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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  Cant complain too much - 1996 Honda Civic
  By JOse - March 12 - 12:14 pm

  So far so good, Had to take into the shop for muffler work and a problem with the intake, but besides that it been a good little car. 96000 miles and still runs great, only problem is that it does hesitate when pushing the gas to merge. Can be scary at times. Looks great on the outside and the inside is not bad. Fun car. Hopefully it will treat me good, and still has a decent resale value.

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  Hmmmm... - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Phee - March 12 - 7:11 am

  I have only owned Hondas since 1981. I owned a Civic (over 100,000 mi), an Accord (318,000 mi), and an Odyssey (359,800 and still going). This is the first Honda I purchased thinking I would trade it in in a few years on something else. There is much to like about the CRV, but the drivers seat is not comfortable compared to my Odyssey and other vehicles I tested and it is not as attractive as other 2017 makes and models. I also do not care for the sound system in the CRV. It sounds cheap. I decided on the CRV based on resale value.

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  best car ever made - 1990 Honda Civic
  By Marina - March 11 - 7:40 pm

  I love my Ruby Reliable. She now has 240,000 miles, is going strong, has almost no rust, and burns no oil. Im still passing most cars even going up hills. I had to write a review, because she deserves all the praise a car can receive.

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  What a Great Car - 1992 Honda Civic
  By beaker - March 11 - 3:15 pm

  With gas prices so high only Hybrids can do better for mileage. This car has high interior noise, the seats are not that comfortable and rust is showing up in the rear quater panels but that is about the end of the bad stuff. Almost 283K miles, no major engine work and average mileage is around 40 MPG. It handles well and keeps up in city traffic no problem. I have seen several civics customized but this one wont see that kind of work until the engine goes.

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  Wow. Just wow. - 2016 Honda Fit
  By David E - March 11 - 10:26 am

  This is the perfect first car, or any other car. Its a family car, a cargo hauler, a workhorse, you name it. After a year of trying to find a subcompact car that I actually fit in, I was able to put all 63" of myself in the drivers seat, passenger seat, and back seats. Of course, the seat was as far back as it would go, and my right knee rests on the shift knob, but I cannot complain with the overall dimensions of the drivers seat. I run a small yard maintenance business, and I can fit my Honda mower, and my STIHL Blower and Weed Whacker all behind the front seats. I have taken three Cellos, a Double Bass, two amps, eighteen music stands and two drums AT ONCE. Needless to say, the cargo space rivals a minivans. I have tried and tried, but I cannot get this car to dip below 35 MPGs. It costs me an average of $16 dollars to fuel up in the Seattle WA area. The car I drove before this was a 1974 Porsche 914. That car is famous for sticking to the road like glue. This Honda doesnt come close to beating that ride quality, but for its height and cargo space, Ill let it slide. This car has a personality unlike any other car. It knows when youre trying to wind it up and get moving quickly, and in that case, the CVT will fight and try to buck you off the gas. Flooring the pedal makes the revs climb up to 5,000 or 5,500 before you even get above 15 MPH, and the sound is like a paper shredder that hasnt ever been oiled. But once you get moving between 25-60 mph, youll feel the 130 horsepower start to get along with the engine. Of course, anything above 65 mph has its downsides and I would not recommend going over 85. The wind will start to really affect your control over the car. But Honda, unlike many other car companies, has a feeling of quality that is simply unmatched. I can tell Ill get a good 150,000 miles out of it before having to get anything repaired, something that you wont feel in most of the American cars. Youll be rewarded with more than just outstanding fuel economy with this Fit. Buy Honda, and you cant go wrong.

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  Very nice used Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By CR - March 11 - 7:15 am

  Traded in a 13 Ford Focus with lots of transmission issues and several recalls. Happy with this 08 Honda with low miles and $100 lower per month car payment!

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  Very nice used Civic - 2008 Honda Civic
  By CR - March 11 - 7:15 am

  Traded in a 13 Ford Focus with lots of transmission issues and several recalls. Happy with this 08 Honda with low miles and $100 lower per month car payment!

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  Sporty and Fun - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Carol H. - March 11 - 2:58 am

  I have had this vehicle since Sept. 26, 2015. I bought the 2016 EX model as it has some of the latest technology. Sunroof, large screen with practical instant information. I thought I would miss Sirrus radio but I have not as I play Pandora and now Spotify which is my music on bluetooth. I like that this is a Crossover. I had a CR-V prior to this and in comparing the HR-V I much prefer the HR-V for handling and easy entry and exit. I would have preferred leather seats but purchased covers which match the interior and keep the seats clean. I use my smart phone for navigation so I felt I did not need the next model up just to get leather and navigation. Lots of features on this little beauty. Smooth ride and comfortable seats. They could put better quality carpeting but this is a minor distraction. The engine could be a little bigger for more power but I have adjusted to the change and feel comfortable with it now. The dealers have been having low inventory so selection of colors is limited but it is an indication that this is a popular vehicle and I predict it will be a very successful addition to Hondas fleet. I will be driving mine for many years to come.

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  Good but not Great - 2002 Honda Accord
  By Kris M - March 10 - 12:20 pm

  I will admit I have only owned the car for 2 months now, but I have some complaints. Passing power is almost a joke. My 2002 stratus would blow the doors off this thing. I am almost afraid to pass in it. This V-6 seems to be powerless in the top end. My fuel mileage is not so great either. On long trips averaging 65mph I only get 25-26 mpg. The dodge got 28-29 with the V6. Other than that we love the car. Climate control is a must have. Being able to see out of your car is a plus. If you dont know what I mean drive a stratus. Having a large trunk opening is great as well. Hopfully the milage will improve over time.

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  MORE THAN ONE HONDA - 1998 Honda Civic
  By 2ND HONDA - March 10 - 12:47 am

  This is my second Civic. The 1st was a great car...very reliable and great on gas. The second was is a 1998 ex. Vtec motor. If you get a Civic, it should be with a v-tec motor. Feels like a v6 on the highway. Fun to drive. Very sporty. Best deal for the money...and itÂ’s a Honda.