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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  I love my car. - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Steven Chang - March 2 - 6:05 am

  This car is just awesome! :-)

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  What a lemon! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By JeffA - March 1 - 11:38 pm

  This truck was nothing but trouble! It spent weeks on end in the shop for check engine light problems, blown computer board, and not going into park. After taking the truck back to the dealer numerous times and writing several stern letters to corporate, I was finally able to get out from under the lousy truck and back into a 2001 Accord. The Accord has been flawless. Stay away from the Passport!!! Dont forget, Isuzu, who makes the Passport is like 50% owned by GM!

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  1996 Honda Prelude Si - 1996 Honda Prelude
  By BamaMBA - March 1 - 5:00 pm

  This car has lived up to Hondas reputation for reliability. Besides a few creaks in the interior and the open sunroof, the build quality is impressive. Like most Honda automatics, the transmission is very sporty but it can get lost looking for a gear when you step on the gas. The 4-speed automatic saps a bit of the engines power, especially on the top end. The quality of the transmission is solid and feels extremely dependable.

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  Road noise and yet still more and more. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Chuck - March 1 - 2:33 pm

  Well, I reviewed this Honda back In April and here it is mid September. In addition to my post on 04/26/09 Id have to add more bad news. In addition to the gripes I have with the car the list grows still larger. The seats are the worst seats in any car Ive owned and Ive once owned a Yugo when I was a lad so I know a bad seat when I feel one. Also the Brake discs are now warped and feel that "judder" one feels when you brake. I have had many cars but never one that had just 7,000 miles on it that felt this old so fast. The sunroof although has only been opened a few times sometimes takes 2-3 times to close. I went to try and trade it in they offered me 18-19K after only 5 months.

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  VTEC Power - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By Bullchan - March 1 - 11:43 am

  Awesome handling

• 

  not a Honda lover - 1999 Honda Passport
  By castle - March 1 - 12:49 am

  Brakes not very stiff feels like it will not stop when you need it too.

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  2005 Accord EX - The Perfect Sedan- - 2005 Honda Accord
  By treihing - February 28 - 8:26 pm

  There is so much to say about my 2k5 Accord EX-L. The features I love are as follows: XM Satellite Radio, Dual Climate Control, 6-Disc In-Dash CD, Heated Seats, Great Quality Leather and Huge Trunk Space. Gas Milage is damn good at 24mph in the City - This is the mileage stated on the stick and the mileage I have seen. The overall drive and performance is incredible. The drive is as smooth as any luxury car if not better. Overall, this car is a steal at $22,100.00 - Stick is $25,015.00. There is room to negotiate so hit the dealer hard for a good price.

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  Why - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard Jackson - February 28 - 7:50 pm

  Operating the features is unnecessarily difficult. The controls for talk or text is difficult and unsafe

• 

  After owning 2 years - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By shwalker - February 27 - 11:32 pm

  ABS sensors had to be replaced in 2000. Electric locks keep re-locking every 5-10 seconds after I lock it. Also occurs if I engage the locks while riding in the van. SRS light came on at about 90K. Very expensive to check/repair with no idea if its a sensor or control unit or whatever. Engine runs great.

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  MY CIVIC - 1990 Honda Civic
  By SHOGUN 1 - February 27 - 9:54 pm

  i just got the car a little bit ago but i like it. for having limited hp its got some go, not to mention you can find anything performace for it in the future mines getting a ground effect kit and a system