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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  Cross Tour is for me - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Philcrow - December 13 - 4:46 pm

  I had a 2005 Honda Accord EXL Coupe for 5 years and traded it in for the new 2010 Accord Crosstour. WHAT a good choice. I have only had the car 3 weeks but am "in love" already. I love how it rides and looks and the room is unbelievable compared to the coupe. The easily let down back seats is a real plus when loading large items from the store. I feel so classy in this car which is how one should feel when driving. I would recommend this car to anyone wanting a nice ride and sporty looking car. I plan on driving this baby a long long time....

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  Nice, but over-rated - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ljd - December 13 - 1:26 pm

  Although I am happy with my first Honda, I feel they are somewhat over-rated. The Accord EX-L V6 sedans ride is very firm and can be punishing on some road surfaces. The paint has some orange peel and is very susceptible to stone chips and scratches, particularly on the front edge of the hood. Some of the ergonomics and features are quirky. However, its averaging 23 MPG in a daily commute, and it looks great in Nighthawk Black Pearl.

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  SurvivorOfTheCivic - 2002 Honda Civic
  By ISurvivedTheCivic - December 13 - 12:43 am

  My Civic had been pretty good form the most part. This is the 2nd Civic Ive owned after totalling my first in a rear-end collision. I still feel like I got a little less car for a little more money. I enjoy all the amenities that come standard on the EX model. The A/C is a freezer, heater is a sweat box, and it very manuverable. The 2 door model does not comfortably seat 4 at all. I am a college student and sometimes space is a need. The gas mileage is great. I feel like the quality of my first Civic, which was a 97, was must better than that of my current 02 model.

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  Perfect for what it is designed to do - 2005 Honda Element
  By Larry - December 12 - 11:52 pm

  The vehicle is just about perfectly suited for our needs (2 adults, 2 teenagers, one large dog) both long and short drives. It cruises easily at 80/90. The vehicle corners well and is surprisingly quick. Some other reviewers wanted a larger engine – none is needed if you get the manual transmission and rev the engine a little while shifting – Honda has low rev shift points the auto transmission. The EX comes with a better suspension than the model below it. I have had several vans, various sedans, and several sports cars, so I have a reasonable idea of different vehicles – no one wants to use our much more expensive conversion van anymore, other than for camping trips.

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  good ole reliable - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Eric - December 12 - 6:22 pm

  What can I say about the civic. Light, nimble, with a quick feel. The only expenses other than fluids, filters, batteries, and tires was the timing belt at 90,000. The car runs effortlessly and still gets 37mpg combined. Honda did a great job making a very economical car sporty and fun. The only problem with mine is a slow passenger side window motor. Now the 2006 civic looks to do it all over again. Get in line to get the Si.

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  Practical and fun to drive - 2009 Honda Fit
  By DesmondVT - December 12 - 5:50 pm

  The Honda Fit offers the utility of a mini-van, the efficiency of a subcompact, and the go-cart handling of a Mini Cooper, all in a single package. Make no mistake, compromises abound in the Fit--from its tendency to sway in a crosswind to the buzzing engine to the terrible seat fabric. But the Fit does something few cars can manage--it is both eminently practical and absolutely fun to drive. The 5-speed manual shifts smoothly and the little 1.5L engine is both willing and responsive. Handling is nimble, and the tight suspension gives you the sense that you are carving turns on the asphalt. A fantastic value.

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  Not a bad SUV - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Eric Eman - December 12 - 5:21 pm

  We purchased an EX in November of 04. WE had decent snow traction the first winter but this week, BLAH. Scary. The tires Bridgestone Duelers are horrible. My wife loves it but I think the seats need more support and they move to much. OK gas mileage but we expected more from a 4cyl. Performance is ok. It is a safe car with all the airbags and ABS etc. We had it in dealer last month for an alignment, now the steering wheel is off and it still pulls to the right. The door panels are thin and it is kinda noisy. A safe vehicle and reliable but we {ok, ME} expected a quieter more comfortable SUV from Honda.

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  Reliable and Economical - 1995 Honda Civic
  By EBBcVc95 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  i had my civic vx for 7 years now and it just given me fun memories from san francisco to san diego to las vegas...If i know someone from any part of the united states, id drive it there...great milage, trouble-free, and still looks great...Ive taken it on and off the highway at big bear, ca where no other car would dare to go...2 of my friends did a 15 miles off-roading and i see people driving trucks laughing at us...the most damaged i got are dents from rocks....that was when my car was 4 years old...still running with no problems now.

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  Its GGGRRREEAATTT!!!!! - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Teddys mommy - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my baby. This is my first car and its 7 years old. Ive driven from home to Pittsburgh at least 10 times and I have yet to be dissatified by the ride, comfort level, or dependendability. My commute to work is 100 miles a day; I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  My accord isnt fun a fun car - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed owner - December 12 - 10:00 am

  It has good looks and interior. However, while the car is quick, it doesnt provide driving fun as I have to slow down upon corners due to its imprecise steering and mediocare suspension (not as good as my 93 Mazda 626ES). Reliablity? Good for the first 5 years but only ok at 57,500 miles (serviced regularly). Quite a few rattles, silly alarm often cut off my fuel suddenly in the middle of a highway (dangerous), right headlight burnt out twice per year, engine stalled a few times and master cylinder of my power brakes failed. But according to the many nice reviews here, maybe I am the only one who got a lemon.