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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  GREAT small car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jackcolton - August 10 - 8:06 am

  I have really bad car A.D.D., and have driven most mainstream cars that have come out in the past 15 or so years. Hondas and Toyota / Lexus are always my favorites (for the obvious reasons), and Honda has really upped their game even more with their new lineup. For the price (especially w / the great lease offers they have), the new Civic is a really smart option. Probably one of the best cars in this price range as far as curb appeal, build quality, gas mileage, and general "fun to drive" factors go. Definitely recommend it!

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  2017 Honda Civic - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Chris Rivera - August 10 - 5:08 am

  Edmonds discout came in $1,200 less than TrueCar

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  05 Accord Hybrid Is For Real - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Hulluporo - August 9 - 10:23 pm

  This car is like our 2004 Acura RL - mini version. Currently getting 33mpg in town driving. No road figures yet. A real pleasure for the 35 mile commute (one way) each morning. It has excellent response and quite a good ride. Instrumentation is easy to read and it is gas supplemented by the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). More power than the standard Accord and due to its lighter wieght, much more peppy off the line and when you need it on the road. Creature features are excellent. Had to pay MSRP, but no mark-up at least. Thats been known to happen with lesser vehicles. This car took me into the hybrid market. Hadnt seen one I liked the looks of until this came along.

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  06 Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By J Mayer - August 8 - 1:10 am

  The 06 Civic Hybrid gets great mileage with a slight adjustment in driving style. I average 49.6 MPG combined with about 75% highway miles with 13K miles on the car. Driven at higher speeds, mileage drops slightly, about 45 MPG when driving at 70MPH or above. Comfortable, well built, and no maintenance issues so far. Styling is good and comfort is reasonable. The seats can be a bit hard on very long trips. Lots of extras included in the standard model make it a good value. Sips fuel, looks good, fun to drive, great handling for an ecomomy car. Overall, this is the best car I have ever owned. Plus, it is easy on the environment with very low emissions. Overall, I am extremely pleased

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  five star - 2016 Honda Accord
  By oral miller - August 8 - 12:03 am

  I love this car honda accord sport 2016 very good

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  Better Then a Bimmer - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Happy Honda - August 7 - 10:36 pm

  My wife and I are blown away. Honda went for the jugular with this design. Black with tan interior is very classy. This car is quick, luxurious, feature rich, and handles like a dream. All with the comfort and price of Honda reliability. The Camry is boring compared to this car. The Lexus ES350 is 10K+ more for less car. Parked next to a 328i, not even close, the Accord just looks better. I cant believe, but its true. Havent been this excited over a car in such a long time. Its a little painful paying a few thousand more for a loaded 6 cly, but once you do, your will not regret it. The car will holds its value, and youll have lots of fun. Amazing. Fast. Luxurious.

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  Awesome sports car for under $25K loaded!!! - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Mindy F - August 7 - 9:56 pm

  Obviously when buying a coupe, you have to expect a little bit of a rougher ride vs. a sedan (lets call it a sport suspension) plus I think on the EX models with the wider tires you sacrifice a little road comfort as well. Having said that, the ride is still very smooth - in my opinion much smoother than the Mazda 3 hatchback I test drove. I had a 2005 Civic sedan, and Honda has really worked out the road noise issue significantly. It doesnt have the horsepower of a Camaro or a Mustang, but it has the look and feel of a sports car with luxuries galore for $24K. And thanks to Edmunds I got a great deal buying the car with no stressful haggling with the dealer. I have only had the car for 4 weeks, but I am averaging 38 mpg - I do mostly highway driving; acceleration for merging into traffic and changing lanes is no problem. The steering feels tight and in the rain I have had no issues with traction. I made my friend ride in the backseat and she said it was extremely roomy and comfortable which really surprised her (it was a bit of an argument for her to sit back there). Its a Honda so lets assume the long term reliability will be excellent. The new 2016 styling makes it an extremely sexy car inside and out that puts a smile on my face every time I drive her. After 1 month I am still in love with this car and have had no second thoughts or regrets about my purchase.

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  My Honda CRV is the best car Ive had in long time - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Cathie Matel - August 6 - 2:21 pm

  Buy it from a refutable deal backed by Edmunds.com .... Used dealers will use and abuse you at every turn and every chance they get!

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  99 Civic DX HB - 1999 Honda Civic
  By MaceThomas - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall a very good car. The stock performance is not breathtaking, but there is a huge aftermarket to do that for you. Handles the corners very well, and feels faster than it is. The HB is the best look for the Civic in my opinion.

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  It is a box. - 2003 Honda Element
  By Isabox - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Buy this car. The only problems that I have found after 5,000 miles is the blind spots. The A & B pillars are large, because of the reinforced cage, and sometimes become unfriendly blindspots. You really have to use your mirrors. Also the body panels. I love the look, but they scratch, not easily, but they do. I had someone back into me in a parking lot, not very hard, and it scratched the rear quarter panel. The guy wanted to pay out of pocket for the damage. I went to the dealer for the quarter panel. Price, $96.00. Not too bad. Overall I am happy with this fun, roomy vehicle.