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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  Good so far - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sal - June 15 - 9:00 am

  Got 41 mpg on first tank of gas. I suspect that will go up slightly as car gets broken in. I dont know why some people complain about not getting 50 mpg. Those estimates are under ideal situations. You never can replicate those conditions exactly. Interior quality is very good, car is quiet , low road noise. Generous legroom and headroom (Im 62"). Acceleration from standstill isnt great, but once it gets going it does well. Going up on hills is fine, because the battery assists the motor. Overall Im happy

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  Love it!! - 2005 Honda Element
  By MadMumbler - June 15 - 4:30 am

  With a disabled child who races wheelchairs, and being service dog puppyraisers, a tough vehicle is a must, and this is easy to clean and tough to stand up to what we put it through.

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  It saved my life - 2005 Honda Civic
  By agross - June 14 - 9:50 pm

  I had this car only two months and was extremely happy with it. A freak accident threw me into a concrete retaining wall at 60 mph, with impact on the front right half of the car. The entire front of the car was smashed flat and the engine block split. I walked away in tact with only two scratches, a chest bruise from the seatbelt, and a burn on my hand from the airbag. I loved the car before...it handles like a dream and is very comfortable to drive. But Im going straight out to buy another, because I know first hand how well made they are! I wouldnt be here otherwise.

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  Great gas mileage - 2006 Honda Accord
  By zebar - June 14 - 7:13 am

  The Honda 4 cylinder LX with automatic transmission gets great gas mileage. I just logged a 400 mile trip and average 34.2 mpg at 75-80 mph speeds throughout the trip. It is one of the few cars that actually gets the EPA mileage rating (34 mpg highway). I believe I would have achieved 37 mpg @ 70 mph speeds. The car handles like a BMW, has good road feel, and precise steering. Great Car!!!

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  Great car, great idea - 2005 Honda Accord
  By lipitorkid - June 14 - 7:03 am

  With gas prices rising above $3 we suddenly became more interested in a hybrid, but we didnt want an economy car. We got the graphite pearl and everyone loves that color. I wanted the 2005 because moonroofs always take away head room and at only 6 foot 1 I graze my head on my wifes EX civic all the time. I really like the XM radio and cant believe I lived without it for this long. This car is soooo quiet and drives really smoothly. Now I can drive an economical car in the fast lane while travelling up large hills. My friend next door with a 4 cylinder accord is jealous. We live in southern california and really enjoy the autoroll down windows with the remote on hot august days

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  Bad Brakes - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Matt - June 14 - 3:10 am

  I love my 2008 Honda Accord EX- L with only 1 exception. The rear brakes need to be replaced every year. Honda has a Major problem with their rear brakes. Just do a simple search on the internet and you will found thousands of complaints about the rear brakes going out in their new car any where from 6 -18 months. Honda still will not admit to the problem and I still have to shell out $250 bucks every time to fix the brakes.

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  The Best Gets Better - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By iam4ecu - June 14 - 2:16 am

  Just got a 2002 Ody w/ DVD&Leather. Big improvement! If BMW made a minivan, this is what it might feel like. Fixes most all little complaints before. Is for my wife, but I DO like to drive it-amazed at how much better it feels than our 99 Ody. More power, more refined, etc. DVD sys. rocks-Watched Jurassic Park-impressive! Cant wait for our next trip! Can hold more, er...stuff... than you can believe & doesnt take a degree getting the seats out (magic seat rules) Wow-what a product!

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  Great car to drive - 2006 Honda Civic
  By parik04 - June 13 - 3:33 pm

  This car is great. I bought it for the fuel mileage. My daily commute is 110 miles. Out of which 85 miles are on the highway. I average about 33-35 mpg. The ride is queie and smooth. There is plenty of head room... I am 6 ft tall. I love the new design Honda rolled out. Safety wise its good too with front and side airbags and its got ABS. This is all standard. Honda did think of all the important aspects... fuel economy, safety, styling. It has 6 speakers with CD/MP3/WMA. It has enough power to drive... plus this is not a sports car... it does not have any fancy gadgets though... but this is not a BMW or MERC.

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  Funda Honda - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Charlene Klein - June 13 - 1:50 pm

  Great car to drive. Real classy car and comfortable to drive. Handles and hugs the road like a sports car!

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  Flawless after 10K - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Hutch7 - June 12 - 12:20 pm

  After driving my Accord for the last year I am really impressed. This car is roomy, fun to drive and has excellent feature content. This car is definitely a drivers car with fantastic steering and a really high end engine(no one builds a better engine than Honda). I am surprised at some of the low owner ratings here maybe I just got lucky, but either way this has been a really good car for my family.