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 Silver Bullet - 2010 Honda Insight
  By barb - October 26 - 1:26 am

  I love my Insight. My friend at work calls it " the silver bullet". My 70 mile round trip commute is part rural hills and part level road at 55mph. The first tank was 47 mpg but the readout on the dash says average of 50.3mpg. It is not a sports car, SUV or truck. We have all of those at home but it is a great commuter car and grocery hauler.

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  Fun to drive, but uncomfortable!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Jesse - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  I like my Accord very much, but had I known the drivers seat was so uncomfortable I would have never bought it. Its really hard to tell when you take a car for a 10 minute test drive, but now that I own it, I cant drive for more than an hour without back pain (Im only 26!). And forget the so called "lumbar support". Youd be better off putting a brick behind your back (whats in that seat, iron?). Overall, I have no other complaints about the car. I did have one experience during a winter snowstorm when the check engine light came on. Took it to the shop and by that time, it was already off and they couldnt find anything wrong with it. Fun to drive, stylish, etc.

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  Shocked how good-looking - 2016 Honda Civic
  By mmreview - October 25 - 4:49 pm

  I was interested in this car because of its fuel economy and reliability. The fuel economy is amazing! Im actually getting about 40 in mixed driving (much highway). I also looked at the Mazda 3, but the test drive showed a world of difference. The Mazda is fun to drive, and the controls are well laid-out, but the ride is noisy. The Civic EX-T has sporty handling, but also a solid, quiet ride. Acceleration is alarmingly good! I have found myself going faster than intended due to the smooth, powerful acceleration delivered by the CVT and the smooth ride. The standard radio at this trim level is very nice. So many cars have bass that sounds like it is in the bottom of a cardboard box. The bass in the Civic EX-T is strong without being muddy. The seats are very comfortable and the interior is nice looking and seems bigger than it is. There are lots of bells and whistles, moonroof, keyless start, audio and other display controls on the steering wheel, etc. People have complained about the audio controls on the touch screen, but the driver really never needs to use them with everything on the steering wheel. The biggest surprise to me is that this is a great looking car!

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  Jims review of Pre-owned 2014 Honda Accord Coupe - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Jim Esposito - October 25 - 1:15 pm

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  LOVE IT! LOVE it! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By LOVE IT LOVE IT!! - October 25 - 7:13 am

  Let me just say that I absolutely love my car!! I have been trying it for 6 months now and its been amazing. I originally wanted to buy a hybrid but I loved the look of this car and it was way more affordable. BY now Ive come to realize I basically have a hybrid. This car is so fuel efficient its amazing. I can drive 265 miles before I have to fill up. The seats are very comfortable for long trips and short trips. I was nervous buying a 2 door vs. 4 door, but there is so much room in the back for passengers. The safety is incredible, it has 6 airbags all around. If you get into a serious accident the front engine drops to the ground and slides under the car.

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  First car and I still love it! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Civic Driver - October 24 - 5:33 pm

  This car is so low maintenance and still runs like the day I bought it! So practical and still a cute car. I love it.

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  Really there are no night lights on heat and air? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Fishin Rod - October 24 - 10:08 am

  This is an amazing car, but no one on these reviews mentions that there are no night lighting system for heat and air buttons? If there is ? HELP??????

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  Perfect Package for Me - 2004 Honda Element
  By carebear - October 24 - 10:00 am

  My lease ran up on my civic and I went into the dealership to exchange the civic for an accord. After the dealer listened to my needs as what I wanted out of my next vehicle, he suggested the element. To be honest, I wasnt very attracted to the looks of them, but he convinced me to take it for a test drive. I fell in love with it and have had no regrets!! The interior is very roomy, with lots of extra compartments. I have a dog, so the waterproof seats and flooring are great for water spills, etc. The stereo system is nice, too. Overall, I would recommend this car to anyone wanting something roomy, reliable and affordable.

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  The BOX - 2004 Honda Element
  By cytokid285 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The first full up was city driving and it was 22 mpg. I went on a 400 trip and the mpg was 26. The second car is a Ford 2002 XLT Explorer. The Explorers ride is smoother, space is larger, but the Honda is quieter, MPG is 7 better, and the handling is much better. The explorer is my wifes car and its replacement will be a Hydrid Escape or a Honda CRV. The Honda is mine and I will probably drive it for about 200,000 miles before I consider replacing it. That is the main difference outside of overall MPG. The honda will last that long with really no major repairs expected, the Ford could but they do not design it too.

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  My Civic - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hanson205 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy my Honda Civic. I had a 2001 Civic LX, but this time I bought an EX. Big difference in the engine, and performance of the EX.