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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  First Impressions -60 miles in - 2013 Honda Accord
  By buyer157 - June 28 - 9:37 pm

  Ill update this review in 1000 miles or so, but for now, Ive just brought home my new Honda Accord Sport and commuted once to work. Absolutely no buyers remorse. Having read in a couple of places about transmission jerkiness at low speeds or road noise, Im thrilled to report Ive noticed NO such problems. Car has a fantastic exhaust note, and is whisper quiet. Acceleration is smooth and the vehicle is extremely responsive. The Sport quickly found its way to 80 mph with little prodding and felt as if it was standing still. Seating is incredibly comfortable,and the interior calming and spacious.

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  Love my new Civic! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jessbarnett85 - June 27 - 11:56 am

  Where to start this review. I must say, this car is a great value. Its quiet on the highway and in the city. So many little small features that you never expect. The i-MED screen is customizable and the headlights go off if you leave them on. Gas mileage is great. Eco mode does save you save gas while driving in the city, but at a expense of off-the-line acceleration. I love how the blinker you can tap and it does 3 blinks for you to change lanes. The headlights are great at night and the car handles great. I must say, I am still learning how to use all the features on this car. I have had it since March. I have achieved 43.7 mpg hwy on a 100 mile round trip, eco mode on. Handles GREAT!

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  What a GREAT car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By themanindbox - June 26 - 5:47 pm

  I dont know where to begin At 6ft+ I needed something bigger to drive, getting in and out of small cars sucks when you are tall. I also wanted decent MPG and good build quality. I have been shocked by both aspects in the new accord. The seats are comfortable, the MPG is awesome, 35MPG average today, and I have yet to break it in. The clutch is smooth, and the shifter is one of the best I have driven. The ride is quiet and refined and the fit and finish feel and look 40K dollar car like on a sub 20k dollar budget.

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  Unsurpassed value for the money - 2013 Honda Accord
  By bklynborn - June 25 - 8:45 am

  I purchased my V6 Accord on 6/1/13 and feel it is remarkable. This car should cost $15M-$20M more. Extremely roomy, real large trunk, terrific build quality and steering feel is perfect. I am still on my first tank of gas and averaging 29.7 MPG (according to the trip computer) in mixed driving with the econ mode. What more can you ask of a powerful V6? The navigation system/infotainment system takes some time to learn but most younger people should have no problem. My only complaints: 1).The stereo system is inferior to the 2012 Accord. Has very little base which is just the opposite of the 2012 EXL. 2). The carpeting is really cheap. Has no pile and looks like mouse fur. Shame on Honda!

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  Dont buy a hybrid, get this car! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By brock69 - June 24 - 2:49 pm

  Driving from Cincinnati, OH to Gatlinburg, TN this past weekend we averaged 41 MPG while having the sunroof open fully and all the windows open about 2 inches. From there we continued through the App. Mountains to Greenville, SC and averaged 43 MPG with the AC running and we were not doing anything crazy like turning off the motor. I remember the sticker saying this car was rated at 39. We averaged about 73 MPH the whole way in mild to medium traffic. We bought this car with 9000 miles on it for $17,000 and have added 16,000 miles in 6 Months. No expensive or dangerous batteries to mess with and we can turn the ECON button off whenever we want to get more juice.

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  BEST CAR!! - 1997 Honda Accord
  By gvnnpd - June 19 - 8:25 pm

  I bought mine with 60k, i now have 120k. Ive only done oil changes along with once a year wax. It looks new and runs great! Ive only needed to do the a/c compressor, which was only $300 what a steal! when my friends same year Saab was 1,200. Boy did he have a Saab story! This car takes you anywhere and everywhere! Ive taken it to Colorado in the mountains, to the beaches of california, never has it ever broken down on me. At times ive though of getting a new car but then i remember that NOTHING compares to the gas and reliability this car has. Its a gold mine, thats why its been rated the #1 stolen in America! crooks know where theres gold mines.

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  One of the best cars ever made - 1998 Honda Accord
  By philsie1 - June 14 - 7:39 pm

  Our 98 has 375,000 kms. We have had it for 7 yrs and love driving it. We have to retire it finally because of rusted out frame and gas tank from so much salt on the roads of Canada. We have done very little to it except to replace all the brake and gas lines, again due to rusting. Still gets excellent gas mileage( we were getting as much as 44 mpg). So if you have 175000 - 200000 kms on your car, dont give up hope, theres plenty left.

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  Im so Happy with my new car! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By jnh2 - June 14 - 1:24 pm

  I fell in love with Honda Accord after I seeing someone driving a Black 2013 EX-L earlier this year. I previously only owned Toyotas (2 Camrys and a RAV 4) but decided to give the Accord. I decided to go for the EX-L w/NAV and it was a great decision. The cloth in the EX looks really cheap, but the leather in the EX-L is luxurious and feels great. This is my first car with a NAV system so the features takes some getting used to. The gas mileage is much better than any of my Toyotas, but Im not sure that the ECON button is saving me any money on gas. I love that there is enough space in the back seat for my kids which is a definite plus, and the trunk is huge for groceries and shopping.

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  Night & Day! - 2013 Honda Civic
  By drjc3 - June 12 - 7:08 pm

  I liked my daughters 2011 EX model & decided to check-out the 2013 EXL for myself. Although her car was nice/fun to drive, this new model is significantly better in all areas. After two months, Im more than satisfied ... Good Job Honda!

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  Cute Little Honda - 2011 Honda Civic
  By tyler__jordan - June 11 - 2:25 pm

  I enjoy my little Honda. It gets incredible gas mileage and is very fun to drive. The only bad thing about the coupe, is it is very difficult to see out of the back passenger window. It creates somewhat of a blind spot. Its great for a young person, but I can tell I am going to need more space. But for reliability and gas mileage, it doesnt get much better than the civic!