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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  2006 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By AntiOil Joe - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I like this car more now that Ive driven about 2000 miles. Ive figured out that driving 55mph saves 15% more gas(thats 40cents/gal). It may enrage other drivers but on top of the high mileage with this car, it makes sense to drive 55. Have gotten a few key gouges on my car. I dont think people like the special treatment hybrid owners get.

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  Excellent all-around car! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By HappyHondaOwner - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been extremely reliable and very low cost to maintain. The air conditioning has been the only repair of any significance and that is to be expected on an 8-year old car. Always starts and runs smoothly. Handles like a sports car yet will carry a family. I looked into a Ford Taurus at the time and decided to buy the Honda. Boy, am I glad I did. The Taurus was like driving a boat!

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  Great Car, Performance, and Fun! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By TuPaK - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Fun to drive, it has all the power you need, and it is a good value.

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  Best Sedan for the money - 1999 Honda Accord
  By mack1daddy - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Fast, quiet, reliable. Ergonomics are perfect.

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  Fun to drive, but a little noisy - 2001 Honda Accord
  By dglanz - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car last May and currently have right under 10K miles on it. Overall, it is a nice car. The paint looks nice and the interior is finished perfectly. It hasnt had any warranty service on it and is absolutely reliable. Over the last month, it has developed a rattle in the drivers door that is pretty annoying and there is much more road noise than I was expecting from a car that costs over $25K. Maybe it is the tires, but Ill never find out since these tires will be on it throughout my three year lease and I plan to turn it in.

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  great car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Larry Dawson - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I already own a 1995 honda civic ex. My 95 now has 122000 and I have had 0 problems with this car. No cluth, engine, or suspention problems. This is just an outstanding car and that is the reason why I bought another and will not buy anything other than honda.

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  Good value! - 2002 Honda Accord
  By SSAS - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Just got this Car, 1st Honda. Great pick-up from the VTEC 4 banger. I do not know why others feel it needs more. Handles nicely with the 15 inch wheels and front and rear sway bar on the LX. I love the stiffer suspension. Great ergonomics. I do not have to reach for 0the controls. Quite interior and roomy. Price of $17,000 for a 2002 LX auto and 2.9% was hard to pass up.

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  Back Window Tinting - 2002 Honda Accord
  By disgruntled - September 11 - 10:00 am

  With the increase of sport utility vehicles, it becomes a nuisance driving in front of one, with their glaring headlights shining on your eyes. Regardless if the rear view mirror has a day and night option, as in all my other vehicles, I have always tinted the back windows, which I had done to the Accord. However, the window tinting shop I went to, told me the Accord’s back window on the top has a rough black dotted exterior which when putting on a tinted film does not blend into the glass smoothly, and thus creating a bubbly look which was precisely what happened after he installed the tint.

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  mom swaps minivan - 2006 Honda Accord
  By mom - September 11 - 8:53 am

  Tired of driving Ford minivan to commute everyday. Pleasure to drive. Love the moonroof!14 year old daughter thought it was a "sexy" car for her mom. The red color is great! Love the smooth ride and volume controls on the steering wheel.

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  1 - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Pavlik - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable car. Bought it brand new back in 97, car now has 70K miles on it. Last week just changed the originals: front brake pads, 2 front tires and clutch master cylinder. Thats all replacements I had in 6 years! Car looks and runs brand new, getting 28/30 miles a gallon. Had 6 Honda cars in a past - they all a top reliability and Prelude is the best one among them. Will keep it for a long time - very happy with my Lude!