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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  Safe & Sturdy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By JnMsMom - February 16 - 2:00 am

  The reason I bought my Honda was because of their rating for safety & reliability and it turned out to be a VERY wise choice! While at a complete stop, I was hit from behind by a pickup truck. The truck was totaled because the whole front end was smashed inward. However, my Accord required minimal repair - the steel behind the rear body panel was dented in about 2 inches and the trunk lid bowed up about 1/2 inch. It was amazing to see the difference in the two vehicles! Even after being in an accident, it still rides great, gets good gas mileage, and is a wonderful car.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2002 Honda Civic
  By MW757 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car since October and got a excellent deal as the 2003 models were coming in. I love the reliability and build quality from Honda. Its fun to drive and it looks great. I went for Honda 5-spoke alloy wheels and the EX really looks sporty. I fell in love with the car after a friend bought a HX model. My EX has been great on gas mileage about 34 mpg. You really cant go wrong with a Civic. The sedans are nice too.

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  We love our Honda Odyssey - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Tom Fong - February 15 - 2:00 am

  We like Japanese cars. We had a Toyota Camry before which we loved it. When we needed to upgrade to a minivan in 1996. We compared both Honda Odyssey and Toyota Previa. Honda Odyssey drives more like a car and is very passenger-friendly. After we own Honda Odyssey, we discover that Hondas designs are very smart. In 2001, when we needed to buy another sedan, we chose Honda Accord over Toyota Camry.

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  very cool - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By alphonse - February 15 - 2:00 am

  i like it but i think it be faster it only has a they could have put a v6 with 260 horse power

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  Canadian Si Coupe - USA EX Coupe - 1995 Honda Civic
  By HEXX - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car with about 250,000kms on it and it still runs like a beauty. Came with K&N filter and a could air intake which gives it a bit of a boost on takeoffs and keeps the engine really cool, even though winter does that pretty well too. Trunk came with a bit of a puddle in it around the wheelwell which I was told was because of condensation even though there is a drain plug inside it. Has a lot of pep and thank god I bought this one in standard, its really built for it though the gas tends to stick a bit when releasing the clutch which could be fixed by altering the timing a bit.

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  What can I say, its a Honda. - 1996 Honda Accord
  By kmgreen6260 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Why would anyone buy an American made piece of junk when they could own a car thats made in America but with Japanese Technology? Buy a Honda and I guarantee youll never buy an American made car again.

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  Bang For the Buck - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Rocky - February 15 - 1:33 am

  Well I traded my beloved GTI for a civic sedan. Needless to say Ill never buy a VW car again. Too many electrical problems. Vw has one of the worst ratings as far as realiabilty is concern. The civic on the other hand is great car. Simple yet good lookin. the fuel economy is great and the manual tranny is smooth for a compact sedan. All in all it was a good deal. Honda has always been reliable company.

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  Terrific Value - 2009 Honda Accord
  By auto buyer So. Cal. - February 15 - 1:30 am

  I bought a 2009 Honda Accord LX polished metal metallic with gray interior. I bought it for 800 under invoice. The fit and finish is excellent. The interior is spacious with high quality materials. The 2.4L 4 cylinder engine generates just the right amount of power with good gas mileage. The LX has just the right amount of amenities. I feel like I am driving a luxury car. I am impressed with the standard safety features: 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, VSC with Traction Control, air bags, and DRL. The crash test ratings are among the best. The literature reports low maintenance costs and high residual value. In its class, I think that it is the best value for the money!

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  Great Car/Suv/Van - 2004 Honda Element
  By rsr72 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Hard to put it in any category. Modern-day VW bus. Very roomy. Ride is very smooth. Most comfortable ride of any SUV-type vehicle I have ever ridden in. Good overall build quality. Powerful engine. Love it or hate it looks make it fun! Not your everday "cookie-cutter" design. Way to go Honda!

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  Roomy? Luxurious? Says who? - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Chill Will - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Okay, I do like the CD changer and sunroof. As for the rest of the car, I am not impressed. Outside, the design is bland, and the badly-aligned trunklid indicates poor build quality. Under the hood, I see a layout that dates back to 1990. Inside, controls and switchgear are well-weighted, but cheap materials are abundant. Seats are unsupportive, upholstered with econocar-like cloth, and cramped. The roof squeaks horribly, handling is wallowy, and the engine runs with an annoying drone. In the trunk, there is an un-lined trunklid, compact spare tire, and a rear seat that folds in one piece. No 60/40 split. This is unacceptable on a car of this class, where luxury is now an issue.