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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  06 HCH Great For Me - 2006 Honda Civic
  By dsilva - June 28 - 8:21 pm

  Ive had my Civic Hybrid for 3 and half years now and it still feels nearly as tight as when it was new. My mileage is 50-57 in summer and 42-45 in the cold northern winters. It handles great in the turns though fully loaded you can tell the difference. It is a nice smooth and quiet car that driven lightly will get outstanding mileage in town. Two gripes only. The electric power steering doesnt have a good sense of feel or on-center and will drift if twitched even the smallest bit. Winter warm-up of the battery/hybrid system takes way too long and drops the cars mileage a lot in winter. That said, I think its a great ride that has really taken the pain out of the high gas prices.

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  I love this SUV!!!! - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Angel - June 28 - 8:02 pm

  I traded my 2007 prius in for this SUV. I am sure glad I did, this car drives great, very smooth. I got the 4 wheel drive and cant wait to take it to Tahoe, but this car is still perfect for city and highway driving. The voice activated navigation feature is fantastic!! I love this car!!

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  Excellent Design - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Tom - June 28 - 6:25 pm

  Traded in a terrible GM product for my Ridgeline after testing them when my wife was deciding between one and the Pilot. The truck is solid, dependable and sturdy. Plenty of room, plenty of functionality, great handling.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By DLSab - June 28 - 4:43 pm

  I accidentally found this car while looking at other Honda models. It is everything I wanted. My husband and I fight over who can drive it. Had many features that werent included in some of the reviews we read about it. Only thing it doesnt have is an automatic start. Everything my Lexus had and more. Rear view slightly difficult, but we both got used to it as we have had sports cars. Don Carlton had MANY colors and styles - more than even Dallas. Sam, at that dealership, was great to work with.

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  Disappointment! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Dan - June 28 - 1:13 pm

  Bought my automatic 98 civic hatchback in 99 because they had great reviews in terms of reliability. It was fun to drive and got great mileage. Looked good and was small and nimble. I did not wash often enough, but body held up well. I drove about 13000 miles/yr. Lousy stereo. My AC compressor and transmission both died when it was 5 yrs old. The interior felt cheap, rattled, and wore out quickly. Tail lights leaked water and got inside the spare tire area. My manifold cracked after 6 years and had to be replaced. Driver side manual window crank broke after 6 years. Engine lacked power, uphills it dogged.

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  My last Honda - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Denny - June 28 - 9:56 am

  Great reliable car for about 4 years. It did pretty well in deep snow, had lots of room for hauling just about anything. My A/C exploded at less than 58,000 miles. Honda told me to basically drop dead. There should be a recall on this A/C problem. Honda no longer cares about their customers.

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  Id buy it again - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Matt - June 28 - 9:32 am

  My wife bought an LX AWD, and I ended up liking it so much, I traded in my Expedition (kids got older didnt need all the space anymore) and got an LX AWD too. It is sturdy, reliable, solid, safe and quiet. It also has all the safety features of the highest end Honda (we like that about Hondas). I mostly drive in the city, jumping on and off the interstate on occasion, and I average about 22-23 mpg. On highway trips, I get 26-28 mpg. The best words to describe our Hondas are basic (in the best sense of the word) and solid. They have everything you need (including the AWD and ABS for snow/ice) without all the extra bells and whistles and related cost. Also, no worries and no problems.

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  Best value for the money - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Yo from Michigan - June 28 - 5:43 am

  After researching several sedans in this category, I zeroed in on Accord. overall I am a happy camper. In the first two weeks of my driving, I averaged around 29MPG in mixed driving conditions. not bad for a big car. I would guess around 33 in pure highway driving. The interior room is enormous. All the safety features are standard in all Accords unlike Toyota where you have to pay for some. I selected EX-L, since I wanted leather, premium audio, dual climatic control and heated mirrors. these features were once the holy grail of luxury cars. 190 HP engine is a good compromise for performance and fuel economy. My biggest gripe on this car is the road noise. Honda can do much better with this

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  A good commuter but not much for fun - 2007 Honda Accord
  By crazygrrrl - June 28 - 12:13 am

  I bought my Accord new in 3/2007 and it now has 29,000 miles on it. Its been mechanically reliable but it does have minor quirks: dashboard rattles, hard uncomfortable seats, door tape that keeps bubbling/wrinkling up, and weak paint that chips easily. Ive had to take it to the dealer several times to get rid of a check fuel cap message that was caused by a faulty evap system in the gas tank. Other than that the cars been reliable. It gives me 28-29 mpg in my commute. Tops is 31 mpg when I drive like a granny. Its a good car but it lacks passion. I have a lot more fun driving my 2001 Firebird and the seats are more comfortable in it too. Still, the Accord is reliable and cheap to feed.

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  New car perspective - 2005 Honda Civic
  By rsdkaiser - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I just bought this car this weekend. Beautiful on the outside, very plain on the inside. Rides very smooth and provides a nice acceleration. Great value but nothing special in the package. This is a great commute car, but not nice enough for a family car. With a few extra purchases at your local auto store you can make it like the upgrades for a lot less. Auto doors, remote starter, remote trunk pop for $179 at your local auto parts store. If you no someone who can put it in for you, you will have the next upgrade for a fraction of the cost.