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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  Its Great - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Glen - September 15 - 11:00 am

  ok, a little hard to find in stock, hard to make a deal, but this car is great. Nice to purchase a product worth the $$ it costs. Only had a week, but like the vehicle better than anticipated. Build quality great like most Hondas, but the design in & out is super! Nice that a close to entry leval car has such style. Purchased car to have something other than the gas hog we must have to tow our trailer.

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  Excellent Transportation, DONT RACE!!! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By FrugalCommuter - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle at an auction in February of 2002 for $775. The car was rammed into a curb, then left to die. I replaced the front passenger side suspension.Hondas are so easy to work on, didnt take more then a weekend to get that replaced. I have driven the car for 20,000 miles since, so far I have only replaced the axels. Handels well for the liberal suspension setup. Easily take corners at 90. Brakes have been acceptable, but not great due to the rear drum configuration. Trunk is well sized for the car. Tank is too small. Blow motor doesnt blow enough air. Car just needs about 30 more horsepower.

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  Very Cool Mini SUV! - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By C Andy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is my first SUV, my first Honda. Perfect for my 80 mile daily commute in MN weather! It is very solid, sturdy and quick. I feel safe, confident & cool in this CRV! There are only 2 things that I dont care for: 1. cup holders: too shallow, cups tip over (I fixed it by putting 1-sided sticky foam inside the holder) and 2. the seat belts are awkward to fasten.

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  Nice but gas mileage better on my 1999! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jules - September 14 - 8:10 pm

  This car is nice looking, it is comfortable and the interior is a lot of bang for the buck considering the price. However, I do feel the engine is lacking a big, at only 2,500 miles I already feel a little idle rumble when I start the car and its not nearly as good on gas as my 99 Civic EX which I also still have. Thats a big disappointment to me. The brakes also seem like they are working super hard all the time and they make an awful noise when breaking on any type of hill. I dont believe they are going to last too long. Those are my only gripes, its a nice little car.

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  So Far, So Good ! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bdazzled101 - September 14 - 4:23 pm

  After owning over a dozen American Made cars, this is my first Honda. The first thing I noticed was how "solid" the car felt. Looks like a small car on the outside, but inside it looks alot bigger than it actually is. Nice expansive interior. Layout of dash/interior very user friendly. Everything easy to reach and use. Wide front view while driving, no blind spots. Very comfortable seating & alot of room to spare & Im 6 1". The LX automatic is nicely equipped already. Im adding blue interior lighting under the dash areas. Gas mileage is outstanding! 31 mpg in the city-so far. Advertised 28. If this car lives up to its past proven record while I own it, Im buying another Honda later on!

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  Civic EX - 2009 Honda Civic
  By amber - September 14 - 12:13 pm

  First Honda. Had a Matrix before this. Love the look of this car and the way it drives. Antilock brakes occasionally feel "crunchy." Auto transmission doesnt always shift smoothly. Axle nut loose after 6000 miles. Do not like the auto up windows or the seat belt alarm that takes forever to go off. (I know, I know, its illegal to not wear a seatbelt!) 35 mpg hwy is great. Not so good city driving. About 24 mpg. Combo driving is still good. Ride is hard but will try the lower tire pressure.

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  What a great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Lazonni Gates - September 14 - 10:40 am

  This is really a wonderful car. It performs exceptionally, low maintenance, sleek lines.. and a tremendous CD/stereo

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  You get what you pay for. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jacques - September 14 - 5:03 am

  This has been a great buy. Car works beautifully. I do not suggest getting the navigation. The factory unit cost too much considering you can buy a top of the line off the self for 1/3 the cost and you can take it with you fromcar to car.

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  redesigned Honda Odyssey is nice but.... - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By david4784 - September 14 - 1:10 am

  We have owned this van for about a month and we have taken several trips. We love everything about the van but the seats. They have to be the worst seats I have even been in. They are very unconformable. Friends of ours have a Dodge caravan and its seats are 1000 times better, but dont get me wrong I wouldnt buy anything but a Honda. We test drove every mini van out there and we decided to buy the best overall value and thatÂ’s a Honda Odyssey.

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  Three Times The Charm - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Tony - September 14 - 12:43 am

  This is my third Accord 5 speed coupe This car the best one yet in gas mileage performance, comfort and looks.