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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  More Fun Than Your First Bike - 2001 Honda S2000
  By chittydog - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Its like driving a mini rocket. This car is sleek, fast, fun and handles like its on rails. I average about 25 miles/gallon so its also much more environmentally friendly than the V8 gas-guzzlers that used to provide the only thrill out there. The price tag is a little high for the stripped-down basic interior, but its still worth every dime. My only complaint is that the doors and dash are starting to rattle.

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

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  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

• 

  as expected - its a Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Jim Paille - January 1 - 7:44 pm

  nice suv - legs fatigue with long trips - make sure you use cruise - the seat gas pedal is at a funny angle - reliability outstanding - updated - has a recalled airbag since last january - car has 0 value until its replaced - and there is no ETA - Honda get with it!

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  New Owner Loves Car - 2009 Honda Accord
  By letty - January 1 - 7:30 pm

  I test-drove many cars, several of which were great (Prius, 2010 Ford Fusion, Camry) but as a confirmed Honda driver, I came back to the 2009 Accord. Love everything, but I have to agree with several other reviewers that the drivers seat is often downright uncomfortable -- Im a 56" female and the seat back hits me in the wrong place, throwing me into a very unnatural position. Putting on the lumbar makes matters worse. Im hoping the seat softens up and takes on the arm-chair cushiness of my 2006 Accord. Cup holders are still in bad position and dangerous because you have to look down at them to remove a beverage cup. But its a beauty, decent mileage, drives well, plush, very roomy, mine!

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  Slipping perfection - 2007 Honda Accord
  By gearup75 - January 1 - 5:23 pm

  Great car except for rough downshifts when coming to a stop (SE auto) to the point where it feels like the car "jumps" a little. Took it to the dealer twice and they reassured me that it runs fine. And the brakes are pretty weak/soft.

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  Love My Honda Civic CX - 1994 Honda Civic
  By Dianer - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my honda 2 Door CX since 1994, in which I purchased brand new. Kept the oil changed, and changed the timing belt after 6 years of ownership. Great car!

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  Nearly perfect - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By SSHENHEIT - December 31 - 9:56 pm

  Best all around SUV made at any price. Makes so-called luxury SUVs from Europe look like fools gold!

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  Best Accord yet - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hawk - December 31 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased this Accord, our fifth, 3 weeks ago and couldnt be happier. The 6 cylinder engine coupled with the 5 speed auto transmission and 16 inch tires are a great improvement. It rides well, has plenty of power, looks good inside and out, and has plenty of safety features. It is fun to drive and compared to my Lexus LS430 seems very comparable for less than half the price. It is a superb urban vehicle for my wife.

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  Great Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Fred - December 31 - 6:00 pm

  I own a 2006 LX SE accord with automatic. I have always liked Hondas and owned a few in the last 20 years. This is yet another great product from Honda which is fun to drive, reliable and powerful. The car handles great and the 4 cylinder, 2.4 liter engine provides plenty of power. I would have preferred the manual transmission, but agreed on an auto to make everyone happy! The SE with alloys and CD changer and steering wheel audio controls just add to the fun. Great vehicle. It replaced a 1999 Mercedes E320 which turned out to be a piece of junk and had to be replaced to avoid long-term major expenditures. No more Benz for me, thats for sure.