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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  Runs Great - Poor Interior Design - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Fitzee - April 11 - 7:43 am

  I get that this car was designed before social media. While I love the car itself (holds its value, runs great, good in the snow) the interior design SUCKS. There is NO place to put your phone. Unless you want it in the giant covered pocket in the console where, because it has no "not an ashtray" (like my Pilot did), I have to keep my spare change. The USB port is buried way down the bottom of the dashboard, not easy to get it & you need a long cord running to your phone to keep it charged. The AUX port is buried in the "box" between the seats. Since I play my ipod alot (& this car has no built in Bluetooth) I have a cord coming out of there for my music as well. People always ask me how I like my car. I always say "nice car, sucky interior design". Im now looking at a newer CRV, the design inside seems better. Course in my opinion, it couldnt be much worse than this one.

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  A/C system unsatisfactory - 2008 Honda Civic
  By leggo - April 11 - 12:43 am

  Test drove two different Honda Civics today. In both, the A/C cooling dropped to 50% of normal when idling at a light. Only cool when moving. On takeoff, hot air blows through vents because sensor apparently shuts A/C off during hard acceleration. The A/C and cooling fans in this car are unsatisfactory. Dealer said theyve had alot of complaints about it. Cant believe Honda let this one out the door. Ill pass on the Civic and Accord. Accord didnt handle/ride very well. Nice car but overrated.

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  1993 Honda Civic LX - 1993 Honda Civic
  By DMF - April 10 - 6:34 pm

  My 93 Civic LX has >130K miles, and STILL gets >30 MPG! DOHC engine still very quick and reliable -- cruise very comfortably at fast speeds (would NEVER do with other older-mileage vehicles). Mechanically excellent, but some of the interior components starting to deteriorate after 13 years (LED on stereo, speakers, plastic door handle snapped, spring clip for wipers). Recently test-drove 2003 Civic EX -- difference in performance between 2 was negligible -- I was quite surprised! (Or maybe I couldnt really "test" it because salesperson was sitting next to me). Best car Ive owned yet!

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  dang honda - 2001 Honda Civic
  By yellowstoneman - April 10 - 10:00 am

  beautiful car but it rattles more than my 83 dodge pickup. the body is way to easy to ding. Dealer fixed most of the rattles but they keep coming back. test drove a 04 accord right off the lot it rattled. only get 32 to 38 MPG at 65 try 80 and it drops to 28. the thing is so noisy on long drives i leave it home and take my van. my wife loves this car but it will be my last honda. not near as fast as my 93 accord in streight line or around corners. I wish i had bought a toyota. at 56k miles it has a great resale value but it leaves me cold.

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  Nice car but a bit pricey for a compact - 2003 Honda Civic
  By hercdriver - April 10 - 10:00 am

  We really like the car, but think that we paid more for the Honda name than what its worth. We also just had a problem with the transmission. Apparently the 03s had a bulletin for transmission problems. We plan on driving the car for some time and now wish we had more than a 3 year warranty.

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  Awesome body design - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Gerard Pascual - April 10 - 3:23 am

  Engine performance is awesome but one problem I have seen so far is the rear center light cover kept falling off. I was told that there is a recall and a new adhesive is being developed to correct the issue, otherwise overall its great for single guys and gals.

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  My First Month - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bruce - April 10 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Honda and my first new car. Im coming from driving a 12 year- old Camry. Everything I read about the Accord was that it is louder, road noise-wise, than the Camry. Thats an understatement. I figured that going from a 96 Camry to an 08 Accord Id have a quieter car, but I was wrong. Ive read that you can get tires that are quieter, so eventually I may do that. But for now, Ill just turn up the stereo. The car is fun to drive on back roads and cruises smoothly on the highways. It feels solid and I feel safe in it.

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  Improvement - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mickey - April 8 - 1:27 am

  Overall OK, engine quiet smooth, but handling is average. Inside quiet comfortable. Brake and gas pedal too high. Braking is below average.

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  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.

• 

  Great plain vehicle - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By sean - April 7 - 7:05 pm

  Awesome engineering. easy to do small repairs on (air filters, etc.) I added foglights, it was easy, engineering is ergonomically amazing. poor performance, poor gas mileage, average or less than average stereo w/7 speakers. Everything else, though, is great. Great for the money. Bought cerfified used, was like brand new, leather seats are great, still is...just a great, reliable vehicle for the money.