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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  Somewhat fair - 2003 Honda Civic
  By karlkro - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 10mths and the ride drive needs to be improved, it needs alot more power or alot more gas saving, for the little power that it has it is not saving enough gas. Quality and reliability of vehicle is great however the exterior design needs improvement. It is not worth the price I pay for it - the price should be about 17,000 at the most 17,500.

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  car to get - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Smooth rider - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Smooth engin, power, ride, good design, comfortable interior and the most important safety. Little expansive but worth buying. This car is step before you purchase German Japanese Lux. cars.

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  outstanding! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Milt - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid and it is great!Looks and runs outstanding I get more MONEY in MY pocket.The mpg on my car is 46mpg to 50mpg AND I do NOT have to plug it in,just drive it like any other car BUT! watch the money build up in YOUR pocket NOT the Gas Companies pocket.I think the WORLD should buy this "NOW" car until a better model comes along.....MS

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  A Balanced Auto - 2003 Honda Accord
  By MarylandDriver - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Have had LX nearly four months, or 8800 miles. Car is peppy for a 4-cyl, gives 33 or 34 mpg on Interstate trips, and even 29 mpg with Thule 11 cu.ft. roof pod. Has good luggage capacity and gives rear passengers suitable room-- get comments on that latter point! Nice driving position (especially w/drivers seat elevated way up), handles with excellent behavior.

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  Clunker level MPG 17.4 - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Maria - March 17 - 9:00 pm

  I am utterly disappointed with the mileage Im getting per gallon. Its brand new and Ive driven it 1200 miles. Im getting 17.4 mpg. Unbelievable, both highway and city driving. On slippery or snowy roads, it slides easily. I am going to try to return it.

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  Whining noise CTV transmission - 2005 Honda Civic
  By PAA - March 17 - 8:43 pm

  Am formerly loyal, multi-Honda owner: Had problems from week 1 with intermittent high pitched whine from Hybrid CTV. Honda replaced transmission. 2nd trans was quite for about 1000 miles, then whine started again. VERY DISSATISFIED-6 months of hassles. Honda says this is interent and cannot be fixed....Have asked Honda to buy back or trade for a quite car. Anyone else?

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  I Love This Car - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By WT - March 17 - 3:07 pm

  My 2000 CR-V is not flashy or the most powerful car out there, but it has gotten the job done for 17 years and counting! I drive this to work, camping, coaching, off road (not too rough), highway, country, short trips, long road trips (longest is around 1,000 miles, round trip). It has hauled kids, soccer gear, baseball gear, camping supplies and more. I have been good about getting my maintenance from Honda. I have had very few repairs. A couple of major repairs in the last few years, the radiator being the biggest. This has been a dependable car for my family. I will be sad when it can finally go no more. The turn radius is crappy and it isnt the zippiest car on the road, but I would buy another 2000 CR-V in a heartbeat. That wont happen, its day is done, but I will at least look at the current model CR-V when this does finally die.

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  Wowwowowowowow - 2008 Honda Civic
  By mugenized - March 17 - 9:20 am

  First of all the only one i even considered is the mugen. Well why because i wont see hundreds of them on the road also because of the .92 gs on the skid-pad stereo rocks way better than what you think you would get for the money blows my 2008 vw r32 stereo out the water but lets get to business this car handles great. The eighteen inch mugen rims look awesome in the graphite look against the fiji blue paint which is by far the best color on the civic si. Great gas mileage so far about 27 mpg. Wonderful exhaust note especially when it hits vtec. About as fun as it can get for 28k which is a bit steep for any civic but i know the resale will be great go ahead buy one you will love it addictive

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  Grown on me - 2008 Honda Accord
  By ljgbjg - March 16 - 9:56 pm

  We have the car 6 months. Initially the VCM was horrible - constantly hunting, vibrating, etc. much like others here and as reviewed elsewhere. MPG? Not great - around 25. At 3000 miles it all went away! Have no idea why. VCM hardly noticeable, 30 MPH HWY at 75, 26 at 80, so 75 seems to be a significant speed. Seats are firm but not uncomfortable - very BMW like. You either like them or you dont. Advise anyone considering the L to drive one for awhile if you can - some cannot stand the seats. Check the Edmunds long term test comments - they hate them. Car is now very pleasant and performing as expected. None of the squeaks, rattles or wind noise that others have complained of.

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  Happy eith the LX-P - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Happy with the LX-P - March 16 - 7:16 pm

  Car is for 52" wife. She loves it! Chose the LX-P over LX for power seat & no hub cap rims. Driver seat is very firm & low. Have to get up to get out. Exterior is beautiful. Interior is nice, not stellar. Very functional with little compartments & sliding armrest. Road noise reduced by adding hood & trunk insulator for $150 via internet. Has more driver leg room than my 2005 4Runner. 5 speed automatic is smooth, but down shifts on slightest hills. It accelerates & handles very well. Fun to drive! Car is not a Maxima, BMW or a Lexas. Not meant to be. Good gas mileage at 24 MPH around town. In essence, we would select this model again.