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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  Hondas Best - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Don Johnson - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I researched several other cars, including the Camry, Impala, Malibu, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, to name a few and no other vehicle even came close to gaining my allegience. Myself, my wife and 3 kids test drove a 2004 Camry over to the Honda dealership, but after getting out and looking just at the sexy body style, simultaneously said "you might as well take the Camry back to the dealership", because it was a no brainer decision. The Accord is far more appealing inside and out. I paid $14,500 for my 89 Accord Coupe LXi 15 years ago and just paid $23,200 for a loaded 2004 Accord EX-L with XM Radio. The Honda Accord is still the best value on the market!

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  MmmyersAccord2004 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Martha Myers - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Far surpassed the 2003 model I traded in.

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  Awesome - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ruth - May 7 - 1:46 am

  After waiting since November, I just got my new white Accord Hybrid. It was worth the wait! The exterior is sporty with its aerodynamic lines, mini spoiler, and satellite antenna. Its interior is cozy, loaded with features like separate climate control for driver and passengers, voice activated navigation and audio systems, comfy leather seats, and fully adjustable drivers seat.

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  Go Go Coupe - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Eric - May 6 - 10:13 am

  I love to drive this thing. After 300 mile local driving to break it in, I took it on a roadtrip to San Antonio Tx (round trip 3200). I never got fatigued driving, comfort was a constant even though I am 61" tall. Wife (who will be promary driver) pressed for the auto-dimming rear view mirrors and I am glad she did, they made night driving much easier. Gas mileage was acceptable, but I never got the 40MPG on the highway--best I got driving 75-80 MPH was about 38MPG so I cant really complain. This is our road-trip car and the Toyota van will stay home. Now I gotta figure out how to get this car away from the wife. Oh anybody want to but our 99 Mercury Cougar?

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  Economy wallet, luxury taste! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By KRISTEN - May 6 - 7:30 am

  I love my 2006 Civic! After my 01 Neon was stolen, I knew that would be my next car would be a 05 Mazda3. My hubby wanted to test drive the Civic, and our saleswoman suggested we test drive the 06. We sat in the car in awe for a couple of minutes before even driving. the inter. design is THE BEST! I love the 2 tier dash design. I love the 38 - 40 mpg esp. with the gas prices soaring. The sunroof is lge, easy 1 button design. All the buttons inside the car light up at night, even the steering radio controls. I feel like 007 with the voice activated Navi. Comfort, quiet, refined! The hump in the back floor is gone making 3 adults in the back a reality. I cant believe this is an econo car!

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  Practical Car - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Gibber - May 6 - 4:23 am

  Well packaged, well made small SUV. Engine/tranmission is smooth and reasonably powerful, but no rocket. Front seats are OK, but should be angled a bit more for taller drivers. Outstanding rear seats. Good controls, although the gear shift can be in the way sometimes. Nice open cabin. Good handling, nicely weighted steering, easy to maneuver. Reasonably quiet, but road noise intrudes. Mileage ~24 mpg(needs more driving to get a better average)

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  Transmission - 2000 Honda Prelude
  By memyselfI - May 6 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR WITH AN AUTO TRANSMISSION! Honda has extended the warranty to 7 year / 100,000 miles due to problems. Great, right. WRONG! With only 39,000 miles on it the trans was leaking and needed replacement. Great, a new Trans. WRONG - REMANUFACTURED. So how much does a new one cost. SORRY CANT GET ONE IN THE USA. So much for Hyundai, Oops I mean Honda. If you work for honda and are reading this. Think about your reputation now, I hope your proud.

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  My Odyssey review - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Ron Kosto - May 6 - 2:00 am

  There could be more range on the drivers power seat, but other than that I couldnt pleased more its fantastic.

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  I am a Car Guy!! Love the 2012 Honda civic LX A+ - 2012 Honda Civic
  By William - May 5 - 5:37 pm

  First of all i am a car guy and a old school mechanic i worked on many cars the last 20 years.,since i was a teen in the 1990s i own my first car and worked on my 1966 volkwagan classic beetle and turn it into a super bug with a 1915cc 94mm pistons and double carb 45".had 150hp. And drove many cars and my project cars.anyways loved working on cars. classic old school Muscle cars ,from toyota,Honda,ford mustangs,vw, old and new chevy Camaro and other model types big list I was a craftsman, technician who uses tools to build or repair machinery i have many trades within. Some on specialize in the electrical aspects and specialize in the mechanical aspects. i done in the Past. I and my wife bought our Like new 2012 Honda civic Lx with 41K we need a gas saver car. i own many older Honds cars 89civic hatchback and 88"Honds accord over 200 to 300 miles on them and still running and very reliabe cars.I read many blogs on the website on these models i seen them rated poor. i was shock this is not true. the Honda civic Lx 2012 is a beauty i can trust on reliability this is car everyone can trust . gas saver,39 to 41mpg.we took it on a road trip did a 157 mile drove on a flat highway 168 in California Los Banos we when up steep hills and had no problem on speed my wife was not pressing on the accelerator full she press on it and the rpm jumps on 4ooo it the pedal was not to the floor. we were going at 77 which its normal speed for a 1.8 ivtec engine with 140 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque .which will do on any other car with same hp power.ll depends age and engine, carburetor or fuel injection can give the power and transmission type, is highly debated question among car enthusiasts that drive with same hp and different car model.it can handel the hills and transmission shift smooth and the turns Stability control excellent Well-performed. and with the help of Traction control. This 2012 Honda civic Engine & Performance can Handel the highway and back roads very well! I love the 5 Star crash safety test. it has Front and rear head airbags and Dual front side-mounted airbags. its a A+ for our family.And the Interior Features and the Tachometer it was lite bright and easy to read i and my wife love the inside interior simple and easy to use. never had no Eleterical issues. it has everything you need Its no secret that Hondas are arguably the most reliable car. The Honda 2012 civic still perform very well” despite what other said on the website or blog .Honda Civic offers excellent fuel economy and is well-known for being a vehicle that you can trust on the road. all you do is take care of the updated the maintenance requirements it will take care of you. "in my opinion" when I encountered many cars in my past history working on many differnet style vehicles and upgrading them. Honda Civic reliability ratings results is a A+. only con on the 2012 civic is the front Suspension designed by the vehicle manufacturer, springs are and shocks are weak. on the road you can feel the almost every bumps on the road. easy fix replacing them. This Honda is worth it! test drive one you will see . like many people out there they are very picky!There is no such thing as the perfect car. No disrespect intended. But you know how it is. Your car is never quite perfect. Nothing mechanically wrong!Nothing you can ask the garage to fix!

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  Honda CRV rating - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Gaylene reier - May 5 - 2:22 pm

  This is my 3rd CRV. It is my 6th Honda. Reliability us top notch.