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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  300k miles and still going strong! - 2001 Honda Accord
  By jump man - June 13 - 6:07 pm

  purchased this car 3 years ago due to me reading good reviews about how reliable it is and the reviews were right. I put 25k miles per year on it. Super reliable, comfortable and drives great.. even in the snow. my cruise control doesnt work anymore which is a bummer but everything else works great. if you need a comfortable low maintenance car to get you from A to B this is the best bang for the buck.. I wonder if I could break a record and put 1,000,000 miles on it

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  Transportation Specialist - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Loomanite - June 13 - 5:31 pm

  I drove this car off the showroom floor in April 2002, and it has been completely trouble free. Did the major service at 105K miles. Prior to spending the $1K I thought about getting a new car, but recognized that it would probably service my needs for another seven years at substantially less of a cost than a new car (with higher insurance rates, registration rates, sales tax, etc.). True, it lacks the excitement and this model is a common sight on the road. But that helps explain its magic. A wise choice for any consumer truly concerned about the total cost of ownership.

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  Quality Over Flash - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By WorkingMom - June 13 - 12:16 pm

  Owned this car a little over a month. Definitly put it through its paces-- logged over 1700 miles, highway, city, unpaved roads (my driveway), washed over roads, dry pavement, rain, snow, slush, ice. Ive hauled my two year old to daycare, teenager to band practice, the whole family on a trip. Drove a few 200 mile trips for my job. Ive had to park it in tight spots and inadequately plowed lots. In all these situations, it has performed without trouble. From a practical standpoint, I would highly recommend it.

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  Civic Hybrid ROCKS! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Byron - June 12 - 6:33 pm

  I just got really tired of filling up my Silverado at $50-$55 a fillup and only about 350 miles for that much cash, so I traded for the Civic Hybrid. Now I get over 600 miles for around $25 a fillup. The Civic even has more front seat legroom, and since I am over 6 ft tall, this is big. Its only an inch, but it does make a difference. Seats are as comfortable as the truck, visibility is great also.

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  The blue box - 2005 Honda Element
  By Cotal - June 12 - 4:07 pm

  I still have and love this blue box!

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  Should have gotten leather seats - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Chris - June 12 - 3:59 pm

  I have driven more in the past 2 years due to many factors. Im really lucky to have had this Honda. Very happy with the V6, great pick up. I call it peppy, handles great, feels sporty to me. I like to keep my car clean. Well the seats are a problem, they are like a lint brush. They are always covered in lint and hair no matter how much I clean them. Seats are comfortable to me, 62" big fellow. I had a used 96 Accord and thought it was a nice car too. I will look at getting a new Accord when the time comes.

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  This vehicle is the "real deal"! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By haroldthreatt - June 12 - 1:46 pm

  This has been the best vehicle we have ever owned (out of over 40). We had a 2003 Odyssey that was a great car, but the 2005 is a quantum leap forward in all aspects! As retirees, we use it mostly as a trip car and always feel safe and secure. We drove 900 miles in one day last fall and couldnt believe how comfortable the leather seats were (Im very sensitive to seats as I have lumbar problems). The quality of the ride is outstanding as well as the ease in using the controls, especially cruise. Handling is more like a car than a van (much improved vs 2003). On trips, we usually average better than 26 mpg while driving 70-75 mph.

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  Great car!!! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Jonathan - June 12 - 1:12 pm

  I have owned my accord for over nine years and it still performs the same way as it did during the test drive! The only thing that I have had to replace is an alternator and it was actually covered by a factory bulletin and I only had to pay $25 for its replacement! Great Car!!!

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  Nicer than gen 1 - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Toledo Ohio - June 12 - 12:33 pm

  I went from a 1999 CR-V awd to a 2007 CR-V 2wd 1 month ago. The 2wd was difficult to purchase in nw ohio but they found me one. Ive gone from 26-27 mpg to 29+ (1500 miles, warm weather conditions). The ride is much quieter and smoother. The power is much improved and more than adequate. Car runs 2000 rpm at 65. The gas meter (2 trip meters with mpg and and instant mileage gage) is great and accurate. LX basic stereo bass is remarkable, way better the the 99.

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  191,000 looks and runs new - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Karen - June 12 - 12:11 pm

  This was my first Honda and it has been the best value purchase I have made in 30 years. Alternator and timing belt changed at 93,000 miles, which is close to the regular scheduled maintenance, otherwise no mechanical issues. Red paint still looks fairly new. We own 2 BMWs and have had problems with starting in the cold weather, the Honda has always started in the coldest Maine weather. I still love to drive this car, no blind spots, comfortable. Reliability is the reason we keep this car even at 191,000 miles. Drive the BMW for luxury!