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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  worlds best SUV period - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By tourdork - July 24 - 2:00 am

  No need to look any further than the Pilot. Incredible ride, wonderful interior features.......exceptionally roomy. Very quiet road noise!. Better than a Hummer at half the price!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Honda Civic
  By ErikaS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Civic Hybrid in August and I couldnt be happier. It is so much fun to drive and the fuel efficiency is wonderful! I would reccomend the car to anyone looking for a sporty, yet practical car that will save you lots of money in gas!

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  mini van owner converted - 2004 Honda Civic
  By j tyler - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Having a civic hybrid has changed my lifestyle. I spend less time at the gas station and more time enjoying the drive not thinking about how much it is costing me to get there! I sold a three year old mini van and have never regreted it! Ive more than doubled the gas mileage and enjoy driving much more. Knowing that Im helping the environment instead of hurting it is the best part with the low emissions. I wish the rest of the world would see the light.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By KimberlyMF3 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my Honda Civic. I have always been a fan of Hondas and with the Civic it can be both affordable and very classy. It handles very well and is such a nice looking vehicle.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By honda_girl - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Honda Accord is AWESOME!! The heated leather seats and the CD player are awesome!! Also with the V6 engine, the car has lots of power! I LOVE my Honda and it is the first foreign car that I have owned and I absolutely love it!

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  My Accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By CR - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Having owned forty or more cars in the past 55 years I can honestly say that I rank the 2003 Accord near the top of the list as one of the best.

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  Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By ralfy - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The car is very good looking and a chick magnet. I really like cruising in my car, especially at night!

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  New Civic Believer - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Max - July 23 - 10:56 pm

  I traded in my Expedition for this Civic as a means to get rid of my truck and to resell the Civic with no problem. At first I was just going to keep it until I found something else that I was interested in, but not anymore. I am more than pleased with the purchase of this car. Before it was just an in-between car, but now the more and more I drive it, I couldnt believe why it took me so long to realize this is the best car for your dollar overall. Its so fun to drive, styling is amazing, interior feels like you are in a cockpit of a jet and best of all it is so practical for almost any occasion. My suggestion to anyone thinking of buying one is too buy it and never look back!

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  Honda did it right - 2006 Honda Civic
  By RickL - July 22 - 12:06 pm

  Im a honda guy since 1994 and have owned Civics and Accords. I traded my 98 Acura and bought an 06 civic EX sedan to improve mpgs. I think the new Civic styling is great - very Acura TSX-like. The interior is smart and has good fit and finish. Im impressed with quietness and responsiveness of the engine and got used to the new digital speedo very quickly. I hope the durability is comparable to my past civics, but so far, Im lovin it. Got the car in Nighthawk Black Pearl and it looks really good - especially with contrasting ivory interior. No noises or grunts yet - I wish us all good like with our new Civics.

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  Honda CRV-EX the pick of the litter - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Kenny - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives and rides so much better than the competitors. The power is there...much more than the gas hog Liberty and the considerably better than the Escape(why get a mini-suv with full size suv mileage. I considered the features the price the different levels of build quality and the drastic difference in reliability and I do not understand why anyone would get past the preliminary invesigation of the other vehicles. Advice to Honda..Make More CRVs and let people test drive them. I had to put a deposit on mine while some of my friends bought what was available i.e. Fords or Jeeps and now they wish they had waited.