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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  Honda 4 life - 1996 Honda Civic
  By cw96hcivic - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my civic. Ive had it for 2 years now. I bought it with 46,000 miles and I just hit 100,000 last week. I always maintain it at Honda dealerships for quality service. Very reliable. This is my second Civic. Its also very friendly to the aftermarket as I have many modifications done to my civic.

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  Best first car .. when youre young - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Rich1234 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I owned it for 5 years. Still feel excited every time I get behind the wheel. It lets you feel all the bumps on the road.. so will sell it once I have a family. For single guy, it is a great toy (fund to drive) and tool (practical car). The only other car that has more fun, among those Ive driven, is the TT. But its twice as expensive.

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  Got it for a bargain... - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Kaigoss - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my EXL for a day but I must say I love it already. Dont get discouraged by some of the reviewers reports of paying at or even above MSRP...Now there are plenty of Pilots around and you can find a great deal. I got mine at $ 75 over invoice, which is about a $3000 discount. This is what you do: Go to Honda.com and get a listing of all the dealers in your state, then go to their web pages and request "special internet pricing". I got about 20 quotes ranging from $1000 - $ 3000 under MSRP. I then took the lowest one to my local dealer and they matched it! I also locked in 3.84% financing for 60 months...What a deal! Good luck.

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  Honda Rocket!!! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Macman - June 11 - 2:00 am

  For the money you cant beat it! This car is a rocket you wont get tired of. The more you drive it the more you like it.

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  1.5T= POWAAAA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By HR34 - June 10 - 9:13 am

  This is just a first impression/ short term review so far.Civic Hatchback LX Orchid White. I only had the car about 2 weeks and have 465mi. My work is just north of 1 mile away and I just want to break it in already! For a base model car its not very... basic. Although the wheels arent the prettiest, I appreciate that Honda didnt slap on a set of steelies w ugly hub caps. I originally wanted a Sonic Grey since my neighbor has one and it looks fantastic! Anyway, the wheels- they look best on the orchid white. I am actually not a big fan of the ex wheels so I am glad those arent on my car. What I like- 1.5T= POWAAAA! light weight, Piano Black trim, back up camera, huge side mirrors, practicality. What I dont like- OEM Bulbs ( halogen in a projector= dim lighting), arm rest padding ( they couldnt just use soft plastic instead of cloth? ), rear window is always foggy, no foot or hand brake, muffler tips or lack thereof ( dual exhaust and theyre hidden... why?), front windows are slow going up and down, Dirt easily gets between the windows. Ive already ordered a set of Phillips Crystal Vision from Amazon and that will pretty much remedy my biggest gripe about the car. What Ive done to it- purchased floor mats to match the beige interior, seat covers, window visors. What I plan to do- 35-55% tint, muffler tips, OEM mud guards, brighter headlight bulbs. It may seem like I have a few gripes about this car but at the end of the day; Its the best car Ive ever had. If anything, I would say that the LX is actually the best bang for your money within the Civic and hatchback segment.

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  1.5T= POWAAAA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By HR34 - June 10 - 9:13 am

  This is just a first impression/ short term review so far.Civic Hatchback LX Orchid White. I only had the car about 2 weeks and have 465mi. My work is just north of 1 mile away and I just want to break it in already! For a base model car its not very... basic. Although the wheels arent the prettiest, I appreciate that Honda didnt slap on a set of steelies w ugly hub caps. I originally wanted a Sonic Grey since my neighbor has one and it looks fantastic! Anyway, the wheels- they look best on the orchid white. I am actually not a big fan of the ex wheels so I am glad those arent on my car. What I like- 1.5T= POWAAAA! light weight, Piano Black trim, back up camera, huge side mirrors, practicality. What I dont like- OEM Bulbs ( halogen in a projector= dim lighting), arm rest padding ( they couldnt just use soft plastic instead of cloth? ), rear window is always foggy, no foot or hand brake, muffler tips or lack thereof ( dual exhaust and theyre hidden... why?), front windows are slow going up and down, Dirt easily gets between the windows. Ive already ordered a set of Phillips Crystal Vision from Amazon and that will pretty much remedy my biggest gripe about the car. What Ive done to it- purchased floor mats to match the beige interior, seat covers, window visors. What I plan to do- 35-55% tint, muffler tips, OEM mud guards, brighter headlight bulbs. It may seem like I have a few gripes about this car but at the end of the day; Its the best car Ive ever had. If anything, I would say that the LX is actually the best bang for your money within the Civic and hatchback segment.

• 

  1.5T= POWAAAA! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By HR34 - June 10 - 9:13 am

  This is just a first impression/ short term review so far.Civic Hatchback LX Orchid White. I only had the car about 2 weeks and have 465mi. My work is just north of 1 mile away and I just want to break it in already! For a base model car its not very... basic. Although the wheels arent the prettiest, I appreciate that Honda didnt slap on a set of steelies w ugly hub caps. I originally wanted a Sonic Grey since my neighbor has one and it looks fantastic! Anyway, the wheels- they look best on the orchid white. I am actually not a big fan of the ex wheels so I am glad those arent on my car. What I like- 1.5T= POWAAAA! light weight, Piano Black trim, back up camera, huge side mirrors, practicality. What I dont like- OEM Bulbs ( halogen in a projector= dim lighting), arm rest padding ( they couldnt just use soft plastic instead of cloth? ), rear window is always foggy, no foot or hand brake, muffler tips or lack thereof ( dual exhaust and theyre hidden... why?), front windows are slow going up and down, Dirt easily gets between the windows. Ive already ordered a set of Phillips Crystal Vision from Amazon and that will pretty much remedy my biggest gripe about the car. What Ive done to it- purchased floor mats to match the beige interior, seat covers, window visors. What I plan to do- 35-55% tint, muffler tips, OEM mud guards, brighter headlight bulbs. It may seem like I have a few gripes about this car but at the end of the day; Its the best car Ive ever had. If anything, I would say that the LX is actually the best bang for your money within the Civic and hatchback segment.

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  Incredible Fun - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Hsuman - June 10 - 2:00 am

  If you do not need 4 seats and a large trunk - I can squeeze 2 golf bags in it - you cannot buy more fun on four wheels.

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  Best car...EVER - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Cachase1 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owed many cars. I have owned an 87 Prelude. I sold it with 459,000 miles on it, never had a major problem. I now have a 2001 Prelude SH. I put 80,000 miles on it already. I love it. It is by far the best car ever made by Honda.

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  Love love this cR - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Nancy Cole - June 9 - 8:20 am

  Love the new safety navigation extras.