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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  Great first SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By happy Honda owner - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I decided on the CRV when I got tired of driving a two door. It has been a great decision so far. I love the cargo room, the height of the vehicle, real time 4WD comes in handy with ice, and it heats up quickly in the winter. It is hard to see over the middle headrest though.

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  GREAT CAR GREAT PRICE - 2004 Honda Civic
  By riah0822 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I researched for months before deciding on the Civic. It was a great choice, fun to drive, looks, good, handles great in the winter snow (we get a lot) I just love it

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  Good car-minor faults - 2003 Honda Accord
  By clvandam - August 22 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this is a great car. It is a huge upgrade from the 2002 model we had. Honda seems to add just the features we thought were lacking, like heated seats and split HVAC controls. We considered both the VW Passat and the small Mercedes sedan- both are great cars and the Accord come pretty close for a lot less money. That said, there are a few issues. One is that there is a severe wheel shake problem during braking. At first I thought the wheels were loose- its that bad and I havent gotten used to it; it freaks me out ever time I brake hard. The other is the bland- ugly even- styling.

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  Great car, except... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Ed M from NJ - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with my 2004 Accord EXV6 after the test drive. This is my second Accord and better than my 1998 Accord. I have one gripe. In the second week after delivery, the transmission leaked and slipped. I had the car towed to the dealer and it was fixed. Since then, I have no problems and I am happy with my car!

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  Best Car EVER!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Kenneaw Bear - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Bravo HONDA! This is my first time driving a non "USA" auto makers car. I will never be back. Hello GM, Ford etc wake up and smell the new car smell. Thier cars beat you hands down, in bang for the buck all the way around. Id only bought new Fords before this and used GMs now itll be Honda, Toyota, Lexus or Accura. Why drive crap when you can drive quality.

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  honda accord - 2004 Honda Accord
  By wumob - August 22 - 2:00 am

  best car ive ever driven.

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  1995 Honda Civic finally retired - 1995 Honda Civic
  By rvetter - August 21 - 11:06 pm

  I bought this car used in 1997 and have driven it until the wheels fall off. The odometer stopped working almost a year ago at 229,900 miles its probably pushing 300,000 now. Great car, never let me down. Replaced CV boots/joints, O2 sensor, radiator and had work done on AC timing belt and seals. I cant say enough about how well designed the car is, how great it handled and how nice it was to have no car payment for 9 years! Its hemorrhaging oil now, so Im going to lay it to rest and get a new civic.

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  98 Accord LX 4-Door 5-spd Manual - 1998 Honda Accord
  By ryoverde - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, the most reliable, plenty of pep, much more than expected, and the dealership is still a pleasure to work with even out-of-warranty. My biggest complaint ever was the sunglasses storage spring broke. Dealership replaced whole *console*, not just spring. Two repairs on master brake cylinder from Honda voluntary recalls, handled by dealership along with other routine maintenance without even having to ask. Planning to drive the car to "death", should be a long while then look into another. Wish I had bought one years ago; they are a tad expensive, but well worth it!

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  More than enough Power - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Pedro - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice mini SUV to have. We traded in a Windstar with a V6 for this 4 banger CRV and the CRV feels more powerful while being quieter doing it. Shortly after buying this vehicle we drove it from Ohio to Florida down through the mountains and and this SUV far out ran many other cars through the mountains using the cruise control. Of course this would never top my V6 Accord on level ground it does hold it own. Interior is comfortable, and ride is still smooth with easy turning and parking raduis. No trouble parking this small-ute. Four wheel kicks in nice on slick roads with out jolting into gear. Nice all around product.

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  What I Bargained For - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By VegasGuy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Exactly what I wanted. No issues at all.