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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  Darn NEAR perfect - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Linda - July 5 - 8:06 pm

  I have had my Civic for 1 1/2 years now and really love it. It does have some issues - passenger air bag light wont go off, horn broke, air crackles if turned up too high and there is a passenger airbag recall as well. But, those are all things that can be fixed and are somewhat expected for a car that was absolutely new when I bought it (new design and all). But, other than that, I love my car.

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  Reliable Honda - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Dan - July 5 - 8:01 pm

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  Good car if everything worked - 2003 Honda Accord
  By rollingib - July 5 - 5:53 pm

  bought the car used with 28,000 on it. Since warranty went out no major problems. Radio light just went out, a common problem I just found out. I love Honda, thought I would have fewer problems with car, but most relatively small compared to others. I guess I got lucky. Overall, I know it will last me a good while, thats why we bought.

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  It doesnt get any better - 2005 Honda S2000
  By gino - July 5 - 12:15 pm

  Having owned or driven--some in competition--a number of "name" sports vehicles over the years, Id have to rate the Honda 2000 as one of the all- time best. Fast, agile, responsive, SOLID, reliable and comfortable, the S2K is a modern classic designed for the serious enthusiast. Driven to its potential, the Honda 2000 rewards the driver with all that might be expected of high performance sports cars, including comfort. Theres little to want in the S2K except for a bit less thirst, but even the average 23-26 mpg is little to gripe about in return for the outstanding performance.

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  Sharp looking dependable car - 2015 Honda Civic
  By mrp - July 5 - 8:47 am

  CvT is only transmission available.

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  I get better EPA than my wifes Prius - 2007 Honda Civic
  By mbnorcal - July 5 - 4:20 am

  Last year my family decided to take a step forward and bought a 2006 Toyota Prius. I was very happy with its performance and averaging around 45-48 mpg. This year I also needed a commuter car. I was about to get another Prius, but I decided to give the Civic Hyrbid a try. In my opinion, I really liked the styling of the Civic better than the Prius that my wife drives. I have put a little over 2,000 miles on it already and have gotten 51 mpg, better than the Prius. But of course the Civic is a bit weaker than the Prius. The dash layout has a airy spaceship cockpit layout. Although the interior is not as big as a Prius, the fit and finish is top notch. It has good driving position.

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  What a LetDown - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Freddy Muggs - July 4 - 8:00 pm

  I traded my fifteen year old Acura for the Accord, (because I could not afford a new Acura). What a letdown! My old Acura still rides smoother, accelerates better, and even looks better than my new Accord. Not that the Accord is a piece of junk, but compared to the Acura, fuggetabout it! The noise level is terrible inside. Rain sounds like someone dropping marbles on sheet metal. Other cars stereos penetrate so loud that I keep checking to see if I fully rolled up the windows. I see on the nameplate that the car is made in Mexico. I wish Honda made it in Japan. I think Honda would not get the reputation it enjoys today if the original cars were made like this one.

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  All the car anyone really needs/wants - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Kevin C. - July 4 - 8:20 am

  I took delivery of my Cosmic Blue 16 Civic EX-T Sedan about a week ago, and Im in love. Before settling on the Civic, I researched and test drove exhaustively just about every comparable and non-comparable car on the market. I finally narrowed my search down to the Hyundai Elantra, the Chevy Cruze, and the VW Jetta. The Civic won, hands down. This car outpaces its competitors by a long shot. Acceleration is strong from the 1.5 Turbo, yet Ive been averaging about 40 mpg in mixed driving. The interior is quiet and comfortable, and the technology is top notch. Handling capability is a class above as well. Civic feels solid and composed where the Elantra felt jittery and loose. Be sure to negotiate for this vehicle. I was able to land this one at around $19,500 for everything before taxes. At that price, it is an incredible value.

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  Nice car! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Fabricio - July 4 - 5:56 am

  This is a very good option to who want a Compact-suv, Good on comfort but could be a little better , all season car. Well, seems that the engeneiring could be a little more strong but is enough for the 4 cylinders present on this car. I recommend this vehicle !

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  Hard to get more for your money - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Jake - July 4 - 3:53 am

  My experience got off to a rough start. On my drive home, the transmission popped out of first gear. Took it to the dealer and had to twist their arm to admit there was a problem - then had the car in the shop for 10 days so they could replace first gear. After a couple months the problem appears to be solved. That said, the transmission shifts like a dream. Why anyone drives automatics is truly a mystery to me. The interior is great and roomy, nav and xm are great - especially the xm. I do wish the car had beefier brakes and better (more sporty) tires. But I can always upgrade in the future. Gas mileage is about 25 in mixed driving and 32 hwy. Engine is powerful and smooth.