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 hybrid out there - 2004 Honda Civic
  By macsven - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I didnt really choose to buy this car, since I wanted a manual transmission hybrid (the Civic is the only such model), but I am absolutely happy. The performance is decent, certainly no different than standard Civics or similar class cars. However, I probably would have paid more for extra horses because acceleration above 60 mph or when driving with a full car is sluggish. Gas mileage has lived up to my expectations -- 45-55 mpg, which leads me to think any complaints out there are from drivers who accelerate too fast, go over 80 mpg, etc. All other aspects of the car are identical to regular Civics -- a well balanced and economical sedan.

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  Finally - 2004 Honda Accord
  By FormerVW - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Finally got out of 1996 VW Jetta GL. I have been more than patient! Read all reviews on Accord EX-V6 I could find to make sure I was not buying another disaster. Everyone seemed to agree you cant go wrong with Honda. Initially wanted the LX-V6. Bought the EX trim level so I could get side curtain airbags. Safety was on top of my list. This car has more bells and whistles than I initially wanted. Had to shop around, as first dealership would not give anything for trade-in, and wanted MSRP for the car. I was initially looking at silver, but did not want the black interior. Got the green with tan inside.

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  Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By shoes21 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car Jan 2004. I love it. I test drove this and the Mazda 6. The Honda took the bumps easier and was a smoother ride.

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  Wow ... I had no idea - 2004 Honda Accord
  By jamey - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Some of my family members have owned Accords for a long time ... VERY long time. I have always been a Chevrolet guy myself ... but I work 100 miles one way from my home, so ... I needed better gas MPG ... I started looking at the first of this year and to be honest, I wasnt having any jaw dropping moments with dealerships ... but after finding the car that I wanted ... and after the deal ... I have my new 2004 Accord ... WOW! ... I never knew there was a car that would NOT make me miss my Chev truck!

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  Accords Are A Girls Best Friend! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Happycolt - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 1st Honda and I wont buy anything else. Very roomy interior and smooth ride. Heated leather seats, dual climate control, side curtain airbags, AM/FM/XM radio, in-dash 6 CD player, sunroof and more. A classy car at a reasonable price.

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  Pilot review - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Harry Potter - June 4 - 8:59 am

  Fuel economy is great. When the vehicle is traveling over 30 mph and is not accelerating, the engine shuts off 3 cylinders to save fuel. I traveled from Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA on a single tank of gas. City driving reduces the effectiveness a little. Vehicle is very comfortable. We have a car seat in the middle of the second row of seats, and easily fit two adults on the sides of the car seat. We have the 3rd row of seats folded down, and have the old car seat with base, a portable high chair and a stroller (not the umbrella type, the big ones) in the rear. We still have room to make a weekly grocery shopping trip. The fold down LCD screen makes travel easy with a child. I love it!

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  Great Deal - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Oddly Odyssey - June 4 - 8:13 am

  I purchased this Ody with 222k on it and is possibly best deal I have had. Have been through numerous new cars and used cars and I think this is my best deal. This Ody was a Honda fleet vehicle from Marysville and then purchased by Honda exec. driven for 7 years with 3 boys. I purchased because former owner bought a new Ody from Manufacturer. Works GREAT for me! Both Honda and owner kept EVERY maintenance record. I have all that now and keeping up the trend. Everything still works. Hopefully I can still have this feeling in a year or 2. Thanks Honda!

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  Happy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By albert - June 4 - 2:56 am

  I had a 2003 Honda Accord EX, but for the deal I got, it was worth it to tradeup. I am very happy with the Hybrid. While I just got it, milage is still better than previous Honda. It should improve substantially as I increase its use.

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  What a surprise - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Bill McNabb - June 3 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased the vehicle without a test drive for a second car for my daughters. I previoulsy had a Matrix AWD, but could not get side curtain air bags. I have always owned Toyotas and I was completely surprised by what a great car the Civic is to drive. On the highway the wind had no affect (very stable) and the motor was extremely smooth. I love the safety features. The only complaint I have is the emergency brake is in a bad spot for tall drivers. What a thrill.

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  Very Proud Owner - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Honda for life - June 3 - 9:22 pm

  I was surprised with the amount of car I received with my Accord. Power heated Leather Seats, power windows, power locks, remote transmitter in key, 6 disc player, moonroof, 6 air bags, great stock sound system,2.4L engine w/ great gas mileage 26 city/34 hwy. It is a very smooth ride for the most part, except on the interstate where road noise is present. The car comes with ABS, but needs bigger brakes. Another surprising feature is how much room there is in the backseat, 3 adults fit easily in the back. A lot of storage compartments throughout the car. Also 6 cup holders for a 5 person coupe, Pretty cool! All in all I am very impressed with this car and will buy Honda in the future!