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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  Great Little Car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Carl - September 9 - 11:00 am

  Bought an 05 SE LX with 5spd. Got 40 mpg on trip from VA to NJ with air on, and pushing each gear out of each tollbooth. Looking at 41-42 after car is broken in. Now have 500 miles on it. Handles great local and on highway. Has some wind noise at highway speeds and road noise on grooved road. And I fit well for a 62", 235lber.

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  I wish they still made the 4WS versions. - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Nene - September 9 - 2:00 am

  At 185K plus miles, Ive had only one incident of breaking down on the road and it has seen me safely through two accidents. I was rear-ended by a 3/4 ton truck, his bumper had more damage than my Prelude. This is the most reliable car Ive ever owned and I still get compliments about how good it looks despite the age.

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  One of the Finer Things in Life - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By CharlieLiu - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall the car is very fun to drive and is quick around the turns. Even though the car is 30xx lbs, it sure doesnt feel like it when you use it as a daily driver.

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  LX 4Dr / 5Spd - 1992 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new, passed along to my daughter in 1998, still going strong. Smooth, easy shifting clutch/trans provides excellent performance for a 4- cyl. Excellent car in New England winters - never stuck in the snow. Only components that didnt have long life were radio speakers and A/C. Comfortable for 4 adults, acceptable for 5.

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  Love everything but the A/C - 1994 Honda Accord
  By csmith6281 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new and passed on to my daughter in 2000 still going strong. Smooth, easy shifting 5-spd trans makes it fun to drive. Great acceleration for a 4-cyl. Interior room and trunk space great, comfortable for 4 adults, acceptable for 5. But the A/C has never worked well, and has sucked up a lot of money.

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  HARDY HONDA - 1997 Honda Civic
  By John on Long island - September 9 - 2:00 am

  So Far I have 148,000 miles on my Civic DX. So far. The only money I spent on it are for Oil Changes, 2 sets of Brakes. and I just changed into my 3rd set of tires. (I could still get 20K more out of them. but always play it safe to make up for the lack of ABS brakes). Other than that.. CANT ASK for a BETTER CAR.

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  Fit is quality - 2007 Honda Fit
  By FitDad - September 8 - 11:23 pm

  Everything you touch in the Fit feels more like Acura than economy car. You wont feel like you have a cheap car. The car handles brilliantly, accelerates very well and is fun to drive. Holds cargo behind the seats like an SUV (capacity rated nearly identical to the Honda Element) and gets 30-35 MPG. Its smaller than a lot of cars out there but all the airbags and the excellent crash test results are comforting. Its strong chassis does not bang and thud over rough pavement like some of its competition. A little more expensive than much of its competition (not so much when comparably equipped) but worlds better! We love this car!

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  the best so far - 2006 Honda Accord
  By fjp - September 8 - 10:16 pm

  This my fourth Accord going back to 1987. The 2006 is fun to drive, gets excellent gas mileage and comfortable. I looked at the Mercedes 230 and BMW 300 series and they can not compare with the Hondas overall value and quality.

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  My 1997 Honda Accord SE - 1997 Honda Accord
  By yadax3 - September 8 - 7:50 pm

  After 5 years and 105,000 miles I have only replaced the tires, battery and brake pads. My Accord SE has never had a break down.

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  No regrets!! Its true love :) - 2008 Honda Civic
  By lamb - September 8 - 2:13 am

  I test drove numerous cars. I wanted great MPG! I test drove the EX before I knew the EX-L was going to be produced. I thought the seats were horrible. Long story short, went to test drive the CRV again and while waiting on the salesman I looked around the showroom and saw the leather. The seats were incredible. I had no idea about the "extras" that this model had until reading postings about the LX and EX. The car has a lot of room for being a compact car. A lot of storage areas.