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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  VERY safe car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jconley78 - June 30 - 12:36 pm

  We were involved in a serious car accident a month ago. We were stopped in traffic on the hwy and a lady hit us in the rear without slowing down at over 70mph. We all walked away. Thank you Honda! No prior problems with the car, it was fantastic to drive. QUALITY all around. It was only a 4 cyl but because of the V-Tec engine it had the power PLUS the gas mileage. BUY HONDA!

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  GREAT SUV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By DFUGATE - June 30 - 10:00 am

  With the limited time I have owned the vehicle, it has performed perfectly and for the price, you cannot beat the safety features of the SUV.

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  Very Nice! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By civicdude - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 04 EX Civic for just over a month now and Im very happy with it. I love the gas mileage, smooth ride and it has a quiet engine for its class. Its my first Honda so Im hoping to enjoy the quality and reliabilty Ive always read about.

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  The Best Ever - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Eric Larson - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Accord Coupe for 3 months and 3,000 miles now. This is by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The handling is superb. The interior is unmatched for comfort, function and design. Being over 6 foot tall, seating is very important to me and this Accord is perfect fit for my lomg legs. There is plenty of thigh support. The power drivers seat makes finding an ideal driving position easy. Combine that with a tilt, telescoping steering wheel and youre all set to go. The audio controls on the steering wheel are a great touch. This vehicle handles like a kitten and has more excelleration and power from a V6 than you could possibly use

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  This car is the BOMB - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jennifertony - June 30 - 10:00 am

  i love my new car its fully loaded and i love it!

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  Great car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jakey J - June 30 - 2:59 am

  Bought this little jewel from a friend. His mom bought it brand new in 1998, then gave the car to him. He drove it a few years then decided to get rid of it when it started needing repairs. Realizing that routine maintenance and some TLC would get it in good running condition, I asked how much he would take for it. I about passed out when he said $400! Sold! I put new tires, front rotors, rear trailing arm bushings and struts, changed all fluids, filters, thermostat, and spark plugs. I had to do NO mechanical work. Engine runs perfect. A/C blows cold. What a well engineered car. The interior is in great shape as far as dash, instrumentation, and seats. But the headliner is gone. All I need to do now is have it repainted and it will look as good as it runs.

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  Great car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jakey J - June 30 - 2:59 am

  Bought this little jewel from a friend. His mom bought it brand new in 1998, then gave the car to him. He drove it a few years then decided to get rid of it when it started needing repairs. Realizing that routine maintenance and some TLC would get it in good running condition, I asked how much he would take for it. I about passed out when he said $400! Sold! I put new tires, front rotors, rear trailing arm bushings and struts, changed all fluids, filters, thermostat, and spark plugs. I had to do NO mechanical work. Engine runs perfect. A/C blows cold. What a well engineered car. The interior is in great shape as far as dash, instrumentation, and seats. But the headliner is gone. All I need to do now is have it repainted and it will look as good as it runs.

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  Great SUV - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By TJL - June 29 - 9:30 pm

  Love it!!! After 4 months of ownership ave. gas mileage 25.7. Long road trip from St. Louis to upper Michigan mpg was 28.9 going up and 28.3 coming back with ac running full blast south of Green Bay. Ran great and was very comfortable. Held everything my daughter took to college.

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  Back Problems? Buy This! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Kwheat - June 29 - 9:11 pm

  We were looking for a car with comfortable seats and good for a bad back. This is it. Our old Subaru Legacy gave us both back aches in 15 minutes of driving. With the Honda CRV we drove for 13 hours pain free! We love the leather seats and seat warmers, but for those who need support the armrests are fantastic! We debated leather - to go with the all leather or not. So glad we did. Its fun to drive. Shorter than my Subaru Legacy sedan and easier to get in and out of. Love it, Love it, Love it.

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  Awesome change... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By GlenK - June 29 - 3:46 pm

  I love the way that this car handles. I am also very pleased with fuel economy performance as well as engine response. Interior is cool. And the seats are very comfortable.