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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  Awesome car, just get the EX trim - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Hammond - June 26 - 10:31 pm

  I tried this car and the Toyota Prius and this car was the natural choice. It gets almost as good MPG (about 45 MPG city) and highway too. Along with the car being more fun to drive, the interior layout is actually the closest to a non-hybrid that youll get I love the ECON system that allows you to drive more efficient and the "trophy system" with rewards. Kudos to Honda for that and the paddle shifters put some REAL fun into driving the car. One suggestion if your going to buy this car: Get the EX trim. The $1500 is worth what you get: cruise control, 15" alloys, vanity mirrors on the sun visors (Dont why those arent standard), stability and traction control with USB con. and 6 speakers

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jml - June 26 - 11:05 am

  So far this has been a great car. I was kind of concerned with the high mileage, but after I had the car checked out by 2 different mechanics, I was told that this is a great used car to buy and should get many more miles on it.

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  3rd Accord - 2010 Honda Accord
  By dgalliher - June 26 - 9:13 am

  Just purchased my 3rd Accord, and first new one. Took a while to find an EX with the manual gearbox. Im coming out of a 99 LX, so its a bit of an adjustment. Awesome car though, fun to drive, great on gas, huge interior, comfortable, good build quality. Would buy again!

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  Loving my cr-v - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By john - June 25 - 10:24 pm

  Ive had my cr-v for over 5 years now. Its great to drive in this little cutie. Its peppy enough for me. Great on gas and always gets me to point a and b and then some. I purchased it with 45,000 miles. It s just over 140,000 now it runs like a champ. I recommend anyone to purchase a great vehicle like this. You wont be disappointed.

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  LOVE Mine - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Kimberly - June 24 - 8:16 pm

  This is the most reliable car ever. Ive had it for 15 years and Im the original owner. The cup holders are a bit ridiculous as described by other reviews and the rubber piece that frames the moonroof snapped and broke about 3 years ago. It still opens and closes but it scraps the roof -|. By now my seats are getting warn and uncomfortable. Needed a new radiator about 2 years ago. A/C electrical panel needed to be replaced after 10 years. With the money Im saving on this car Im having no troubles saving for my next civic. Worth every penny.

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  Great mpg, excellent handling, reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By clg22 - June 24 - 3:27 pm

  We bought our 2002 in 2005 with 40K on it and we have been very pleased. Seating is very comfortable on long trips and cargo space and versatility is excellent. Gas mileage of a car, but high like an SUV - great compromise. Nice pep when needed. Great in the snow (the Rav4 was awful). No major repairs at all yet! We have had the break pads replaced, the tires replaced, and all the other regular maintenance. No problems with AC as others have mentioned. Weve been very pleased with this car and would buy again.

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  My New 2010 Honda CR-V AWD with Nav - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Maria Karam - June 24 - 10:17 am

  I just got this vehicle a few weeks ago and am really very satisfied so far. Mileage is good and ride is comfortable.

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  Dont have to spend a ton for a good car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FitLover - June 24 - 9:20 am

  Bought my Sport model with 5-speed in Aug 2006. Have no complaints about its performance. I bought it for the gas mileage and it hasnt disappointed. In mixed driving, I still get about 35-36 mpg, and it has 80,000 miles on it now. Taken trips from ATL to: Memphis Pennsylvania WV (in winter) FL. Average about 41 mpg on these trips. Also haul around 3 kids. It may not be extra spacious for them, but you dont have to drive a gas-guzzling SUV when you have more than 1 child. I cant stand seeing big suburbans getting 10 mpg while my Fit hauls 3 kids just fine. So far, all is well with my Fit. I highly recommend it!

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  Glad I Done It - 2010 Honda Accord
  By BobMcK - June 23 - 1:56 pm

  Had this car for about 5 months now. The Belize Blue exterior/beige leather interior combination still knocks me out. All the whizzbangs (moonroof, heated seats, sat radio, etc) are nice, but the curb appeal of this thing is just amazing. Glad I got rid of a 2009 xxxx and got this.

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  Most reliable car Ive had - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Ellery - June 23 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased my 99 Civic EX with 60,000 miles from a dealership in 2003. Over 7 years later shes still running like a champ at 190,000 miles. Ive only had to replace the belts once and have the routine oil changes and fluid flushes. She has survived three minor accidents without damaging anything mechanical - just the window controls/trunk seals arent up to snuff now. Hoping she makes another 100,000! You cant beat the value/longevity of this vehicle!