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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  Im in love with this car - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Sandals12349 - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. i deliver pizzas in it and i get great gas efficiency with it. I buy less gas and fill it less times a week.

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  Dont want to give up - 1997 Honda Civic
  By partingsweetsorrow - April 9 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with car from moment saw and first drove it.Searched for Hondas due to reliabilty and high fuel ecomony. This car is great for city and/or suburbia. Love having a manual but soon give up sadly to a condition that allows me to drive automatic at maximum. I intend to find another Honda. I had to replace muffler,due to the large amount of erosion caused in Chicago winters, and an unavoidable pothole/debris incident (Chicago streets -{ hurt radiator but the new one will outlast the engine YEARS from now if possible. I adore paying so little in comparison once every 2 weeks for gas even for a job that requires me to drive daily!

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  My Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Glenn Bauer - April 8 - 6:50 pm

  Even though I have only had my cCic for 1 month, I have fallen in love with it. After driving a Saturn for 8 years, my Cvic drives like a dream. My first time driving on an interstate in my Cvic was amazing. The acceleration was smooth and you could barely feel the car shifting. Gas mileage is wonderful especially with the price of gas.

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  Could not be happier! Great Car!!! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JJ - April 8 - 6:43 pm

  Just picked up our 2006 Honda Civic. First Honda I have owned, Excellent design, very user friendly, very roomy, Im 6 + 230 lbs, and plenty of room, Gets 40 MPG. A well thought our machine. Could not be happier.... Many features of cars 2x the price...

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rick - April 8 - 5:30 pm

  I give this car almost the highest marks possible, I just bought it and really love it. I had pondered buying this model for 6 years and finally with gas the way it is decided the time was right. This is one peppy sports car type handling car. The interior is great and everything is easy to use and read. I love the exterior especially from the sides and rear of the car, I have to admit I did not like the front end all that much at first but I guess the Honda Civic design team knew what they were doing, it has really grown on me and I have to say I am liking it more and more everyday. Super economy without sacrifice.

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  So far, so good - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DHowse - April 8 - 8:13 am

  A really amazing (not so) little car. 5 star safety rating, fun to drive, grat gas mileage. The perfect commuter car. EX has lots of nice bells and whistles (except XM, see below). Wish there was an EX option without the power moonroof (adds weight, cost, complexity). The front mounted (easily readable) spedometer display hooked my wife from the moment we sat down in the car. The Corolla didnt even compaire.

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  I love my car - 1990 Honda Civic
  By cousinthrill - April 8 - 2:00 am

  this car has great gas mileage. about 30 - 35 MPG. plus it has a lot of get up and go!

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  i love it! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By hondas rip - April 8 - 2:00 am

  this is one of the most fun cars that i have driven. it is great on gas and it handles pretty nimble for an economy minded car. after a couple of after market instalments this car will be just about perfect. not to mention the sunroof is just about the right size.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Deb - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  We have had this car about 6 weeks and we love it. We are getting 54 MPG highway driving at 60 - 65 MPH and 40 MPG in stop and go traffic. The styling is great and it is a fun car to drive.

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  2001 Honda Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By inetwiz - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy with this car. The design attention to detail is amazing, and making changes (such as my full stereo setup) was very easy. It always gets looks while driving. Everyone knows what it is, but not much about it.