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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  Accord the best - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lff - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several cars over the last 30 years including ,Toyota,Acura, VW,Ford ,GM and Honda. This new Accord is by far the best vehicle that I have had the pleasure of driving. Would and do reccomend it to everyone.

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  HONDA SEDAN - 2004 Honda Accord
  By WALT FOSTYK - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The best and most fun to drive car I ever had, an a very reasionable price.

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  great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By trace2001 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  great family car. the 4 offers good balance of performance and gas milage

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  Its A Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Harris - August 7 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A HONDA,THAT SHOULD SPEAK FOR ITSELF. THE CAR THAT SELLS ITSELF IS THE OLD MOTO. I LOVE MY 2004 LX ACCORD. FEELS SO GOOD. IVE ALWAYS HAD HONDAS UNTIL A FEW YEARS BACK WHEN THEY WERE TO PRICY. But Im back and very happy.

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  Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By John L - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive!!! Has all the bells and whistles of a Luxury vehicle. Power everything...except for passenger seat. Spend the extra $2,000 for the navigation system...Its worth it!!! I have the V6 sixspeed Ex with navigation,only spent $24,699!! Spend the extra time to shop around for the best price possible

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  Great performance and value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By OC - August 7 - 8:26 am

  After test driving a bunch of cars, including Acura TL, Lexus IS, C class Mercedes, Infiniti...it was an easy decision to settle on the Honda. Absolutely great value for the money, performance is superb, feels great, just like the Acura TL. Some reviews on this forum complain about road noise...I have not heard it at all. Also I read complaints about the seats...somewhat true but in my case I find it forces me to just sit up straight and have better posture. Overall, I love the car. My only wish is cosmetic: projector beam headlights and LED tail lights. I paid 27K and change for mine plus all the other dealer options, TT&L, etc etc. I do not regret my choice at all!

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  First Honda - 2008 Honda Accord
  By rramjet - August 6 - 2:33 am

  Convinced my wife she should get a Honda for reliability, quality, resale yada yada. She gave up her 04 Cadillac CTS. The car does have good styling, Seems economical compared to the CTS. One of the nosiest vehicles Ive ever driven. I have to assume Honda is trying to keep the weight down by limiting insulation. Tires may also contribute. Compare it to a Malibu if you can. Difference in sound level is unbelievable. The driver seating is uncomfortable. Im 63" 245. Probably the most unbelievable to me is what must be a totally inadequate electrical system that allows marginal headlights to dim when the A/C Compressor cycles. Had a 72 Datsun that did that. Wife loves her car.

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  need selling price - 1990 Honda Accord
  By xx - August 6 - 2:00 am

  have driven since 1997. Bought frm elderly coupe, no kids or smoke. perfect condition. Just had exhust system cleaned out and new fue pump. Last of metal timing belt, so never need to replace

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  Love my S2000 - 2000 Honda S2000
  By JohnA - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but great fun.

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  owesomee - 2002 Honda S2000
  By mizrak - August 6 - 2:00 am

  this car has no limitation on speed.