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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  fun to drive - 2004 Honda Civic
  By robb. - July 12 - 4:50 pm

  I love driving this car. It is even more satisfying knowing that its good on gas. I get better than rated mileage in this car. I havent even modified it. This car is great for people who enjoy driving and who have needs beyond merely getting there. Its nice to have a spacious small car that still performs and isnt that expensive.

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  Nice wheels - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Ricardo arita - July 12 - 1:12 am

  Nice car

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  great car, but getting old... - 1992 Honda Accord
  By 92 Honda EX - July 11 - 5:56 pm

  I have really enjoyed owning this car. I have the 5spd and it has been very fun to drive. Despite not being a sports car, it has a sporty appearence with the 2drs, spoiler and sun roof. The car has however not been without problems. Since I bought it, I have had problems starting it in hot, humid weather. At 180,000 miles the oil pan seal wore and needed to be replaced, at 190,000 miles the head was found to be cracked and the car would not start. This is a very expensive problem to have fixed. Currently, it seems that the fuel pump is about to go. Despite the problems I have had, I would not hesitate to recommend the same car to someone else.

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  little problems add up to big headaches - 2002 Honda Civic
  By smith - July 10 - 7:41 pm

  Although I do believe that the Civic is reliable and gets good gas mileage, I have been disappointed with several aspects of the car. I had to replace my tires within the first year, the inside rear of the car started to squeak after 6 months, the condensor needs replaced ($1200 job), plastic instrument panal randomly cracked(Honda wouldnt fix even though under warrenty), the engine is loud when idoling, stiff ride, and now the rear back tire is grinding and its not the brakes. So, I wake up everday holding my breath, hoping that nothing major happens!

• 

  Phat Ride - 1997 Honda Civic
  By Naveed Ashgar - July 10 - 12:20 am

  It was fun.

• 

  97 Accord very reliable - 1997 Honda Accord
  By jh0212 - July 9 - 10:15 pm

  Have a 97 accord 4-dr EX w/ 184K miles now. Very reliable. Has lost a little juice and feels underpowered now compared to newer cars, but otherwise runs great. Only problems/complaints: (1) Warped rotors (replaced once, new set warped again), (2) paint is faded and splotchy now, (3) drivers side window slow to slide back up, esp on cold days, (4) A/C is not very strong, (5) mileage is so-so (about 24 mpg in mostly fwy driving, but I dont exactly obey the speed limit either). Not most exciting handling, but more responsive than Camry or some American cars Ive driven. Never get tired of my car. Would definitely buy another or recommend to someone.

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  I love this car. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Bunches - July 9 - 8:02 pm

  This is a good, reliable car-SUV. There is plenty of room for groceries or luggage. I find I get about 25 mpg in the city which is awesome.

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  A good Minivan - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By V Nair - July 9 - 6:35 am

  I owned the 2006 Honda Odyssey. I love the 2006 compared to the 2018. There are several minor inconveniences but there are several good enhancements too. The second row sliding doors are bit slow. The remote needs to be pressed hard for any operation (open/close doors). The position of the auto-lights etc. are not at the best position. The indoor lighting is not very good. Road sounds etc. are negligible.

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  Still Just Rght - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By RayG - July 8 - 4:01 pm

  Well, its been 3 yrs since the last review I did and the old gal is still ticking! Not a lick of trouble, mileage still up there at 24-26 in mixed/mostly highway driving. Regular maintenance is the key, but I suspect Hondas in general dont suffer much in sniggly little problems, or major ones either. Only problem that scared me was The Engine" light came on one day. Dignosed as Human Error. Dont forget to tighten those gas caps, folks!

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  Honda CRV LX 2WD - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By tommy_morris - July 8 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is roomy and I like the style. I was worried the 4 cylinder engine would be sluggish, in fact I am very happy with the performance. It easily acceerates into traffic. This SUV is not perfect, but I am a huge Honda fan because of the reliability that Hondas have.