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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  What do you expect? Its a honda! - 1994 Honda Accord
  By davey5300 - September 29 - 1:44 pm

  This was my first and only car that Ive owned, and Ive already made up my mind: Only Hondas! its a 94 Accord ex 4 dr automatic Red. I love it. I have had some problems with it but nothing major. the engine is very strong. It wont die. Ive tried to blow so many times but i cant. & thats a good thing. The only reason Im getting rid of it is to get a 5 speed.

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  2006 Hybrid Civic - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rick N - September 29 - 1:27 pm

  I have put 57,150 on this car and it has met all are expectations. Its handles like a sports car but give us the gas mileage. On all highway trips we get 55 mpg (75 MPH) and with a mix we average 43 mpg per tank. We have kept it dealer maintained getting all services as prescribed in the maintenance chart. If you drive a hybrid you have to learn to drive different then what you do a normal car to maximize the technology. Winter time the mpg only went down 1 mpg with winter tires. The only thing I wish they would re-design is the emergency brake which hits my knee (5’9”). I would also prefer the 5 speed over the automatic if they made them anymore.

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  I like it. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By seagar - September 29 - 9:46 am

  Turned in my leased Civic EX for this purchase. I know this is the last year before the newly designed Accord. The car rides solid and smooth. I feel a bit more protected on the open highway than in the Civic. The additional side/curtain airbags add confidence. The 4 cyl. is plenty of power for my world. My Civic was more fun to drive around town, but the Accord feels more secure at 70+ mph speeds.

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  Miss it - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Tom - September 29 - 6:27 am

  It was slower than a sick elephant and needed third gear to get up steep hills but still a blast to drive. So light and low that it cornered at 25-30 mph with no squealing from its cheap little tires. Loved the styling inside and out. Still looks cool even though the design dates to 1991. Shame its cosmetic quality wasnt the same as its mechanical quality. Never cost me a dime other than regular maintenance but the paint job was bad and it started rusting like crazy around 10 years of age. Mine was an automatic, which didnt do the tiny engine any favors and sucked gas. A car this small should get better than 25 mpg in the city. But so cheap to own and run and so fun at the same time.

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  Amazing little car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By rngade - September 29 - 4:29 am

  We were originally going to get an Accord, but decided to take a good look at the 2012 Civic, because it was redesigned and just seemed to offer a lot for the money. It doesnt disappoint! One of the complaints often heard about the last gen Civic was road noise. They have addressed that with the 2012 model. The overall ride is superb, we thought we would need an Accord before getting this level of quality. It does not feel like an economy car at all!

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  1998 Honda Accord 2dr v6 coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By donovan reddin - September 29 - 1:16 am

  I love this car. All the guys in my car club love my car. It is by far the best version of the honda accord to date.

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  Love this van! Our 2nd one! - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By dmaxwellh - September 28 - 8:25 pm

  The Odyssey is fantastic. We put 50,000 miles on our 06 without any problems. We just traded it in on an 08 Touring. Paid 33186 which is 3700 below invoice. Very happy with this deal. The older one was an EX-L with Nav and DVD. The addition of movable pedals, Bluetooth, memory seats, and power rear liftgate are nice. The fog lights are a nice addition, too. This is an excellent vehicle and drives very nicely the Sienna was just too soft a ride.

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  Original Owner of 17 years - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Bob - September 28 - 1:39 pm

  The vehicle cannot be compared with other for it has been totally reliable in all aspects. This vehicle sat in storage for 3 years while on overseas service and upon turning the key, it was not disconnected during storage, it started right up and the clock on the dash still had the correct time. I did the normal hose and belt replacement along with the timing belt and 60K later she is still running strong. As other reviewers have revealed the quarter panels are very rust prone but if I were to call Honda they would probably consider meeting me 1/2 way on the repairs. Not only is the car reliable the manufacturer has been nothing but helpful with minor to major issues. Great car period!

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  Great commuter car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By BW - September 28 - 7:22 am

  I have been driving my car for almost two years now, putting 100 miles daily. I love it. Fit is efficient and reliable. I waited 5 months for this car, back then it was "a new thing on a market". I already know it from Europe - they also loved it there. I put a lot of highway miles daily but it is no so big expense anymore. I easily get 40 mpg. It is surprisingly spacious inside - I often have a full trunk and things fit easily. Everything works well. The only thing I had to replace was tires, after 36,000.There is one thing that I dont like - the noise of the engine inside the car.

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  So far, so good... - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Anita - September 28 - 5:06 am

  Traded an 03 Odyssey (which had problems). CRV isnt as plush as Odyssey but more fun to drive. Only 18-20 mpg city so far-will update later. Kids like having "real" doors with windows that go down (Odyssey didnt have and they suffered when the AC went out in June [in Texas!!] when van was only 3 yrs old). Love it so far!!