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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  Good but not for everyone - 2007 Honda Civic
  By David - August 8 - 11:04 pm

  I like it. The car is fun and during the night it looks like more expensive car. I do regret getting it with the Navigation system, DONT GET A CIVIC OR ANY OTHER HONDA WITH THE NAVI! It was waste of money. You pay almost $2,000dlls for something that cant play DVDS and no bluetooth. It works perfect, no complaints there but with less money you could buy something with more features. Since its a coupe and it has a moonroof (headroom decreases) its only suited for young folks with no family and who dont carry a lot of stuff. If you do get this car, buy it some projector headlamps and L.E.D tail lamps, waoo! It looks great! Im getting around 25mpg, but I drive hard. Best mpg its on the highway.

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  love my Honda Odyssey - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Vanessa Dodson - August 8 - 10:43 pm

  Had a 2005 Honda Odyssey which had 183k on it. Needed a new car and got another Honda Odyssey (E-LX with rear navigation). My purchase price was fair (but on the higher end), but they gave me more for my trade in than they should have, so it balanced out.

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  First Honda - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Hobie - August 8 - 9:49 pm

  Best car ever owned. Powerful 4 cylinder, fast, fuel economy always 30-31 on highway at 75-80 mph. Nothing went out until 215,000 miles-- transaxle failed.

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  One Dependable Car - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Dave - August 8 - 9:05 pm

  I purchased this 2006 Accord 4 cyl automatic new and the vehicle has 205,000 miles on it. Only routine maintenance has been required so far. Its one great dependable car. I would purchase another car, but this one is too dependable.

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Jim - August 8 - 7:36 pm

  So far I am pretty happy with my purchase of a Civic. Overall, its what I expected. There are a few surprising issues. Most notably, the car has a tough time starting when its cold out (under 20 degrees). I live in the Northeast and that has been rather often this winter. The windshield washer nozzles have also been freezing up since Ive had the car. It doesnt handle well in the snow but I expected that since its so light. I do like the reliability that comes with the Civic and it does ride well. Also, the gas gauge seems to underestimate the amount of gas in the tank. I actually was driving with no bars on the gas gauge, so I rushed to fill the tank and I still had about 2 gallons left.

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  Great Sedan - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Chas4519 - August 8 - 5:36 pm

  After a dealer buy back of my 2005 Dodge Magnum Hemi I was looking forward to getting the Accord. It was a come down from 340 HP to 244 but well worth the trade. Great materials and built quality. Classy interior, good acceleration for a V6, not as good as the 07 Camry but the styling is cleaner and built quality better. I was concerned about the many recent Toyota recalls. Also to get comparable equipment the Camry would have been thousands more. I cant wait for the redo in 2008. Hope the styling will be a little more radical, with keyless remote, push button start and a few more horsepower.

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  Excellent - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By RG - August 8 - 5:26 pm

  This is One of the Best Minivans you can you. Me and My Wife were planning to buy a SUV but after looking at the Odessey it took us minutes to change our mind. The New 2005 Looks Great from Interior and Exterior.Really Classy. I have a toyota so we were deciding between a Sienna and a Odessey ... Both are Pretty Similar Except that Honda is Cheaper than Toyota with Same Features. Pros : Everything Cons : None

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  I love this car! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Maureen Cahill - August 8 - 2:03 pm

  After all I have read about this car, I agree with the lack of hi-speed passing ability, but that is not a major issue for the day to day driving I do.

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  1993 White 2 Door EX - Mint Condition! - 1993 Honda Civic
  By Civic Love - August 8 - 1:29 pm

  In Jan 2008 I read a news article indicating gas prices would increase to $4.00 in the summer. My wife and I (empty nesters) already had 2 vehicles. Her Mercedes s500 (expensive maintenance) but it saved my marriage:) and my GMC full size Pick Up. We used the GMC to commute downtown to work (we car pool thank goodness). Were not short on cash but I refused to continue to spend $80 to 90$ a week for fuel. I did the math and found that a $3500 dollar car would pay for itself in a couple of years. Wow! I found my baby for $3200.00. 22,000 miles later I sometimes dont drive the truck for weeks. This was my first Honda. I will put the 1993 EX up against any other 4 cylinder. New or old.

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  Honda owner for life - 2007 Honda Accord
  By DA2799 - August 8 - 8:03 am

  This is our 3rd Honda and I must say Honda really builds a great vehicle every button is where you expect it to be works like it should and is as trouble free and user friendly as a vehicle should be my wife and I are Honda owners for life