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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  The Honda Civic Si is a great car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By tiff_c - November 9 - 12:16 pm

  Initially I looked at a lot of cars. This one was at the bottom of my list. I compared it to the Mazda Speed 3 and a Subaru WRX. The engine revs very smoothly in this car but the power when it reached 6,000 rpms is really amazing. The shifter on the Si is buttery smooth. It drives very well even in the snow. I put Nokian tires on it for winter and it goes just great in snow. My wife really likes driving this car so with all that we bought it.

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  Good ol Honda - 1993 Honda Accord
  By Jendawn - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Honda used 5 years ago and it still runs great! I have 133,000 miles on it and last year when I got it smogged, the guy said it smogged like a new car. Change that oil every 3,500 and this car will last forever. Just be careful that when you change the timing belt, have those little cheap oil pan seals replaced at the same time or youll be sorry. Great car.

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  Best Van Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By dixiemom99 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a Ford Windstar and had multiple problems with it. Honda Odyssey has been reliable, comfortable, and fun to travel in. I drive a lot with kids and find they are very happy with the comfort of the car and the entertainment system.

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  Mostly great - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Oz - November 8 - 2:20 pm

  The Good: My wife has always wanted a small car but with a family we had to have bigger ones. Now that the kids are gone, she got a Fit and loves it. I fit well in it at 64". Its like driving a go-cart. The Bad: 1. No low washer fluid light. Its only offered on Canadian models. Why?? 2. Speedometer extremely hard to read. Dark red needle on a black background. I have to take my eyes off the road for a long time to determine my speed instead of just a glance. It should be yellow or white or orange. 3. The Honda OwnerLink website should have a feedback link so owners can make suggestions. Other than that, its a great little car.

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  Its a good car but..... - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Legna - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I miss my Volvo and my VW GLX- VR6every day I have to drive this Car. Although very reliable, and I appreciate the improved gas mileage from my previous cars....Its boring, too light (I get blown into the next lane on windy days), the a/c cant keep up w/ the humidity in Chicago, overall quality is too cheap, the handling is poor (I hate the jerk of the transmission from taking off from a stop and the horrible control when you go over 70 mph--good tires do help some). Liven it up guys....theres nothing fun about drivng this car, Im thrilled I have a luxury car to drive every other day when Im not commuting an abusurd distance to work every day.

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  trekkie report - 2000 Honda Civic
  By trekkie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  had civic h/b since 1978.. since then honda has slowly cheapened it..the paint is my biggest problem it chips so easily

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  crv excellent - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By The Boot - November 7 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle even tows my small trailer with my 4 wheeler on it.

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  This car is not reliable - 2003 Honda Accord
  By kicmich - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 2003 accord for 7 months and have had to take it back to the dealer for 3 problems. I have had a transmission leak, throttle body assembly failure, and my drivers seat broke. I bought the car so I had something reliable to drive but it is horrible. The throttle body assembly failure makes the acceleration sticky and the car is very hard to drive. It has been this way for over a month waiting for parts. Honda service stinks.

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  NOT WHAT IT SEEMS - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Jnlsn - November 7 - 2:00 am

  This van has transmission shifting problems. Despite constant visits to honda service for runnning rough they still cant get it right. The service departments constant reply is that all vehicle testing shows all is ok. This has been continuos for the past year or at about 16 k miles. Vehicle now has about 26k miles on it.

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  220k and still shiny - 1990 Honda Accord
  By nanj - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought used w/ 100k on it for $6k, thought Id own it a year or 2 max, have had it for 7 yrs, only left me stranded once when dist died, good car, good seats, handles well, paint shiny, past year has been busy, speed/O2 sensors, dist/coil, oil pan seal, door latch($!), sway bushings, i maintain it per book, ac orig(was recharged/ no leaks found), trans ok, engine ok, for the miles I cant complain about the repairs, I was due, axles replaced at 150k, good car cruises at 85 no problem