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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  This civic rules! - 1991 Honda Civic
  By keith ober - April 9 - 2:00 am

  My91 civic hatchback is a blast. It runs perfect and it has 121000 miles. It is a great gas saver and it is fun to drive!

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  Love my Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By damonhenry - April 9 - 2:00 am

  After a year of use I still love my Insight.

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  the new "Fit" - 2007 Honda Fit
  By wendymac23 - April 9 - 12:50 am

  We just bought the car yesterday, but based on what we know so far, we love it. Its very roomy! We bought the 5 speed manual, and it has a nice get up and go. I look forward to taking it out on the highway.

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  Good, reliable transportation - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Jerry Seltzer - April 8 - 6:10 am

  I leased this 2 dr. EX and I am qute happy and pleased with the vehicle. I have just a couple of minor complaints, of no real importance but that could bear some design improvement. The windshield pillar on the drivers side I find is too wide or thick and inhibits visibility when making a left turn. Also, the drivers seat lacks sufficient adjustments (manual). Last but not least, the drivers seat belt does not retract correctly and I have to fish around to find it. The service man told me that the belt is up to manufacturers specs. I have to retract it manually to get it into the correct position to enable me to fasten it. Other than these the Honda EX Coupe ia a good vehicle.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Will - April 8 - 3:36 am

  After many weeks of deliberation I finally decided on an EXL Honda Accord. I have previously owned Accords and my track record with them has been excellent. I am impressed with the cars interior and the responsive handling. It sure feels nice to be driving a new car again.

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  Sporty and Practical - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Monika - April 8 - 2:13 am

  I am so glad I waited to get the 2006. The 6 speed in it is so much fun, Honda was smart to get up with the times! The comments and looks that you get on this case are always great. This case is quick, and fun to drive- it is a little bit of sports case in a sedan!

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  My Second Accord(bang for the buck) - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Nuwarakolla - April 7 - 9:20 am

  Looked everywhere on for Scion TCs, VW Rabbits and got the best deal amongst all of them and got it for under $15k. Great car, my first brand new car and my previous car was an Accord too. Handles great. Plenty of space in the back for friends. Only issue is that the VP doesnt have power mirrors or rear speakers. Going to purchase some Infinitis for the rear and sure that this car will run forever.

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  A mini-SUV that restores sanity to MPG - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By iploya - April 7 - 4:10 am

  I’m not the typical CR-V demographic. I am a bachelor who has owned some nice sport sedans and trucks. I bought the CR-V EX as an alternative to the expense of owning both a sedan and truck. I really like it. It’s like a mini-SUV with all the space I need and the utility for my outdoor excursions. It obviously lacks the acceleration of my old A4, but I love the trade-off of the well-engineered and trusty V-TEC engine. I get 30mpg hiway and 25+ mixed (nearly double my last truck). I have NO problem passing at highway speeds. Only thing I would do differently is get the EX-L, which has more upgrades than just leather – like air vents for rear passengers, nicer console, better stereo...

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  Inventing the new future - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Gery Moyano - April 7 - 3:06 am

  The first time I saw this car on the internet I realized that it was just the answer for the car I was looking for to buy. The first time I drove the civic just made me feel part of the future, full of inteligent concepts, all in one: high-tech, art, reliability, security, fun, eco- friendly and comfort. Ive bought a 4dr sedan w/nav system and Im more than happy. I highly recommend this car. However, theres just one thing I dislike of it. The single cd changer behind the nav screen, not because its behind, but because its just for one cd. Thats only one detail, and considering all the options to play audio data, and to discover multiple capabilities, the car just go forward.

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  2001 Honda Insight - 2001 Honda Insight
  By charliec - April 7 - 3:00 am

  The Honda Insight is a great car. This car handles well, responds quickly, has remarkable acceleration and of course the trademark fuel economy. Great car, great efficiency, low emissions, more car makers should get a clue and offer vehicles such as this (and for that matter more car BUYERS should get a clue and demand cars such as this.)