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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  CRV 5 speed - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By mpgiv - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a month..5 speed ex model is hard to find..had to get one out of town..bought the car over the telephone..very happy with car except for one thing which all manufacturers seem to do...lousy standard equipment tires..comes with B, B rated tires..already got rid of the tires that came with the car..car averages 25 mpg with a/c..average speed of 70 on highway..mileage consists of 20% city and 80% highway..Excellent honda build quality.not one problem to date..this one came from england..not my first honda car..have owned several..thought this was better value for the money than the pilot..Recommend highly

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  Good Ride - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By d1310011 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Not the best gas mileage - BUT I find everything else about the Odyssey EXCELLENT. The ride is comfortable the view from the drivers seat is good and controls are convenient. I have not found any irritating squeaks or rattles. The dealership did an excellent job of follow up on questions and orientation of my new Odyssey.

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  Sporty Sophicticated Rice Rocket - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RacerDave - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Finally the hatch is back, with the added convinience of a beefy engine powerplant. This car likes to be reved up and kept up there, afterall thats when it all comes to live. Hit 5000rpm and the beauty of Hondas i-VTEC propels you to the end of the rpm red line. Nice little car, but a bit pricey for what it is, no wonder people opt to pay a couple of thou more and get the Acura RSX.

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  Impressive car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Gmore - August 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a very solid, good driving car. I think the Accord is the best car in its class and better than some more expensive cars.

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  Love it - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jaime - August 3 - 3:53 am

  Like all Hondas, my Civic Hybird has proven both fun and reliable. Its engine is both smooth and Peppy. Fit and finish is top notch. I have averaged about 41 MPG, which is way above the curve for most cars, but way below the rating on the sticker. I love it anyway. I would recommend it to all who ask.

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  2002 Honda Insight review - 2002 Honda Insight
  By Doug Myers - August 2 - 8:14 pm

  From Mile zero to 42345 the average mpg is 62.2 overall. Highest was a trip of 320 miles and averaged 89.2 mpg. Yes, I had a tailwind - -)

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  Great Car, Great Value! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Andrew - August 2 - 11:50 am

  I may be the first person to sell a 3 year old Audi A6 (a "luxury") car to get a CR-V. CR-V is fun to drive, very reliable and extremely roomy. Great for lugging a bike or two in back. No question its a no thrills car but that is the beauty behind it. Car has everything on it you need with out the bells and whistles that tend to break anyways. No question this car will be around for a while. Hoping to keep it for my 13 year old son.

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  ENGINE PINGING IN 2ND GEAR - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Roy B - August 2 - 8:06 am

  Great car, lots of room, great pickup & gas mileage. we have discovered a metallic pinging noise in the engine as you accellerate through 2nd gear. We have tried different gas stations & octane levels. Engine continues to ping.

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  Outstanding automobile! - 2006 Honda Element
  By HM - August 1 - 11:57 pm

  Excellent crash test ratings, great gas mileage for an SUV, unique styling, reliability, and personality plus ... what else do you need in a car? Take a test drive and youll be hooked!

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  I want my MPG - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By tel5654 - August 1 - 6:01 pm

  I purchased my Odyssey after much research and I am very happy with my decision. I love the pep and the handling. My kids and I thoroughly enjoy driving this van.