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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  gotta love the SI !!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By sk8r64sno - June 19 - 10:00 am

  it is an all around excellent vehicle. the 2.0l engine gives plenty of horsepower and torque. rally style shifter is ergonomicly superior to the standard shifter and the suade race seats are extremely comfortable. i installed a 2 inch lowering kit on mine, and it grips better and still retains the factory ride. not bumpy at all. if you want a car that looks great, runs fast, has great gas milage and is still comfortable and fun to drive i would HIGHLY reccomend the civic SI. gotta love the SI !!!!!

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  Incredible/Fun/Fast/Beautiful Car! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By PaulyG - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been reintroduced to the pleasures of driving ever since I purchased my 2004 Accord. This car is powerful! Even after 5 months I am still surprised by its acceleration. Navigation, touch screen controls, XM radio and voice-controls are just incredible. I love driving again!

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  Hot car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By NZKiwi - June 19 - 10:00 am

  So far it is a dream come true. I wanted stick shift but none were available within a 700 mile radius (in white), so I have an automatic and am satisfied. Lots of neat, innovative features.

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  Best Car in Decades! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By Ray Watters - June 19 - 5:34 am

  I was looking for a low price quality sedan and I certainly got it with the Accord! I bought it new mid-2013 and now have over 62,000 miles on it. The car handles well and is comfortable. If I were to post a negative, it would be the road noise, however, its not all that bad.

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  Trashed Compacted - 2001 Honda S2000
  By Geogrman - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car looking for a fun weekend car. Unfortunally every time I drive it I leave in pain. This car is bumpey, feels like it has no shocks, has a terrible suspension. If your looking for a cheeply built four wheel motorcycle, this is your car.

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  luxury and performance - 2005 Honda Accord
  By new car owner - June 18 - 10:33 pm

  I had a Honda prelude for 5 years before buying the v6 accord 6speed. I thought I would loose some handling capability but this car is better in every respect. Its faster, quieter, roomier, and has more luxury stuff like climate control and heated seats. I checked my mileage and Im getting 27-28 mpg-pretty good for a car that zips 0-60 in under 6 sec. All I can say is that I am totally satisfied with this car-I can zip around or drive across the country and have the best of both worlds.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Honda Element
  By aggieweather - June 18 - 5:00 am

  Although I just bought a Honda Element it has been a joy to own. It is so much fun to drive and handles suprisingly well for being a SUV. It is so easy for dog owners to get in a clean all the hair, and much more fun for our dogs to run around the back with the seats up. Great Vehicle.

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  2006 Civic EX Sedan - 2006 Honda Civic
  By DW - June 18 - 2:13 am

  This new Civic is a car for the 21st century. It has everything you could ask for in terms of styling, performance, interior/trunk space. Ive only had the car for two weeks but Im very happy with the purchase.

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  The Definative Sportscar - 2002 Honda S2000
  By DLTabor - June 18 - 2:00 am

  IÂ’ve been driving sports cars for decades, but the Honda S2000 is the most impressive vehicle IÂ’ve driven in the price range. IÂ’ve tried every other modern car in its class (Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z3, Miata, MR2), and none of them create as much pure excitement, hair-raising speed, and surgical handling as the little Honda. My MGB has not been out of the garage since I brought the S2000 home.

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  the honda civic si rocks! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By demichef81 - June 18 - 1:23 am

  I purchased the new 2006 Honda Civic Si and it is one of the best decisions that Ive ever made. It is way more car than the price suggests, and it is so fun to drive. 200 horsepower out of a 2 liter four cylinder car is just a showcase of Honda technology. This car is fast and the handling is unbelievable. The styling is brilliant and the fit and finish are top grade. I would highly recommend purchasing this car if you can find one.