best made cars in the world. If you want a safe/reliable/affordable car you cant go wrong with buying a Civic.

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  Love my Civic - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Warrant - September 8 - 10:32 pm

  This is my second Civic, I had a 2006 EX automatic and always wanted a manual. I would like to see the steering wheel move more up and down and while I did have 6 broken sun visors I fixed the last set with two well placed Stainless screws and nuts. I love the 33 plus mpg sometimes even 42 if I baby it. The only other thing that is hard to deal with is if you drive west into the sun it is a lot of windshield to blaze the sun in on you.

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  Better than Expected - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Jeff - September 8 - 10:40 am

  After researching a few months before it was released, I was expecting to be disappointed when I went to take a test drive the day dealers received a few. I read about rear visibility issues (common in hatchback), and I was expecting poor handling/power (hybrid). I loved the outside look but THOUGHT I would drive and decide not to buy. Wrong! While I understand the enthusiasts of the old CR-X wanting an Si model with more power, this vehicle performed well! It is a true balance between sport/fun and economy. Sure, I cant pass another car at 100mph on the freeway like I could in my BMW Z4, but this is one fun car if you can deal with it seating only 2.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Patty - September 7 - 3:17 pm

  Best car that I have ever owned. Hardly any maintenance, great gas mileage and always dependable. I have replaced the rear brake pads at 35,000 miles, new tires and a new battery and thats it in 6 years. The only drawback is that my tall husband hates getting into this car. The leg room in the passenger seat is very generous.

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  Great car for what it is - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By Tom - September 7 - 2:20 pm

  If you are expecting a lean sports car with some serious power then keep looking, this isnt for you. This car is in the same category as a $20,000 hatchback, and it blows everything else for the price out of the water. If you are a lead foot and love to romp on the gas from a stand still every chance you get you will find yourself draining the battery pretty quickly. This is not a high performance machine, its a sporty hybrid, and for what it is, Honda has done a great job designing this vehicle.