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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  My Second Skin - 1990 Honda Civic
  By bonifacio - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Except for a couple of years during which I traveled long distance between LA and Chicago, I mainly drive around in circles on a little island. This car behaves like its a part of me -- just point it and go! Unfortunately, after seeing an increasing number of truck and SUV tires breathing down my face at stoplights, Im also beginning to imagine one of these automotive Neanderthals losing control and squashing me and my SI like a bug.

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  Great Factory Stereo , Great 1st Car!!! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Chad C - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in Plano, TX of April 2001. I bought it off this guy who said a customer of his had abandoned it. 1993 Accord EX Sedan, Black w/ Beige Leather, Sunroof, Factory Alarm, Factory Alloys, Factory AM/FM/CD/Cass Stereo. When I bought the car, the radio had to be programmed because the battery had been disconnected. So for about 8 months, i used nothing but the CD player, and it has just recently began to skip and deteriorate. Oh well, it has a very, very nice sound system for factory speckers. The leather on the door panels is slowly coming loose, showing the original beige cloth in the door insert.

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  Best OLD car Ive ever owned! - 1993 Honda Accord
  By cheeze_head - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 6 year-old from a dealership back in 1999 w/ 43K miles on it. Now, its at 85K. Got a great deal with my 91 Accord EX trade-in. Ever since, I just love the car. Got all the features that most cars today dont have as standard...e.g. leather, Bose, dual airbags, ABS, moonroof, CD- changer, etc...Had no mechanical problems except the "MAIN RELAY --> NO START" problem. But I fixed that. Gives great gas mileage on the freeway, performs well, especially with strut- bar. I still think this is Hondas best built car.

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  Shes a keeper - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dotsara - October 17 - 11:10 pm

  In the last 6 months Ive owned this car: its been nothing but a breeze. For all its Si accoutrements, its a Civic. Driving? Not a breeze so much as storm-speed winds. Because it is awesome. Its the most fun Ive ever had driving the car, I love it a little bit more each time I fire it up. Its quick, nimble and uncomplicated.

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  Great car for all uses. - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Jon Richter - October 17 - 8:56 pm

  Ive only owned the car for 7 mos. It was stolen off of street parking. I liked the car a lot. My main dislike is the body is made of plastic with underlying cardboard in places, but thats how all cars are made today. The gas mileage did not approach the EPA ratings. It was far less by 6-8 mpg.

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  One of the best - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hank Jr - October 17 - 8:16 pm

  This is the the 5th Honda in my family, the 1st being an 86 Civic, 94 Accord(mine), 03 Oddy(pop), 06 CR-V(moms), and now 08 Accord(mine.) I must say this is a huge improvement than it predecessor that i test drove. The 190hp high output engine sometimes seems a bit too much power. Fit and finish is great. I always wanna drive it...but I gotta watch it, gotta get the most outta that Honda warranty. Seats are comfortable for long trips.

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  Great value for the money! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By thockman - October 17 - 7:16 pm

  I invested in a Civic hybrid over an EX because the IRS tax credit, dealer discount, and annual gas savings make this almost the same price after the first year! The new Civic design is fantastic. Older generation Civics always drove rougher than Accords, but this generation handles very smooth and tight for a small car. Im getting 44 mpg on the second tank and am learning how to drive the car for maximum mileage. I dont expect to get EPA mileage values of 49/51, but I will try. As for features the car has everything I need: navi with XM radio, steering wheel controls and voice activation, info display on dash for mpg, outside temp, trips, oil life, and total miles. Great overall car!

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  NICE CAR BUT MAJOR TECHNOLOGY PROBLEMS - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By bw715@yahoo.com - October 17 - 11:37 am

  Check out the Piloteers web site to see the problems with this car. It overestimates the MPG for some reason. The touch screen is a joke. The FM reception is horrible and Honda wont fix it. Most dealers deny it is a problem!! Not worth the money.

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  Funky Fun 4WD - 2003 Honda Element
  By Bear127 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Head room & leg room like very few others, resembles nothing else on the road, and best of all- the biggest bang for the Bucks. To borrow a catch phrase, sit back and enjoy the ride!

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  Innovationx10 - 2003 Honda Element
  By H. Johnson - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Im 68 and Im driving a thoroughly modern vehicle.My previous car was a 4-runner and I prefer this.The power is very adequate. No complaint