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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  Head Turner - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Fallacy124 - April 1 - 1:57 am

  I purchased my Insight 2 1/2 years ago. I noticed that reviews say you dont get the mileage on the sticker, theyre right. I get better!!! You just have to know how to drive one of these cars, you cant drive it like a normal car and it takes time to learn it. 70 mpg is not unreasonable to attain with this vehicle. No problems whatsoever in 35,000 miles.

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  Fifth Honda, and still getting better! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Tom J. - March 31 - 10:40 pm

  Since getting my Civic EX in June 06, I have had a few issues with it. Starting at around 50 mph, there is a low whistle heard at the front part of the car. I thought it was the mirrors or the wheels and tires. Took it to dealer (less than 1000 miles at the time), who could not fix the problem. Said they are all like that. Not a good answer. Also, the one-touch up and down switch for the drivers window is WAAAAAAY too sensitive and hard to regulate. Im going to talk to the dealership to see if they can bypass or switch it out to a "normal" window switch. The car as a whole is screwed together very well. Great fit and finish. Mine is royal blue pearl metallic, with the beige interior.

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  A little red dream - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Joe - March 31 - 7:53 pm

  My little red civic hatchback (3 door) is a dream to own. with oil changes every 3000 miles, it has run like new since the day i got it. i havent had any problems with it what so ever. If you are looking for a reliable and stylish used car, this is the one to go with. it wont let you down.

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  Yeah It Goes - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Judi - March 31 - 6:35 pm

  Yeah it goes and I mean, it goes. The ride is a little choppy and the interior is a little cramped (it forces me to keep the clutter down because theres nowhere to put it). But man, you wont find a more fun car to drive in this price range! I saw it in the Honda show room and fell in love! And its 6 speeds! If you want to turn heads everywhere you go and have people beside you at gas stations ask you about your car, then buy it. I even had some people driving a Civic and sitting beside me at a red light ask me what kind of Honda it was because they had never seen one before. And they were mighty impressed.

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  Excellent Odyssey - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Don Benson - March 31 - 5:23 pm

  We finally purchased our first Honda. Its a 2000 Odyssey EX and we have quicky discovered how thoughtfully designed this upscale minivan is. We appreciate the automatic climate controls and excellent attention to detail. For example, our previous Ford Windstar could not handle a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood and the Odyssey can with the rear door shut. We certainly feel we made the right choice and look forward to many trouble free miles ahead.

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  Words do nothing... - 2006 Honda Accord
  By dorkus - March 31 - 1:56 pm

  I must say, this car has more than lived up to expectations. It is far more refined than others in its class, and its so nice having the performance, luxury, and affordability all in one car. My V6 is getting 27 mpg on average. The heated seats and mirrors are wonderful, and the dash layout is very effective, along with the steering wheel audio controls. The brakes really are a bit softer than I like, but the rest of the performance makes up for it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of luxury with performance, and practicality, at a price others would pay 6k more for. This Accord is the best yet.

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  love my civic - 1999 Honda Civic
  By johnnyd - March 31 - 10:00 am

  by far the absolute coolest first car for a kid. there are some issues w/ cheap tires and brakes, but other than that great car. no problems at all and highly recommended.

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  Transmission problems on Civic HX model - 1999 Honda Civic
  By stacy - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new HX in 99. Today with 32k miles its been in the shop 5x w/ transmission failure. The CVT tranmission has been replaced 2x and has been flushed out 3x. Honda cant fix it, every 6000-8000 miles it fails. At an intersection when the light turned green it went into reverse when it was in DRIVE. On the free-way it jerks when it changes gears. A CVT trans is supposed to have smooth gear shifting. The new 03 HX has the same CVT transmission. A Honda service advisor said these problems are starting to show up around the country with the HX. There is no fix, Honda engineers are going to ponder over it and get back to me.

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  The BEST pocket-rocket!!!! - 2000 Honda Civic
  By darinordino - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I reviewed and drove many, many cars before buying my 2000 Si and finally decided that it offered the most for the money. I have not been disappointed since. This car flat out ROCKS!!! It has awesome, easy to use power and anyone with a VTEC motor will tell you that the sound is great. handling is flat and precise. Ive had no problems whatsoever during my 2+ years of ownership. I trade cars pretty regularly (a new car about every 2 years) but I will DEFINITELY keep this car as long as possible. A keeper!!

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  A FULL HOUSE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jimily - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Car drives like a cloud, no pitch, no roll. The interior is huge and can easily carry the whole team. The Ody is powered by the 3.5 Acura proven engine and gets to 60mph in a heart beat. Take it for a test drive if your lucky enough to find one.