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 winter beater - 1990 Honda Accord
  By jeremy bunker - November 20 - 2:21 pm

  great car its rusting out running rough but for the 1000$ I paid for it I cant complain. they are easy to work on and great on gas.

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  LOVE my Civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Susan Rowland - November 20 - 12:04 pm

  This Civic is a great little car. Reliable. fuel efficient, well mannered, and likable. I cant rate it highly enough.

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  6 month review - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Donald - November 20 - 7:50 am

  Now that I have been driving it for 6 months and the weather is getting colder I thought Id share that the gas mileage has gone down from 47 mpg to 42 mpg. Also some of the cheap plastic parts (hand emergency brake) paint is chipping. Keep in my though that I drive every day in stop and go traffic and I heard that gas mileage does drop on these hybrids when it gets cold. I still love my climate control, sound system and navigational system.

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  New Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Holbrook - November 19 - 6:03 pm

  I couldnt be happier with my new Civic. It is a fun car to drive and am averaging a little over 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The cocpit ergonomics are superb. Everything is within reach and have good feel. The two tier instument panel works great. There is no need to take your eyes off the road to check your speed. Although much has been written about intrusive road noise, it is not a major problem nor a significant annoyance. There is practically no wind noise. As stated in the beginning, "I couldnt be happier."

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  Outstanding Mix of Sport & Luxury - 2006 Honda Accord
  By MaxG - November 19 - 1:20 pm

  Had an 06 Accord Hybrid on order but decided to cancel when it kept being delayed with no information from Honda. Really glad that I got the V6 6-speed instead! Mileage: 2622 miles driven at last fill-up (odometer, not navi miles); 93.502 gallons of regular=28.04 mpg average. Lowest 24.7 mpg on first tank. Highest 30.1 mpg. Mixed highway/city; no trips so far. Consistent 30+ mileage possible by avoiding full-throttle starts and limiting freeway speeds to 80 mph. I generally drive for mileage & let off the gas as soon as I see a light turn red. 6-speed is great. I like the shifter as well or better than my 04 S2000 (now sold). Combination of handling, ride & performance is perfect for me.

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  Great towable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Hondapuller - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is the best available vehicle for RVers that tow a "dingy". Anybody towing anything else did not do their homework. Its a Honda, nothing else needs to be said.

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  Dream machine - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By sidekickjack - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Honda quality all around. Pleasand ride, slightly harsh and noisy on rough pavement, probably due to low profile tires, but no more than would be expected, and less exagerated than most vehicles.

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  Only one Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By blazer - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new. Most overrated car in America. Radio was defective new, replacement has problems. Front driver seat rail was defective new, replacement no better. Paint holds wax about 45 days, then dulls. Bought body side moldings new. Within 10 months the paint failed and dealer had to pull off moldings and replace. When I asked about warranty on replacements, dealer shrugged. Paid for mud flaps. They do not keep anything off body. What are they for? Worst problem is car hydroplanes above 35 MPH in moderate rain. And the traction control only functions up to 15 MPH. First and last Honda for me.

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  Great choice! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Chris B. - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I think this Accord is one of the best vehicles I have owned. It has a great ride and is very comfortable. I looked at several other cars (Acura, Toyota, and Nissan) and for the price it just couldnt be beat.

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  Too soon to tell, but . . . - 2002 Honda Accord
  By AaronS - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for $15,700 in August and, quite expectedly, have experienced no problems to date. The car is suprisingly spacious (my 88 Accord was about the size of an 02 Civic 4- door). Although only 150 hp, the 5- speed enables decent acceleration. For a car that wont leave you stranded on the highway, you cant beat the price (though the DX/VP is probably a better bargain if you can handle rolling up your own windows). Very easy to drive.