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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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2000 Honda Accord
  By MrShaggs - May 6 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my 2000 LX 4cylinder coupe in June of 2000, and it has been nothing but good to me. I have driven many higher end cars that werent even as comfortable or responsive as this car. I have Koni/Neuspeed Suspention, forged rims, light flywheel, all sorts of mods, and it never lets me down. I have bent a lot of rims, but the car is solid. The only thing that would have made it better was if it came with an H22 5speed it would have been perfect. Over 100k on it and it still looks better than the day I bought it.

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  Best in class, by far - 2003 Honda Accord
  By SK - May 6 - 2:03 pm

  My favorite car. Exterior and interior design, styling, material quality, all impecable. Fun to drive, reliable, economical. When this gets old Im definitely buying another one.

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  Love It - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Todd - May 6 - 3:13 am

  So far I love my Honda! I am a big guy and have always drove Tauruss. I was a Ford man. But no more! The Civic has great room and gets great mileage. Very fun to drive. I look forward going to work now!!!

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  An Impressive Vehicle - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Chrysler Exile - May 5 - 11:38 am

  This vehicle replaced a 2000 Town & Country Limited that literally fell apart on me. I liked the ride a little better on that vehicle, but the Odyssey is extremely well-designed in terms of day-to-day practicality. That even extended to the pre-drilled bolt-holes that allowed me to install a trailer hitch in about a 1/2 hour using only a socket wrench. The Hondas principal drawbacks are that it is noisier than other minivans and the entertainment system is too complicated. Plus, its wider than other minivans, which makes garage parking harder.

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  Amazing Car - 1996 Honda Civic
  By DavidAndreww - May 5 - 12:16 am

  I bought my little honda civic in 2002 as a sophomore in high school. I bought it with 145,000 miles. Currently its at 214,000. It still runs like a champ after the 7 years and 70,000 miles Ive put on it. Unfortunately I have to sell it because it failed inspection, but only for cosmetic reasons. Didnt take care of a bit of rust in one of the wheel wells and its taken its toll, and at this point it is smarter to get a new car than drop $2000 to repair. Also would like to mention that Ive been in 3 fender benders with this thing, and Ive had to do nothing to it. Just routine oil changes. Buy a Honda.

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  I love my Civic Hybrid - 2009 Honda Civic
  By moonchild629 - May 4 - 5:50 pm

  This is the first hybrid and Honda Civic I have driven. I love to drive. I drive 400 miles (back and forth) every weekend. The mileage is great.

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  Great gas mileage and very versatile - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By dcarden - May 4 - 1:21 pm

  We bought a 2007 Odyssey EX-L during Hondas annual clearance event in October 2007 and saved about $4K on MSRP. The EX-L has the VCM (variable cylinder management) feature that shuts off up to 3 cylinders when not needed. It is very unnoticeable to all but the most expert drivers and adds up to an average fuel economy over 25 mpg with every tank of gas for our family. We added an Alpine Overhead DVD system for the kids and saved another $1K versus getting the EX-L with factory DVD, besides the Alpine has a bigger screen, "mommy controls" and game playing features that the factory DVD does not have. We added luggage racks and use our Thule Roof Box for cross country trips for added comfort.

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  Wifes first Honda - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By jimh - May 4 - 1:16 pm

  We purchased our Honda in August 2008 and have put on nearly 10000 miles since owning it. Weve not had any problems. We average nearly 24 miles on the highway and 18 in the city. The ride is comfortable, even in the second and third row seating. I am 6 foot and sat in both the second and third row. My wife loves the drive and the feel of the vehicle. All of the controls are in good placement for visual and ease of reach. The kids love the I-Pod hook up. My wife feels very safe in the vehicle, much better than the last SUV we owned. All around, very happy with the car. I do wish it came with the wiring harness for the towing, I had to purchase the connector/wiring harness from Honda.

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  One awesome machine! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By speed racer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is pure fun, plain and simple. It could have a bit more lower end torque but its still a mean machine. From the moment I took it for a test drive... I was hooked! Its a little cramped with the top up but, at 59" its not too bad. If I really had one complaint... Storage space is a problem. No glove compartment and trunk room to speak of. Just a great car though.

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  One awesome machine! - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Speed Racer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is pure fun, plain and simple. It could have a bit more lower end torque but its still a mean machine. From the moment I took it for a test drive... I was hooked! Its a little cramped with the top up but, at 59" its not too bad. If I really had one complaint... Storage space is a problem. No glove compartment and trunk room to speak of. Just a great car though.