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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  Sweet! - 2005 Honda Accord
  By pedr - September 13 - 11:46 pm

  A recommended the Accord to me. I did a lot of research before getting this car and I must say I have no regrets. ItÂ’s a wonderful ride, comfortable, lots of room. I think it is the perfect family car. I can honestly say I have fun driving it.

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  Exactly What We Expected - 2005 Honda Accord
  By MarkB - September 13 - 10:26 pm

  Have owned 3 previous Hondas going back to 1981. The 2005 LX is nothing fancy in terms of features, but we werent looking for lots of glitz with this car. Its quiet, the VTEC 4 has plenty of pop, you can easily hit 70 on the on ramp. Weve been getting 27mpg, mix of city and highway. Seats are comfortable, layout of interior and storage locations are nice and make sense. Trunk space is more than youd expect looking at the exterior.

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  Excellent job - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By ron hugate - September 13 - 12:10 pm

  I consider myself myself as a rainy day driver(test drive on rainy days)of various trucks, the Ridgeline far exceeded all the other brands in all categories, just pick one. You can tell by the quality to detail and practicality of all the bells and whistles. excellent

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  Elder Car(e) - 2004 Honda Element
  By Steve D. - September 13 - 5:00 am

  totally reliable, fun to drive, boxie, zip drive. What else can you say it is a Honda !!

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  Good but not great - 1998 Honda Accord
  By hondolay - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had 3 recalls and six additional items go wrong with this car in five years/50,000 miles - since it was new - a record for any car Ive owned in the last 35 years. Service never could get the sunroof to quit rattling (not one of the items I refer to above). Im tired of camping out at the Dealers. The seats are too hard and my butt hurts after a couple of hours of driving - sometimes after 1/2 hour. Insurance it surprisingly pricey for this car. Rock solid engine. Rock solid suspension. Decent handling but its no sportscar - see S2000. Good fuel economy. Why do headlights need to fail after five years?

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  Honda S2000=Quality & Performance - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Bills2k - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The Honda S2000 is an awesome car with the perfect blend of high performance with decent gas milage. It is a fun car to drive and gives me the same feeling that only my previous Corvettes give me. I cant explain that feeling. You just have to drive one and you will know exactly what I mean. It is like your on top of the world when driving the S2000.

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  mcknights honda civic - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Charles Mcknight - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Hello I love my honda civic I just wish the interior was more of a factor while the design of this car was being made,although the comfirtability is great. In the near future I would like to see better quality as far as the material used when designing these interior products goes . Thanks Honda , Charles MCknight.

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  1995 Honda Accord LX - 1995 Honda Accord
  By shadow - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We have own this vehicle since it was brand new in late 94. We have had no problems and just recently took it in to replace all the belts on it with only 73,000 miles we have continued to get 30 MPG or better on the highway with the lowest being 23MPG in town in the cold winter that Alaska can offer. this is our 4 Honda vehicle we owned.

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  Time will tell - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Not so happy - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Great van for conveience with infants and toddlers. Power sliding doors a plus.Great power.Need improvement on driver and passenger arm rest comfort. Transmission is begining to make a high pich noise at certain speeds. Honda coustomer service is no help either. For this reason probaly will not buy another Honda.

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  City Car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By bordsource - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The Civics an excellent city car- for short distances and especially for city driving, the car really is the best out there. If your driving habits include long distances, high speeds, or long commutes, then forget it. The noise levels above 75mph are ridiculous, the car is easily deflected at highway speeds by trucks and crosswinds, and the seats arent that comfortable (no lumbar support). For short hops, though, none of these problems are large enough to be noticeable. Spend some quality time with the car, however, and you notice those things plus the fact that the suspension (on 01s at least) is too soft for optimal control.