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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  2008 Honda Civic EX 4-Dr. 5M - 2008 Honda Civic
  By MATT - February 28 - 3:03 pm

  I drive an 08 black Civic EX 5M. All in all this vehicle is very fun to drive. I love the shift, very easy compared to my previous manual vehicles. I seriously average between 34-38 mpg per fill up. No joke. I can get average 430-470 miles per tank and its not even a hybrid. Mileage has a lot to do with owners driving. I have tons of fun on side streets with my car, but keep the highway driving around 60, and that shows about 40 mpg on the highway. With my crazy driving on side streets, it averages to 35 mpg usually. Great car for MPG!

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  Satisfied choice - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By NJ - February 28 - 12:13 pm

  I returned my 07 Accord SE lease and bought a new 2010 Honda CR-V EX AWD. Odometer now reads 200 miles. The car is very comfortable, lots of room, and build quality is top notch. However, this car lacks power. CR-V is on little heavy side powered by 2.4L 4 banger. I havent tested AWD capability on wet or snow traction yet. One aspect that I really dont like is the Grade Logic Control system that locks into lower transmission during hill climbing and descent. My mind thinks it should up-shift in certain point but it holds down the transmission too long, and shift isnt smooth as Accord. Overall, I made a good choice and I really like the car. Ill get used to GLC in 3 years. =)

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  Choice for the cost conscious - 2000 Honda Civic
  By kt - February 28 - 10:00 am

  If you check these web sites about how much the Civic DR is still worth after some years, youll know what I mean. I havent had any mechanical problems with this car. All I had to do was take it to the dealer for routine maintenance and check ups.

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  fun and stuff - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jennyjump - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1999 CRV - then went to a new Accord - missed the CRV for utility - What a difference from the 1999. Had a problem in the beginning with the ABS light coming on - ended up getting the entire ABS assembly replaced. Dealer was perplexed. No problem since - but it was an expensive (to the dealer) fix. Avant garde attempt with the gear shifter - but it does get in the way of the radio controls - I noticed a couple of people mentioning the clicking sound when you shift in and out of gear when stopped - took it in to dealer for that - they said this noise is typical for the car and nothing to worry about. Lets hope.

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  Best available, can be better - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Hitesh Parekh - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my Odyssey from past 3 months & have absolutely no complaints. Though looks huge, surprisingly rides very smoothly. Long drive can be tiring due to not-so- comfortable seats & unsupportive arm rest.

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  Off /road Machine - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bbnet - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Just did initial 600 mile test run in Mts. of Western North Carolina. Very smooth on highway, a little too much body roll in curves(used to bimmer) This is a serious off-road vehicle , It was toe to toe with a landcruiser but the Honda was much more smooth. Great fun and comfort off road. With DVD, the ultimate small family machine. For now,the havasu blue , one of the best looking vehicles on the road today.

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  Good but not for the markup - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Min-Hsien Wang - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Pilot is a good car if in the MSRP. With markup range from $2,000 to $4,000, it justifies another look of MDX. A little bumpy on highway even the road is not that bad. A little crowded for a family of six.

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  Hard Seats - 2002 Honda Accord
  By - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Seats are harder than previous vehicle (Chevy Impala). Handling is excellent

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  Just what I was looking for - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Monique Miller - February 28 - 7:28 am

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  Honda Prelude - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By krhault - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Great pick up speed. Small trunk and interior. 23 MPG and only takes premium gas.