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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  Low $ / High Return - 1999 Honda Civic
  By did - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Three years old and it still gets looks from everybody. Great performance form only 1.6 liters. Rev it up to 6-7,000 rmp and let it rip. Get rid of the crappy Michelins, switch to performance tires. I have Toyo Proxes T1-S on her now, and what a difference. Change the brake pads as soon as you can, get EBC Green Stuff pads, youll love them. This car gets 30+ mpg on the highway and 22+ when you decide to play. Reliable,Reliable,Reliable,Reliable. Bottom line.....Best Si Honda has made to date (although, the new Si HB is very, very nice).

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  Perfect Compact Sedan - 1999 Honda Civic
  By INDIAN - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent small size sedan, reliable, good styling, good mileage and on top of everything holds its value over the period of time.

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  Honda Civic LX Review - 1999 Honda Civic
  By Lamb - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. Get excellent mpg av 34mpg. Fun to drive. Zippy. One qualifier however is that it takes time to accelerate to the zippy level..a few seconds but once you reach speed then great maneuverability. No major work done just normal maintenance..oil changes etc...

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Krisak - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first economy car after owning ford and chevy pickup trucks. The ride is very smooth and the the 1.7 liter vortec has enough power( remember that this is a economy car and not a sports car) so dont expect it to be fast. The rotors do tend to warp, So expect a pronounce shimmy while braking at high speeds.

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  Still a top choice - 2002 Honda Accord
  By flyersfan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have close to 80k miles on this car and it hasnt shown any sign of age. With the 5-speed,4cyl, I average around 33-35 mpg and have several times bumped 600 miles on a tank of gas. This car is super-roomy and drives well with a full load. Consumer Reports honestly believes that the LX-V6 is a better choice than the EX-4cyl. I couldnt disagree more. Why give up a keyless remote, moonroof, alloy wheels and two extra speakers just for a little extra zip and a little worse gas mileage?

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  Quality Car - Saves money on repair and fuel - 2013 Honda Civic
  By Heather Green - October 24 - 6:10 am

  it looks really "sharp" for being "just" a civic and I never had any issues with it in 3 years besides regular maintenance.

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  Surprised - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Moreno - October 24 - 2:00 am

  Great auto. Good styling. Lots of interest from others. Excellent gasoline mileage. Seats a bit hard. Airconditioning excellent. Quiet. Solid ride. May be uncomfortable for larger people. Im 53".

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1993 Honda Accord
  By yoho711 - October 24 - 2:00 am

  My 1993 Honda Accord 4Dr LX Sedan is a perfect vehicle to drive. Japanese cars will always dominate other vehicles. This Accord has a perfect engine, transmission, performance, and etc. I recommend this vehicle to other car buyers out there.

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  Its a blast!! - 2000 Honda S2000
  By Luvtoact - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for over a year now and still love every moment Im in it. If you want speed in a car, this is the one to buy. Plus it turns heads everywhere you go. The only problem is that everyone wants to race me. Oh, well.

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  We LOVE our Odyssey - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By skparker - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Our 99 Odyssey has been a GREAT kid hauler. It gave 5 years of problem-free service...3 kids back and forth to school, soccer, little league, camping. We even hauled a 2700# camper about 6 times each summer with it (tow pkg). The cargo liner is a must. We just replaced the 99 with a 2004 Odyssey EXL-RES...we paid $24k when we bought the 99, and sold it for $16k 5 years later!