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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  Excellent Vehicle with resale value - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Sijray - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car. Performance and reliability are well above par. The absence of torque is a dissapointment, however the horsepower makes up for it. Very fun to drive. Very reliable, never had a big problem and with over 60K miles

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  OK HONDA - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By DeYarmon - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been the driver of Large Vans for years I have had 16 custom vans and I want to tell you this is a very will thought out van. I can hall just as may people and carry just as much equiment like 7 sets of golf clubs.I wish in the USA we could come up with as good a van.

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  Seems to be getting better - 1999 Honda Accord
  By lewiss7 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  When new this car had abrupt downshifting. Now shifting is so smooth that you cant notice it.

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  Love my Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rhonda - September 3 - 8:33 am

  This car is not only fast, it is classy! The heated seats are great, and the navi system doesnt let me get lost. For me, the navi system was a necessity, not just a luxury. This car is safe...safe...safe!

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  Great tech, great daily driver, great purchase! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Civic Owner - September 3 - 5:08 am

  Yep, theres no volume knob. Moving on. I drive this car about 25 miles a day for my commute. Ive put a little over 7000 miles on it in the 10 months Ive owned it and am averaging 36.9 mpg. Things I like: acceleration once the turbo kicks in, sport mode, info-tainment system, Android Auto, interior storage, gas mileage, quiet cabin, feeling of quality of interior, brake hold is awesome! Things Im not crazy about: price is a little steep, but not crazy, no adjustable lumbar support (comeon Honda!), CVT is really hesitant from a dead stop. Overall, nothing is perfect, I love this car. To me, the lack of a volume knob is made up for with the touch sensitive steering wheel volume control.

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  2000 Accord EX V6 coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By TomcatRyan - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing the car in Feb of 2000 i have put close to 50,000 miles on the car. The car has been very reliable other then routine maintenance the car has not had any major mechanical problems. The V6 could do better in acceleration. It lacks low end torque. Fun to drive rating is a little low as this car is more like a sedan made into a two door. However if you are a frequent driver who racks up the miles nothing tops the Honda in terms of reliability.

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  Great Choice for the Accident Prone - 2002 Honda Civic
  By OregonCivicOwner - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I owned the 2001 Honda Civic for just 3 short weeks before I was hit by a Ford F350 going over 45mph through a red light. I was hit on the passenger side and although my car was deemed a total loss, I survived and if I would have had any passengers with me they all would have been safe as well. The side panels had minimal intrusion to the inside. I was not only impressed but I was grateful for Hondas superior safety features. I now own the 2002 Civic and love it.

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  I Like This Car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Tsmoov - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The Accord has been known for its reliability over the course of many years. Prior to owning this new one, my parents owned an accord from 86-96 without any problems at all, which i took into consideration when i purchased my own. The build is tight and refined, the interior clean and smooth, and the acceleration and braking extremely responsive. The coupe is especially roomier than i expected it to be with its smooth and subtle leather. Very nice ride as well, which is also important...

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  Beautiful Car!!!!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hondafan - September 2 - 11:50 pm

  I traded my 2006 Honda Accord V6 in on my new 2008 Accord EX-L V6 because I needed more room and better fuel efficiency. I got It!!!!!!!!

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  Safety First - 2006 Honda Civic
  By 1st time honda buyer - September 2 - 6:16 pm

  Ive owned my car for fifteen days now. It is very comfortable. I feel like Im driving a rental car everyday. My nephew says I drive slower in the new car. Actually I driving the same speed but you cant tell because it is so comfortable inside. You dont hear the engine. I couldnt even hear a train coming the other day. If the lights hadnt started flashing, I may have gotten hit. It doesnt accelerate as fast as my old car (Integra GSR) but I will get used to it one day. The title of my review is safey first because the safety features were what sold me on purchasing this car. I also save a lot on my car insurance.