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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  love this car - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Lee - June 13 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first hybrid purchase and i did not know what to expect, so I did a lot of research before I set to the dealership to purchase one. Most reviews are accurate, Honda Insight is one car to fall in love with, it is very interactive, fun to drive and most importantly, fuel-efficient. The fact that it is less expensive than the leading hybrid car of its kind makes it more appealing to budget- conscious people like me. I do not regret getting the EX with Navi although that cost me a couple thousand more. It gives the Insight more features than simple navigation alone.

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  Lude View - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Kayla - June 13 - 1:47 pm

  This car in my opinion is wonderful. If you take care of it, not many things are going to go wrong over the years. I mean yes the interior isnt the most stylih around,but if it bothers the owner that bad they can have it modified. Sometimes the parts tend to be a little more pricy that others, but all well worth it, i mean again it is a Honda. The gas is good, but it takes the most expensive kind, which burns slower and lasts longer! Overall...I LOVE my car!

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  uncomfortable - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By meg - June 13 - 1:43 pm

  Gas mileage is excellent. Interior awkward and uncomfortable. Everything is too high. Cannot turn the smallest corners without everything sliding all over. Cups fall out of cup holders everytime you make a turn.

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  Honda Hatchback is #1 - 1997 Honda Civic
  By JohnJay - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I got this car and i have never had any problems with it. And I beat this car EVERYDAY :) Hiting 110+mph. This car gets good gas mileage and is very reliable. And there are so many aftermarkets parts for it. I am in to fixing up cars for racing and this car is idel for the tack because of it light body. And it is so easy to put in a bigger engine. :)

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  Peoples Car - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By BartD - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Everyone who sees and or rides in mine assumes its a run of the mill $30,000 car instead of a sub $20K one. (Editors never fully seem to appreciated this accessability.) And of course, theres always that piece of mind, in those cold and wintery days, knowing youre in a Honda.

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  60,000 miles and not even broken in yet - 1999 Honda Accord
  By razingkane - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 99 Accord EX 4cyl new so I figure now is a good time to write a review. The car has been exactly what I expected it to be. ItÂ’s been extremely reliable, great gas mileage, very good ergonomics, and fun to drive. The car has not seen the inside of a repair shop expect for routine maintenance and the one recall. The ergonomics is great as is the fit and finish and the type of materials used. To keep the cost down Honda choose not to illuminate the locks, power windows and the secondary controls on the steering wheel when the lights are on at night. The pedals are perfect for me and I really appreciate the large dead pedal.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Newowner - June 13 - 10:00 am

  After just a few days this car seems perfect. Rides, handles and goes great. Surprisingly quick and extremely comfortable. I love mine!

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  Watch out for the transmission!! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Hondawoman - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Honda 1.5 years and I need a transmission already. The dealership said there was a glitch in this particular year of Honda Accords. I never got anything in the mail telling me that. Thank goodness I still have 2,000 miles left on my warranty. New transmission shipped in from Japan-$4,500, 2 or 3 days of a rental car and labor? Hmmm, sounds a little expensive, even for a Honda!!

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  Quiet and efficient - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Eric - June 13 - 5:56 am

  Comfort and performance comparable to other automatics in this class. Average gas mileage 48 mpg after 3300 miles. Cold starts and high speed driving bring mileage down towards 40 mpg. Medium speeds and warm weather can bring mpg average over 50 if you use a gentle touch on accelerator. High speed braking a little squirrely due mainly I think to high pressure tires which create a touchier ride than regular honda civic. Rides very nicely at high speed if you want to sacrifice a little fuel economy to get there. Overall happy with the car.

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Ray - June 13 - 4:16 am

  Traded my 2004 Impala with 90.000 miles for the civic lx-s, with 134 miles on I had a little (or big) problem, the engine stopped responding to the accelerator, I kept on pumping the pedal and downshifting (just in case) on the way down to 1st gear and it got going again, took to the dealer and did not find any problems, I just have to learn to trust again, but, I love the sporty feel of the car as a whole, steering wheel, dash, outside, donÂ’t care for the wheel covers (will probably fit some nice alloys). Love the happy revving engine and the Goodyears are just ok, but for what the car was design for, it is fitting. Over 300 miles now, loving it.