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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  The Anti-SUV - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Dither - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Our second Civic, our other is a 95 (bought new) with 130K miles and is still going strong with no problems. If our old Civic is any indication we are going to have this car a long time. I am pleased though with how much they have improved the cars over the last 10 years. The engine is super-quiet and spunky enough, the 5 speed is like slicing through butter, handling is good and the ride is comfortable without being boring. Civics are automotive engineering realized to the highest level.

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  Top car for your dollar - 2004 Honda Accord
  By araiza565 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I did all my research using Edmunds. After two months of research I narrowed it down to the Honda Accord V6 with Navigation. I have had friends that own BMWs, Lincolns, Nissan and even Mercedes ride in and drive the Accord. All of them where impressed with the drive quality and what I was able to purchase at 25.5K. I do feel I have made a sound purchase and impressed at the low depreciation rate the car has had over the first year (Approximate 3.5K with 13,500 miles). The new Acura TL is the only car that has been catching my eye lately, none the less I hope to hand this Accord over to my son, who should get his license in four years.....

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  2009 Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 with NAVI - 2009 Honda Accord
  By lebo5 - March 7 - 1:13 am

  Ive been a Honda owner for 8 years and my wife and I have had 6 during that time. Theyve all been extremely reliable and safe cars but theyve also been like vanilla ice cream when it comes to looking at them. Theyve all had the features weve wanted and most of them have been loaded. But until this new design, none of them have been very exciting. This car is gorgeous!! And it stands out getting looks everywhere I go. I opted for the coupe because I didnt like the look of the sedan, especially in the rear. The coupe however changes all of that! I went with every bell & whistle available and no regrets.

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  06 Civic LX - 2006 Honda Civic
  By P Ament - March 6 - 12:20 pm

  I am a big guy. This car was not made for me. My six ft heavy frame is still not uncomfortable to drive and ride. We got this car for my wife and daughter to use. It is perfect for them both. The car is well constructed, and the fuel economy is close to the advertised 30-40 mpg. A little more noise than our old Accord. But, then again, this is an economy instead of a mid size. The larger engine, better transmission, and the improved air bag system make it an excellent value.

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  Fun car, but... - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Robert - March 6 - 7:40 am

  Not exactly the low-cost of ownership vehicle advertised. I just had to replace brake pads @ 9,900 miles to the tune of $270 out of pocket. Ive owned many new cars in my lifetime and never replaced pads under 10k miles. This was a disappointing experience, so I have written a letter to American Honda. There are other similar complaint visible on the web. Honda needs to make improvements to the brake pad materials. Other than this, the car is comfortable, fun to drive and fuel efficient.

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  Honda pilot after 1 year - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By tmc - March 5 - 1:10 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Plenty of power with good fuel economy. The 4 WD makes me feel safe in rough weather.

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  Everything about it is just great! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Joseph K - March 5 - 10:33 am

  First off let me say how amazing this car is on gas millage. Driving to New York City from Buffalo has never been cheaper for me. Secondly, I am 64" and I fit wonderfully into this car. If you are as tall as I am I would highly recommend looking into this car. I am a second generation Honda owner and I honestly couldnt be happier with the design and performance of this civic. If you are looking for a fuel efficient car that gives a smooth ride and is fun to drive this is your ticket.

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  SUPER - 1993 Honda Accord
  By PAM - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CAR. I WOULD RECOMMEND THE CAR TO ANYONE.

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  My high mileage car runs like new - 1995 Honda Accord
  By loopa - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 50K miles. Now I have over 200K miles and the car is still running the same. The mileage is still around 30mi/gal city/highway mix. I love it!

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  Only one complaint - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By BrianCA1@aol.com - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have now owned the Pilot for a month and put 1,000 miles on it. It is the most enjoyable car for town or long distance driving. I tested every 4 wheel drive over a one year period and found this to be the best all round. It was the only vehicle my dog did not puke in, which tells you something about the stable ride. It averages 18.3 miles per gallon overall.