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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  piolt - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By ken - May 12 - 4:26 am

  Great to drive cornering and pickup just blew away my old Jeep. Plus with all the extra room (seats 8) and still has room to hit the beach with the kids.

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  Just got EX-L AWD with NAVI for $31,500 - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Picked up a Crosstour after shopping for months for a vehicle. Im tall and the center consoles on many of the cars I tried cut into my leg room and the headroom was sparse. Wasnt comfortable in the Taurus, Sonata or LaCrosse. Venza was jittery on bumpy roads but otherwise nice. Murano with a sunroof did not have enough headroom and the base model was a little too base. I liked the higher seating of the Crosstour over the Accord and I thought it was smoother, quieter and had more headroom with the sunroof than the Accord. The Accord was more fun to drive however. The dealer sold me up to the EX-L AWD with Navi which was more car than I needed but for $31,500 I thought it was a good deal

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  cheaper than a vette - 2005 Honda S2000
  By ibchiliman - May 11 - 11:26 pm

  This car is incredibly nimble and quick. It goes where you point it, responds instantly to throttle imput and stops fast. The ergonmics are excellent, pedal location, gear shift placement and throws, hand and arm placement are all natural and comfortable. I am 5,11 tall, 190 lbs and fit fine. Because of its size, luggage/storage space is at a premium.

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  Decent performer for the money - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Jimbo - May 11 - 11:11 pm

  This car as a performer really isnt anything to write home about. The handling is ok (lots of body roll is the main problem) but it could be a lot better. The steering, clutch and brake pedal feedback are minimal, and the steering is about the lightest of any car I have driven, which I personally dont like. There is a decent amount of power for a 1.7 liter engine, but its all WAY up in the RPM range. Because of that, the gears are very close (75 mph in 5th= ~3400 RPM). However, as a commuter car, this is a very good car because it is incredibly reliable, and gets impressive gas mileage, despite the high RPM it turns for a given speed.

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  Buy this car! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Victoria - May 11 - 10:36 pm

  Pledged to my very green children to do the right thing (as opposed to buying the Infiniti M35 I really wanted) when, in December 07 I made my every-10-year new auto purchase, I vacillated between the Prius and Honda Civic. The Prius was satisfying, but the Honda was fun, and I wanted fun. Now, almost 5000 later, I am so very happy with my Honda Hybrid. I drive 82 miles roundtrip to work, 99% of which is on state highways that are over rolling hills and traversing three tiny towns. In this car, Im getting 44 mpg and putting out very few emissions. My kids are happy and so am I.

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  Honda beware - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mikkos - May 11 - 6:51 pm

  Ive now had my Accord EX for 2 years now and I have started having transmission problems. First gears hestitates and shifts very hard. Its also really jerking when going up hills or coming to a stop. The sunroof rattles constantly when sunshade is open. Im just disappointed with Honda. Everything else is good and I havent had any other problems with it.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Linda256 - May 11 - 6:00 am

  I drove a Maxima SE until it was totaled in a crash. I went smaller due to gas mileage. Looked at & considered Scion tC & Subaru Impreza & Accord Coupe. The Civic won on looks, trim level & handling. I definitely made the right decision. I fill up once every other week & absolutely love driving it. Theres a couple of blind spots, but once you get used to them, they are not a problem. Stereo system is awesome. This car has exceeded my expectations, especially going from a V6 to a small 4 cyl. I plain old have "fun" driving it. I added the auto-dimming mirror w/compass (dealer installed).

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  Good Solid Car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By HondaJody - May 11 - 2:15 am

  My 98 Civic EX Coupe has 131,000 miles on it now, and it still runs well. I had to replace the cheap plastic Honda radiator, as well as the rubber boots on the front axle. All in all a solid car that I would suggest for beginning drivers and students. But dont expect much pick up power or stylish features. This is an economy car only!

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  Love it! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By lady d - May 10 - 11:33 pm

  Previously, I owned a Honda civic and held on to it for 8 years. I put a lot of mileage on a car and my civic was the first car I had ever owned that had lasted so long (8 years) with no major malfunctions, so I was already a Honda fan. Ive had my CR-V a week now, but I do really enjoy it. Its fun and easy to drive, and comfortable, with great gas mileage for its class. Ive had no problems at all with it so far, and love many of the features of the EX-L style. I would highly recommend this vehicle to others - its a fun, convenient car, with plenty of space, good driving, and Hondas impressive reliability.

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  This car is perfect - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Indiana - May 10 - 4:53 pm

  I purchased a new 1986 Honda Accord DX in 1986. That car was with me through thick and thin. My new car is quite a step up. But the old cars reliability allowed for a big down payment on the new car. I test drove a BMW 325i, Infiniti G35 and Acura TL. The 2004 Honda Accord that I purchased proved to be the best buy for the money. A 240 horsepower engine that runs on regular gas sealed the deal for me. I would have liked the Acura but the Honda is the next best thing. I drive it daily and love the XM radio and Navigation. Voice recognition makes quit an impression on passengers. Leather seats are comfortable. The back seat space allows for maximum comfort rear seat passengers.