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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  My First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By alex - March 18 - 11:53 am

  I have owned this coupe for 2 months now, and overall I am happy with the purchase. Definitely different than driving an Expedition. Gas mileage at first wasnt great but having reached 2500 miles, it seemed to go up dramatically in city driving. 17 mpg average to 20.7 mpg average. Hwy avg. mpg is 26, but havent gone out of town lately, it may be more. VCM/ECO did surge a lot when I first bought it, now just does it ever so often, usually only when accelerating from a low speed. Ride is great, power is awesome.

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  Great value for your money - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tsheata - March 18 - 11:36 am

  I looked at purchasing the Ford Fusion, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Honda Accord. The civic is great to drive around town and fits nicely in spots that larger models cannot fit. The gas mileage is great and it is very responsive and sporty. Furthermore, the resale value is great on these vehicles. Very happy with the civic.

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  First Honda...... - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Great Car!! - March 18 - 7:13 am

  This is my first Honda, I do have to admit its a fun car. Not to mention the reputation of this car was the reason why I went from a Monte Carlo SS (07) to a honda accord fully loaded. So far so good... I hope with the proper maintenance it will last as long as my brothers accord with no problems (12 years.)

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  I love it! - 2000 Honda Insight
  By AG4dillac - March 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned my Insight for 4 years with no problems. Its a blast to drive with great lower gears acceleration and overdrive higher gears for quiet extremely low RPM high speed cruising. Its still tight as a drum and wind noise is negligible due to its best production car aerodymanics. Sky high gas prices are of no concern with a lifetime average of 52mpg driving it like any other car, without concern for gas mileage. And it still gets thumbs up almost daily.

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  Great Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Byron - March 18 - 2:00 am

  In my opinion the Civic is my favorite car in the world. Okay, so it doesnt have the horses or it doesnt have that stylish look compared to the new generation... but performance wise, the Civic can match the rest. Not to mention the great gas mileage it produces. I am very pleased with my Civic.

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  great overall transportation - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By proud owner - March 17 - 9:50 pm

  The Honda Odyssey Touring van has many features that appeal to my driving habits. The easy opening doors allow my kids to just climb in a buckle up. The rear hatch does not strain my shoulder anymore while loading groceries in that large deep well. It is easy to manuever in traffic.

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  HAPPY HONDA OWNER X 4 - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Jean Seltzer - March 17 - 9:02 pm

  The Honda Accord is a great car -- highly reliable, comfortable and pleasure to own and drive. I am on my fourth Honda Accord and have been more and more satisfied with each successive car!

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  Great Car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Rotimi Olatunde - March 17 - 9:00 am

  I have used Benz and Nissan products, this is my first experience with Honda. I am 100% please with this great car! Never disappointed me any day ,any time. I look forward to owning Honda Pilot soon.

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  i love this car - 1993 Honda Accord
  By m davis - March 17 - 2:00 am

  in seven years we did not have a single problem with our accord. nothing broke, just had routine maintenence, oil changes and a tune-up at 120,000. still looks good, feels good, and drives good.

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  Love It! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Greensboro - March 17 - 12:20 am

  We have 4 children and needed a family vehicle to replace the Expedition which is not family friendly. The Odyssey is perfect for our needs. We have 2 children in car seats and the two captains chairs in the 2nd row make it easy to get the kids in and out of while the two older ones can easily get to the 3rd row (not so in the Expedition). Traveling is great. Its quiet and the remote for the DVD makes watching movies a breeze. I love the remote sliding doors. Im pretty satisfied with gas mileage averaging out at 22 mpg.