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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  Mobile House! - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By abc3000 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2005 EX-L, 2009 EX, and Now the 2011 Touring Elite. This is the best one. Feels connected to ground and solid. People think its an SUV sometimes. The Kids love the entertainment system. I just love this Minivan! I enjoy taking the kids out in this Honda. Other cars I had include lexus IS-F, Audi A4, Lexus GS 08, BMW Z3 but the odyssey I can drive all day!

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  Great Car for Normal People - 2004 Honda Civic
  By dude - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive around in. It is not a luxury car so there will obviously be plastic and road noise. Unlike other cars (ex. - Toyotas), it feels like you are driving a car on a road, not a friggin cloud designed for senior citizens. Mileage is great at 33 mixed, but a 5 speed auto would have been awesome. Reliability (in both hot of Mojave desert and cold of Midwest) is awesome with 80k miles with only fluids, brakes, and tires replaced at my convenience. Those of us past puberty will find the stereo good enough to pass drive time. VTEC gives good power as long as you are willing to go pedal to metal. Plan to keep to 150k

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  Best Mini Van Availible to Date. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By Lars - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun to drive van, good fuel economy, its quiet and has plenty of tech features.

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  Stay away from Honda! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By April - November 29 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car under the impression Honda is a good car. Never again! Even the company was horribly rude, worse than non-helpful- accusatory, and defended their illegal actions of their dealerships. Our civic has since 20k had steering problems, shifting problems, battery problems, engine issues and other parts having to be replaced by notice of recall or failed. However the dealership which did the repairs failed to properly document and repair saying the noises, shaking, and hard shifting are normal. The problems have constantly gotten worse and now that the car is over warranty Honda insulted us plus refusing to repair the car! Go get a Hyundai or other car with a 100k warranty.

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  Great little car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By alexx - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Not the newest design out there, but still one of the best in terms of fuel economy (average 34) and front seat comfort.

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  Nice Ride - 2010 Honda Civic
  By pdponyx - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 25 miles on it, I now have 400. Recently I noticed that the engine is starting to get noisy. It was silent in the beginning. When I decelerate I can feel the down shifting. Accelerating is not a problem. Ive just used one tank of gas so far, so Im still seeing what the MPG are like. I like the design, but I cannot see the front so Im still figuring out how far I have before I hit something.

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  Love It! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By Becca Lynn - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my 18th birthday about a month ago && i love it so much. Before I got this car I drove my moms 2010 Accord so when i went to get a car I didnt go for the Civic like all teens drive. I got it in White w/ Tan interior. I love how they changed the front && back of the car. && since Im the only one Ive seen with a 2011 within about 100miles of me is very cool! overall I love this car. Honda is the way to go.

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  Love my CR-V! - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Miffy - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought our first CR-V mid November. Its a great crossover. Love the interior, exterior, everything! Weve had 4 previous Hondas, a Civic and 3 Accords and had no problems with any of them. We have great confidence in Honda. We needed the cargo space to haul things and it wasnt a disappointment to see how much room the CR-V has.

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  I just cant believe! - 1996 Honda Accord
  By drewish - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Well, I purchased this car a month ago after selling my truck (couldnt afford the gas) and have been pleasantly surprised. I bought it for 1200 dollars with 150k on the clock. I was hoping for the four door, but ended up with the coup. With a four year old in the car I was amazed by the roominess of the interior. Power Windows are a problem but parts, including aftermarket performance parts, are incredibly inexpensive. Watch the speedometer gauge as they are electronic and tend to break. Overall this car is excellent.

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  Amazingly reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Dean - November 28 - 2:00 am

  My Civic is the Australian GLi model. She had made it to 185,000 km before a complete moron took it out in an accident. 60 kph front on and I got out with a scratch to the knee. In the three years she was with me, I had not one breakdown or a time that she didnt start. I did many road trips, in hot Australian Summers, anywhere up to 10,000 km a trip. Ive often got fuel usage down to 5.5 L per 100 km as well, highway. Ill miss her, and will likely end up buying another Civic. :(