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 little car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By zchick - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for five years now and have just decided to sell it for a bigger vehicle. It has 178,000 miles and is still kickin. It has taken me to New England (850 miles) and back and many places in between. I would recommend these cars to anyone.

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  One Sweet Ride - 1992 Honda Civic
  By christauph - April 23 - 2:00 am

  When I picked this car up it hadnt been treated very well, but after doing some minor maintenance such as brakes, hoses, belts and tune-up, it was wonderful! This car took me on many a road trip and was my daily driver on the pot-holed streets of New York City. It was nice and peppy with the 5- speed and handled great. City mileage could have been a little better for a 1.5L, but then again I drove it pretty hard. Highway mileage was great. I Bought the car with 130k and sold it with 155k to get something bigger. This car was infinitely better than the Saturn I had from the same year, which developed scores of problems at just 60k!

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  Matt Adams Thank You! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Hot Renee - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is cheeper in gas then the payment. I was spending nearly $400 pr month in gas commuting in my Dodge, but now with the low monthly payment and gas together is less then $300.00 Thank You Matt Adams for making this deal work for me!!!!!!

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  Insight is Great - 2004 Honda Insight
  By pukapuyo - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Best Car I ever owned, much better then the SLK Merc I traded it for.

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  It will run forever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By MLF_66062 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This car will run forever. I have 235,000 miles on mine. It has some nuiscance items later in its life (oil leak, main relay (causes problems starting the car in hot hot weather), etc.). Overall, though, if youre a frugal person that will stay with a car for a long time, this is the one for you. I have had extremely low maintence costs and have really enjoyed owning this car.

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  my cool accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By lil hawk - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as 2nd car to not have to drive truck all time. You just cant beat a Honda Accord. 10 years old and dash and instrument panel is modern, excellent quality, and looks good. excellent 5 speed shifting. engine runs like new. very good handling/ride compromise. cold a/c. great gas mileage. still looks hot even at 10!!! NO American make of same age could even come close to the attributes of the Accord!! Feel like the car has a lot of years left.

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  Good choice for the money - 1999 Honda Accord
  By notsoslimshady - April 23 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very reliable. Weve put on a lot of miles, and not only is it great on gas, but other than basic oil changes, nothing has been replaced on it or has been broken....65k and still going strong

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  Best Value on the Market - 2004 Honda Accord
  By kaerae - April 22 - 4:40 am

  This is my 3rd Honda Accord to own, and I just keep going back to them! My last one was a 2002 EXL-V6, and I traded for the 4-cylinder this time for better gas mileage. I was really impressed with the improved acceleration in the 4- cylinder as compared to the 2002 model, I dont miss the 6- cylinder at all, and this one is sooo much more fun to drive and a whole lot more comfortable!

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  Red Civic Bird - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Satish Kokle - April 22 - 3:50 am

  getting in and out of car can be little inconvenient. I felt the Pickup was ok not great. Drove it to Hoston Tx and back runs good, good mileage, For long trips be ready to fill often as the gas tank is only 10 gallon.

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  Bad Seats Noisy Interior Balky Trans - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Driver 46 - April 22 - 12:00 am

  Dont buy. Unfindable cant-fix-it interior rattles & bumps and rough highway pavement. Balky starts from standstill - drivers new to car stall in traffic again and again. Seatbelt alarm makes punishing howl six times if one doesnt buckle up before starting car, so one must first open door with key, put down key down, buckle up, then pick up key and start car. Forget to do it and get punished by ugly noise. There is no sound insulation at all - hear every noise in wheel wells. Seat back mechanism to enter rear does not go back to position so seat backs must be readjusted each time. NO LUMBAR SUPPORT. Less than average directional stability. This car stinks.