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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  Love my Pilot - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By soso - May 22 - 4:56 pm

  I love my ilot! It drives very smooth. I have had no maintence problems.

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  My First and Last Model - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Lloyd Banks - May 22 - 2:00 am

  theres a lot to say about this car, i bought this car to make it like 2 fast 2 furious and its beautiful. easy to fix up after market parts are easy to find. exterior styling and beautiful, performance is good but could be better and intererior is great. the car runs great and is reliable and is a beautiful car to drive ladies love it also ).

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  Love the new Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sargepaws - May 21 - 12:23 pm

  This is the third Honda we have owned. Honda continues to impress with its design and build quality. The first trip to the pump netted 40.5 miles per gallon. The car is driven approximately 450 miles per week. 70% of which are highway miles, the remainder being stop and go city driving. The navigation system is a must have. To think I almost decided against it. These cars are hard to come by though and it was either take the Navi system or wait for another EX to arrive. The voice activation works great once you get used to all the commands. Great idea to offer the navi system as an option in this class of car. The braking system is top notch. Keep up the good work Honda!

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  Disappointed 15yr Honda owner - 2001 Honda Civic
  By traveler777x - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March 2003. I am the only owner of it. I have had 3 recalls and 1 MAJOR TSB (the CVT needed replacing and no one told me--i found out on my own, luckily in time!). Car drives like all Hondas ive owned (3). Very spry and quick for its 117HP. Lousy reliability this time around, a few service issues (eg. cruise light broken and badly repaired), the air condition button keeps falling off (?!), and the in-dash CD-changer gets stuck constantly. Bad Honda! Im buying a Mazda soon.

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  Follow-up to "Spunky Little Car" - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Mom23Kids - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I mentioned my AC had no freon in my prior review, my car is now 3 months old and has visited the dealer one too many times. Turns out after 2 trips to service and a nasty letter to Customer Service, my car was kept at the dealers for an AC investigation (3 times). Turns out there was a leak. They say they fixed it, lets hope so. I would hate to associate "Lemon with Honda".

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  CIVIC SI 04 - 2004 Honda Civic
  By MOON - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I WAS LOOKING FOR A GAS SAVER AND FIRST SAT IN AN EX CIVIC NOT MUCH HEAD ROOM THE SALESMAN SHOWED ME THE SI. IT FEELS VERY ROOMY FOR ITS SIZE. THE SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE I WAS A LITTLE CONCERNED AS ABOUT A SMALL CAR AS IM A BIG GUY AT 250LBS. TO TRY OUT ITS POWER I PUT MY FAMILY IN THE CAR TWO ADULTS & 3 KIDS IN BACK, WOW PLENTY OF POWER. I WILL NEVER SIT IN THE BACK SO IM NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE ROOM IN THE BACK SEAT. THE INTERIOR FEATURES COULD BE A LITTLE BETTER. VERY GOOD VISIABILITY THIS IS A GREAT FUN CAR TO DRIVES

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  Comment of Canadian Acure EL equivalent - 2004 Honda Civic
  By jisitt - May 21 - 10:00 am

  In Canada, Honda markets a very high ned Civic called the Acura EL. This is like the EX model sold in the U.S.A. with 4-wheel disk breaks and side air bags. It is a good car, trouble free, fun to drive and economical. The only downside is soem dumbing down in amenities. My last car, an 86 Accord, had subjectively higher build quality touches like dooe bottom-mounted door- opening lights, better fitted carpeting in the trunck, object-holding compartments on the dash and more real fabric on the doors.

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  The car of the near future - 2004 Honda Civic
  By beemerboy - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Its a little car but its quiet, fun, peppy, and the economy is a thumb in the eye to the oil companies. The Honda quality is evident though we have a bit of a dash rattle. The two anti-theft systems got us an insurance break. The car asks nothing special of you but beware that its built for economy and not tire-shredding takeoffs. We routinely get better than 55 mpg in town and 48+ on the highway, better than the EPA numbers and better now than when brand new (10,400 miles ago). This is a CVT which "outmileages" the manual by a bit.

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By peppy accord - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Altima, and Camry and decided on the Accord based appearance, Hondas reputation for reliablity, and resale value. This car has exceeded my expectations. Gas milage is terrific (28+ MPG). I have driven it for 2000 miles and have not had to have it back to the dealership once, unlike my previous experiences with Ford products. I was so impressed with my Accord, I went out two months later and purhased my wife a 04 Odyssey, which has been great also. Honda has really got it together.

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  Accord 2004 one among the best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By gofars - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The car is very handy to drive .Driving this car gives the image that you are driving one of a wellknown German made car (you know what I mean ... those 3 cars).The exterior design ... unbelievable .. it looks like one of a Pininfarina s design !)