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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  Rough Ride - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DKG - August 12 - 2:00 am

  "Its like riding in the back of a school bus." was the comment from our teenage daughter. If your thinking of buying an Accord, be sure to take it on a bumpy highway. On the route my wife takes to work, she cant drink a cup of coffee or even talk on her cell its so rough. Looking through the rear view mirror is equivalent to that of an idling Harley.

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  OK so far - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Akela - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Odd to have a small odometer share display space with other options (ambient outdoor temperature, two trip mileage monitors). Aside from that caveat, the car seems to be just about perfect.

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  Another Great Honda - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By PAS - August 11 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned the Crosstour for about three weeks and have taken the vehicle on a 650 mile trip. The driving was Interstate cruising and the experience was on the par with my Cadillac DTS. Mileage was adequate at 27 for the tank used solely on the Interstate but the Crosstour is a large vehicle.

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  95 4 door Civic EX - 1995 Honda Civic
  By peterpaniam - August 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fantastic except if you air conditioner compressor ever goes out on you, you will have hell finding another one. Apparently Honda makes them with various different manufacturers of the part, so you dont know what type to put back in unless they tear it apart first (3 day job) and order it. Very expensive to have work done since everything is crammed under the hood everything has to be removed to service anything. Otherwise, great car!

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  Satisfied - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By bf22 - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with CRV. No complaints. Take out one of the back head rests for better view to the rear.

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  A So So Vehicle... - 2001 Honda Civic
  By JTNYC - August 11 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is a 2002 EX but I wanted to post this now! Hopefully it will help someone out if you are thinking of buying a Civic for reasons of low gas mileage! This model gives me 23-25 mpg, 85% highway and 15% local. I brought it to the Dealership at Hillside Honda in NYC where I purchased the vehicle and they said that no-one is getting the 32-38 miles per gallon b/c all cars are on oxygenated gas and they wont perform a fuel consumption test. This says a lot about the service behind the name Honda doesnt it...crummy services! I will stick with Toyotas or Lexus if I have more money! I have learned my lesson!

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  quality - 2002 Honda Civic
  By dberg - August 11 - 10:00 am

  STIIL THE BENCHMARK FOR SMALL CARS.HIGH REV VTEC A BLAST TO DRIVE. GET RID OF THE FACTORY FIRESTONES AND PUT ON A PERFORMANCE TIRE THE DAY YOU GET IT!

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  Overall, seems to be a good choice - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Chris H. - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Civic LX for one month now and it seems to have been a good choice for a car under $17,000 so far. The Civic ride is relatively smooth compared to the VW Golf (felt every bump on the road with that "tight" suspension) and Nissan Sentra. Acceleration is less than the Golf and Toyota Corolla, but better than the Sentra and for me, adequate. Gas mileage has been hovering in the 30-35 range so far, okay, I guess in this sad American car market where only a few cars can even come close to that. A couple of things starting to bug me which Ill touch on below

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  dependable buddy - 2000 Honda Accord
  By fred hoffman - August 11 - 6:34 am

  good running car

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  Uncomfortable Seats - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Mackie - August 11 - 4:50 am

  The seats in my 2009 Accord are so incredibly uncomfortable that I cant continue to drive this vehicle. Even though I will lose money I will have to sell this vehicle. The Honda engineers really missed the mark in this regard. In the past I have owned a 1985 Accord, a 1990 Accord, a 1995 Civic, and a 1998 Accord the seats in these years and models were quite comfortable. Have been told by Honda of America that the Honda engineers decided to redesign the seats and I should have gone for a longer test drive. Needles to say this once faithful Honda customer will no longer be buying and driving Hondas.