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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  Honda Does No Wrong....AGAIN - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Roostalee - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the 4 cylinder EX with leather for about a month now, about 700 miles of driving. I cannot say enough about the car, its just does everything right. Having driven Civics for the last ten years, the Accord is a huge step up in every department. The 2.4 liter 4 is plenty torquey (and smooth), so I had no need for the V6. That saved me a couple of grand to get the EX with leather, which feels like a much more expensive car. Everything is laid out well, and Honda adds nice touches like stainless steel interior accents and XM radio. I just dont see how they crammed this much car into a $24,000 pricepoint.

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  Honda Accord: Think Twice b4 Buying - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Jim Schwabenbauer - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Honda makes a great drivetrain; engine and transmission always seem to work well together and prove to be reliable. However, Ive had continued electrical problems w/ the traction control & ABS. My Accord has 3000 miles on it and been in 5 times to be fixed, Im not convinced they know what the problem is. Honda is unwilling to replace my car with a new one, which is unacceptable. Im now a future Toyota owner.

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  Best Minivan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Snipes8 - September 30 - 10:20 pm

  We bought this minivan over the Toyota mainly because of the sales experience. Toyota was pushy and did not have any models we wanted in stock. We were hesitant at buying a minivan just because of the style but we found out it drives smoothly for a minivan and the turn radius is magnificent. The backup camera is great but it makes things look farther away then what they are. My son absolutely loves the DVD, especially with the 9" screen compared to Toyotas 7". There is plenty of room for 7 passengers and cargo. The second row seats slide forward for easy entry into the third row. Gas mileage could be better, only getting 17 vs 20 that they say.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By k&b - September 30 - 6:40 pm

  Have had the Civic for 2 weeks now and loving every minute of it. Took a long trip this weekend with the 2 kids and it was a tight fit with the car seats but it is a "compact" car. We now have 1200 miles on the car and have gotten 35-36 mpg. It is a very responsive car and fun to drive. No problems thus far. Highly recommend it if it is not to small. (the drivers seat fits tall and short people very well thanks to the adjustable steering wheel and seat)

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  30-Something Van Owner - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By LuvMy05Ody - September 30 - 4:03 pm

  Bought the van, and I love it (never thought I would say that, by the way). This van is very practical and functional as a van should be. I wish the paint quality on the bumper was better, it seems to chip off very easily. But, who cares, its a van, right! It drives exceptionally well, and the kids enjoy being up high and seeing everything. Seat comfort is fine for me, but everyone is different. There is a slight rattling sound near the passenger side slider, but who cares, its a van, right! All in all, it blows away most vans on the market today (I test drove them all), and the extra money spent on this van versus the domestic junk out there is well worth it. Check True Cost to Own data.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Just some guy - September 30 - 3:09 pm

  I bought my 1998 Civic brand new for $13,300 and after almost 20 years and 194,000 miles she is still chugging along. I still drive this car everyday because every time I turn the key it starts. I am scared to buy a new car because I dont want to be let down. My 98 Civic is the most reliable thing in my life. It has out lasted lawn mowers, dishwashers, refrigerators... It is not flashy, it is not fast off the line, it does not have all the electronics that are in todays cars, but it is incredibly fuel efficient, practical, and perfectly simple. I love this car.

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  Excellent drive! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By frawgster - September 30 - 10:20 am

  I just had my new Civic LX coupe delivered to me last week. This car is just plain phenomenal. Its everything I expected, and more. Styling is perfect. It has a perfect balance of sportiness and sensibility. When looked at from the outside, it may seem that the interior is not very spacious. That couldnt be further from the truth. The front seats are more than ample (Im 6 feet tall, and fit fine. The person who delivered the car to my office was 65", and fit fine), and the back seats, though small, are roomier than expected. Ergonomically, the car is perfect. Every knob, button, and lever is perfectly placed. The car handles and accelerates very well. Its a lot of fun to drive.

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  Excellent sporty car! - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Honda/Acura gal - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Had this car for 11 years before handing it off to my husband who drives many miles with it everyday. Excellent car! 136,000 miles now and still going strong. Spoiler and sunroof makes it. Fold down rear seat nice for moving items. One little rust spot on rear quarter panel and if not for that, looks brand new and still receiving compliments on it!

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  Not much for $30k IMO. - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By chet - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Moderate build quality at best. Tin can sheet metal that dents at the touch of a child, poor paint job, and substantial NVH presence. My biggest gripe is that I paid for leather on the sticker but the vehicle has this crappy vinyl imitation leather inside. It doesnt even feel like leather and it tears very easily. I remember better interior on my familys old 1981 Chevette. Truly pathetic.

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  Great Choice! - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By dlbos - September 29 - 4:10 pm

  The Crosstour is a great car. My first Honda was an 07 Civic Hybrid that was a great car, but at 70 it was not easy to get in and out. I saw the Crosstour at the Chicago Auto Show and was convinced. I just drove a thousand miles and got 27.6 mpg with great comfort. It reminded me of the BMW I once owned. No regrets from the purchase and I got a great deal although I had to wait 2 months for delivery.