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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  Great Car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By jcj2p - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Civic and I couldnt be happier! I love this car. It has so many great features at a very reasonable price, which was a big seller since Im a college student. Plus, I got the 1.9% APR financing, so it is very affordable.

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  Reliable and Fuel Economy - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Vinc - September 12 - 10:00 am

  No doubt, Honda Civic is the most reliable and most fuel efficient car that I ever had.

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  Powerful and safe - 2003 Honda Accord
  By hmurphy - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of its great crash test ratings and safety features, but I love it for its powerful engine and lovely interior. It feels very stable and strong. The only drawback is the somewhat bumpy ride due to the stiffer suspension. The seats, however, cushion you quite nicely. All in all, a fabulous car.

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  Love It - 2003 Honda Accord
  By H Fan - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased this car to replace my 01 Honda Civic EX. Love the new styling and features for the price asked on the 03 Accord Coupe. I went for the 2.4L 4cyl. 5spd Auto EX-L it has everything I wanted!!

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  Small but Fun and Mighty - 1991 Honda Civic
  By Cathyozz - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my SI for 14 years and loved every minute of it. FUN car to drive, and practical, carries alot of stuff. Mileage is great. Feels like a sports car.

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  Best car for the money - 1991 Honda Accord
  By GGGman - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car

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  Not as good as I expected - 1997 Honda Accord
  By handbook - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car because of the reputation for reliability, but ended up disappointed. The biggest problem is slow power windows that sometimes stop completely in cold weather. No one has ever been able to fix them. Ive also had a couple of leaks. In hindsight, I would have bought a car that was more fun to drive instead of this boring sedan.

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  Not happy - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By swedepwr - September 12 - 2:00 am

  This mini van is trouble. I had Chrysler vans and the reliability is better than Honda. The service is awful the dealer replaced the transmission twice (recall) after the first replacement a vibration in the steering wheel occured and now 130k miles later they have still not been able to fix the car. They replaced the struts and after that now its eating tires. Honda tells me to replace more parts to my expense. I have spent about 7000 dollars to fix the car and its still not working right.I would stay away from this car if you take long trips.

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  Sarsis Honda the Great - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By sarsi - September 11 - 11:06 pm

  It was fun and easy to drive, very comfortable for both driver and passengers, it feels like driving a big car. Braking system is superb.Lots of leg room for driver and passengers as well.

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  2000 Accord LX V6 Coupe - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Scott F - September 11 - 8:33 pm

  Great Car. Excellent build quality. Gas mileage is OK, 24-25 AVG. Car is faster than I thought, impressing me in 0-60 and passing power. In the LX a CD player was not standard, so I have to add a CD player. Interior is very comfortable.