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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  A Great Car!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Scotty - January 17 - 6:23 am

  This car is great. It looks great, drives well, and I have had absolutely zero problems with it. I get 30+ mpg, and I love the sunroof and keyless entry. Very roomy, with a huge trunk (the two door is just as big as the 4 door, and almost as big as the Accord). I live in my car, and couldnt be happier. A Great car!

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  97 Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Sergio - January 16 - 7:02 pm

  It is a good reliable car that is really fun to drive the handling is excellent and its pretty fast you can feel the power right away its a 5 speed cluch transsmission and it peels in first three gears once you hit 4th it stops.

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  WOW ! - 2003 Honda Insight
  By Jimbeemer - January 16 - 6:59 pm

  I just bought this Insight yesterday and I can sum it up so far by saying WOW! This car is spacious for 2 adults, comfortable (almost like my Civic and much better than my Miata), fun to drive, gets great mileage (55 mpg with CVT so far after 900 miles and during the winter), has award-winning engineering and design, has the typical Honda fabulous build quality and attention to detail, and has slick cutting-edge technology everwhere you look (hybrid IMA system, silky smooth CVT transmission, electric power steering, automatic HVAC system, ABS brakes, and the list goes on-and-on).

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  Love My Honda FIT! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Bruce May - January 16 - 9:06 am

  I just got my 2008 Honda FIT Sport Trim with Automatic. I love every bit of it. It is stylish, fun to drive, excellent room and great gas mileage. The only things needed are power driver seat, intermittent rear windshield wiper with washer, center console, actual oil change specification, automatic headlights on at dark, Also include as standard, floor mats, rear cargo cover, and multiple 12 volt DC plugs and several 120 volt AC plugs. I highly recommend the Automatic Sport Trim FIT, you can go with the automatic or shift without touching a clutch. The AC and radio are GREAT! I also recommend the 8 year 100,000 mile extended warranty, cargo cover and extra window tinting.

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  Jack-of-all-trades, master of some - 2004 Honda Element
  By somanycars - January 16 - 6:12 am

  After driving my 04 Element for 7+ months now, I couldnt be happier with my purchase. This is one versatile vehicle, which does many things capably and some things brilliantly. A bit of background: Ive owned a stupid number of vehicles (about 20) in the last 20 years, everything from tiny sports cars to vans to SUVs to pickups, and the Element seems to me to be unique in that it has at least a little something thats desirable in all those segments rolled into one vehicle.

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  Good Value, Not Much Fun To Drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Maile - January 15 - 10:33 pm

  Overall, the Accord was a great value however it is just not that much fun to drive. The engine has enough HP to get up and going, yet lacks sport car quality. The reliability, roominess of the interior, and great financing rates prompted my decision to buy this car. The car produces a moderate amount of road noise too; It is not quiet. I looked at the Acura TL and will be trading in the Accord. The Acura still has great value and is the Accords luxury sport version that appeals to those who want a car that is stylish and fun to drive. The Accord appealed to my practical side and the TL appealed to my senses as well. If you have a few extra bucks to spend it might be worth it.

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  Brand New Sport CVT! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By flhondaowner - January 15 - 5:45 pm

  I purchased the 2013 Accord Sport in black last week. I chose the Sport model because I believe it looks nicer than a LX, and of course is roughly $2000 less than an EX. The base Accord comes with everything you need. Like many here, I have owned tons of makes including, SAAB, Audi, Honda, Buick, Chevy etc. The fit and finish on this Accord is really superb. I would not say it is in line with an Audi, but very close and much better than others. Each time I drive the car I find more and more features and driving the car is more fun each time as well. Also note: I actually like the looks of the 2013 Subaru Legacy Sport, but the Accord won on value. Also drove the Fusion and Altima.

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  Wouldnt Drive Anything Else - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Gary in Illinois - January 15 - 12:33 pm

  This is my 4th Accord and the best yet. I wanted something a little more upscale than my 04 Accord, so I looked at the Acura TL, Audi A4, and Cadillac CTS. I couldnt believe the new Accord would outweigh the TL or A4, but it did. It took a while for the front end design to grow on me. The 06 changes are very pleasing, and I think the new rear design looks like Cadillac designs. No more looking beyond the Accord for something more upscale. Im glad I looked, but much happier I stayed with the Accord. Quiet, comfortable, good looking, and a complete joy to drive. The best vehicle Ive owned in my 30-plus years of driving. Honda family. My wife drives an 05 Pilot and loves it.

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  Honda Quality and Custorme Care - 2005 Honda Accord
  By GM - January 15 - 9:40 am

  Purchased an 05 Accord EX w/Leather in 10/04 from Performance Honda in Fairfield OH. By 11/04 the windshield began making noises. Tried twice to get this fixed and failed both times. Called Honda Care to complain about the car (not the dealer). With Honda Care involvement, the service manager decided to make it personal and the situation got ugly. Honda walked away from their responsibility and I lost a dealer I had been using for 15 years. Windshield still makes noises and the problem is spreading throughout the interior. The rear window, passenger side molding, drivers door window, etc., etc., all pop, creak and snap. All-in-all a most frustrating and unpleasant experience.

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  Amazing Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By pdotson - January 15 - 7:30 am

  I have owned my Crosstour for 6 months now. I have the pewter gray with light tan interior and Navi. I just absolutely love this car. I traded in an older Lexus RX-330,(too expensive to repair). I have no regrets. My family and I are taking it on a nice long road trip this weekend. With its price, style, and gas mileage this is by far a fantabulous car. I get so many double-takes and compliments from others. I just love my handsfree link talking system...awesome! Thanks Honda.