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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  Love it! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By koko2 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  good overall, very reliable

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  First Honda - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By John - October 19 - 8:49 am

  We live in a rural area 10 miles to town and I am a very conservative driver, slow acceleration, coast to stoplights and stop signs and do not go over speed limits and I get 35.5 mpg average. We have only had this car a short time so rating may change later.

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  Honda Happiness - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Thomas Marcino - October 19 - 5:14 am

  Im very satisfied with the purchase of my 2015 Honda Civic. It is a stylish looking small car which has excellent fuel economy and handles very well. Ive only had the vehicle about a month, but I know that Honda has a reputation for dependability and reliable service. As a result, I have peace of mind knowing that if my Civic ever does need repair or maintenance, I have qualified representatives available to assist me. I look forward to many years of pleasurable driving.

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  Great first sporty economic car - 2001 Honda Civic
  By Car picky - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am very picky with cars. This was our second car in the US, we had it for 49000 miles, until the last day we loved its look, very reliable, car exterior is a little flimsy can be dented very easily. Very stingy in gas (+). For a supposedly sport car performance is low. Extremely uncomfortable for me 6’2”. Rear seats are almost useless. Suspension is jumpy and uncomfortable. Overall definitely recommended.

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  great - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By oakman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Great suv.. fun to drive an has good cd player an good amount of room inside. My wife loves it and so do my teenage girls.The price was right and its a honda.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Honda Civic
  By hova - October 19 - 2:00 am

  i love my si its great

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  Its A Very O.K. Car - 2003 Honda Accord
  By katiemac - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall - I am quite pleased with only a few minor complaints. Love the power, handling, climate control. Totally annoyed with the rattle that cant be fixed (its rattled from day one!) and the hard shift from first to second (automatic) first thing in the morning. The interior is simply beautiful!

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  Should have gotten the V6 - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Frenchman - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I was disappointed in the pick-up from dead stop, the rev counter reached the red mark in first gear, the engine whines but the car wasnt moving. Guess I should have gotten the V6. Merging into highway traffic, however is a pleasure, as the car has no problem keeping up with other vehicles once it has the running start. The seats are very comfortable for long drives, all all controls are easily accessible.

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  Newbie - 2005 Honda Accord
  By hybrider - October 18 - 10:36 pm

  Was offered below MSRP price which brought it in range with the loaded Accord non-hybrid version. With tax break it will end up about the same as a regular Accord. Didnt want the nav package as I dont like dedicated PC like hardware in a car. It becomes obsolete too fast. It is very comfortable to drive for both city and highway Nice power when you want it. So far my gas mileage for the highway has been around 27 mpg highway. My lead foot is probably the issue. Because of the deal I got I cant complain. Gonna get a real spare though!

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  It was a lemon only a mother could love - 1990 Honda Accord
  By lemon lover - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This car was a nightmare for the first 9 years - back to the dealer for multiple problems under warranty, 5 batteries in 6 years, stuck around 100 times times in 100 degree heat with a car that would not start. But other than that, it was a charm to drive. Was overcharged on repairs several times. Once I left the closest Honda dealer and found an independent or drove across town to the other dealer, the problems were solved and it has run flawlessly ever since. Sears battery is 7 years old and still going strong. Does need need motor mounts. Im hoping to put another 100,000 miles on it. Makes a great second car.