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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  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

• 

  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

• 

  do not get the LX - 2017 Honda Civic
  By tango1 - November 12 - 7:36 am

  for those who dont care about interior options this is it BUT they are all basic in fact theres a lot of things missing on this car rear cup holder,charging port, etc seats are a lot worst then the impala i used to drive i mean why not power seats?? why not LED headlight REMOTE START! why not a bigger touch screen radio? why stupid hub caps on a 20grand car!!! on this HONDA civic lx gone more RETRO the FUTURE like. if you decide to lease and want to buy it at the end and dont mind customizing it then its good to go other wise choose the better ACCORDS!

• 

  Highly Unsatisfied - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Shawn - November 12 - 6:01 am

  Bought this car used a few years ago it ran fine for a little while, then I started having all kinds of problems from the ignition distributor, and now the transmission is slipping cant afford to put any more money into it as I have over $7000.00 into it now.My advice dont buy this year model

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  Piece OF JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Shd Hve Bght Toyota - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been totally unreliable! Windows leak,sliding doors repaired 3X and still not fixed. Check engine light repeatedly comes on. Tape deck was repaired. Clock repaired. BEWARE OF DEALER SERVICE!!!!Overpriced, totally incompetent! Have been to 2 different dealers, and they are all the same. Honda Corporate in CA. not helpful either!

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  tranny - 2007 Honda Civic
  By transmission - November 6 - 7:06 pm

  Honda came out with a fix for the transmission issue on the 06 -08 civic si. I had to call American Honda in order to get the people at Honda to service my car. So people who owns a si, please contact your dealer and hopefully this is a recall.

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  Audio system is a nightmare - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By shanacoker@hotmail.com - November 3 - 3:08 pm

  I purchased a used 2016 pilot touring AWD from our local Toyota dealer- it had everything I was looking for in a Highlander, but was a cheaper option. Got an extended (expensive) warranty, thank goodness. The Bluetooth has never worked. It has been in the shop 6 days. So frustrated. They replaced the audio unit which they said was 1,000 bucks. It didnt fix the problem, now its actually worse. The radio will just start skipping around and has frozen twice- I had to shut it off completely. Cant talk on the phone hands-free, which is a terrible problem for me. I love the car, but I cant keep it if the infotainment system does not work. So frustrated and just sad.

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  Got this for Safety Reasons - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Threadbunny - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I got this suv because of the safety rating. I like it OK, but, I cant stand the back door that opens to the side. It has no catch, so if you are parked on any type of incline the door slams shut on you or anything in its way. The inside is comfortable, but, the rug is already coming up. I have had a maint. req. light and the car has had 2 recalls that it has had to go into the shop for. I do like the comfort in the back since my passengers are fairly tall and they say it is spacious. Also I was tapped at very low speed (less than 5 miles per hour) and a huge hole was placed in the bumper. So much for safety!

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  A mixed bag at best. - 2004 Honda Accord
  By dickg - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After 8 years in the Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Cirrus genre, I bought my first Accord. Acceleration was great but the bumpy ride and wide turning are inferior to the previous Mopars. Headlamps are incredibly bright. Fit and finish, upholstery, the small trunk and outdated trunk design leave room for improvement. Ditto for the expensive keys and inability to use power ports unless the car is on. Powertrain warranty is the worst of any major manufacturer. Interior had foul smell. Dealer tried to upsell.

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  Not as good as a Corolla - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bazza - October 21 - 10:36 pm

  I bought this car to replace my previous European built Corolla sedan, which had given me 5 years trouble free comfortable ownership. The Honda Civic must be the most uncomfortable car I have ever bought, or driven. Its too low, has extremely hard unforgiving seats, the stupid handbrake which digs into my leg and makes any journey over half an hour very painfull (literally). The "A" pillar is too thick, and interferes with a clear view of pedestrians trying to cross the road in front of me at junctions. The front passenger footwell is too short, forcing the passenger has to push the seat right back to get comfortable, consequently there is no room for anybody to sit behind!