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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  Cant Beat It - 1995 Honda Accord
  By JKJ - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned and I have had at least 15 cars. Bought the car new in Nov. 1995 and drove it 7 years. The car has 115K miles on it and runs like new. After 7 years total - only major (I guess its major for a Honda) maintenance items are the timing belt, cv axles, and front brakes - Nothing Else in 7 years!!!! You see why I love this car. Just sold it to my step-daughter and she will put the next 115K miles on it. This my second Honda (first was a civic) and I am sold on Honda.

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  Driving is fun again! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Jouvonte - December 11 - 4:51 pm

  My new Civic is simply a pleasure to drive - ample room, tight handling, smooth ride and insane 45 MPG. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar no other car can match the combination of reliability, comfort, economy and fun.

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  Honda civic 4 door 2001 AMAZING CAR!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Britt - December 11 - 5:42 am

  I dont know what these other people are talking about this is an amazing RELIABLE vehicle mine has 200000 miles and still running great!!!!!!! Such low maintenance only the struts needed repairing after 4 years!! Thats it! Looove my Honda

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  Honda civic 4 door 2001 AMAZING CAR!! - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Britt - December 11 - 5:42 am

  I dont know what these other people are talking about this is an amazing RELIABLE vehicle mine has 200000 miles and still running great!!!!!!! Such low maintenance only the struts needed repairing after 4 years!! Thats it! Looove my Honda

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  Worlds Best Value - 1996 Honda Civic
  By sdanville - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Needed a car for my daughter. Wanted to spend $5000. With some shopping some 96s can be found at that price. Had already bought one Honda Civic on Ebay and it worked out..took another chance. This one had been hit. Dealer didnt disclose. Out side of that, the car runs as expected. 115,000 miles and the steering is tighter than my $30,000 Oldsmobile with 40,000 miles.

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  I "upgraded" from an Acura - 2006 Honda Accord
  By TedG954 - December 10 - 4:53 pm

  In 2000, I bought a new Acura TL. In 2003, I bought a new Acura CL Type S. After 5 transmissions, I bought an 06 Accord. It was a very wise decision. The Honda quality is legend, and in my case, it has lived up to its acclaim. The 2.4 engine is surprisingly quick and responsive. Handling is superb. Dollar for dollar is a "best buy" as far as Im concerned. I wanted something that was reliable, and the Honda line is known for reliablility. I went from an average 14 mpg of hi-test in the Acura to an average of 22 mpg of regular with the Accord, and as I said the 100 missing horses is not apparent. A great quiet ride and a comfortable interior with plenty of room. You cant go wrong. Buy it!

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  2009 Honda Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By GJD - December 10 - 11:43 am

  The 2009 Civic Hybrid is a new, reliable auto that seats 4 comfortably, has great interior & trunk space for a compact and gets 40-50 mpg. I live in San Francisco area and avg hwy speed is 70-75. No noticeable difference in acceleration, merging or passing from the v-6 Chrysler Sebring I traded in. The only difference is no squeaks, shakes. Solid body and handling, like the interior and layout, very good sound system. Try it, youll like it.

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  good car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By kashiwa - December 10 - 2:00 am

  its roomy, and even roomier when you fold the backseats up. engines decently peppy, and around town driving is quite smooth and quiet. the interior of the car is really simple and nicely designed. there are also a thousand and one nooks and crannies to hide your stuff. really, really nice suv.

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  Cool Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By jaw99 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in april and over all it is a great dependable car but It just doesnt have enough head room. Also the noise sound from the out side is loud.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Chris T. - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Got this car a week ago and it hauls!!! Considering that this car has a base RSX Integra engine in it for $16,000 (little bit more than what I paid for it) youre getting a lot of car for the money. The wheels are really nice, the seats are out of this world. Im really tall and can actually fit in this car with no serious discomfort. This car loves to rev high and go fast. Salesman let me take the car for 30 mile test drive and he let me race people in city traffic with it! Beat an old Integra GSR and a Jeep GC V-8 with peeling the tires out -but hey, I won them with a car worth so much less?