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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  i love this car - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By Ilovemylude - November 9 - 2:48 pm

  this car was one of the best they made with the 4ws i could drive this thing forever and not get rid of it

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  9-Month Review - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Canadia - November 9 - 2:06 pm

  Overall Im very pleased with the Civic. Fuel economy has exceeded my expectations, and the car is very nimble and fun to drive with the manual. The seats are also very comfortable, and theres plenty of room for me (511") even with the seat raised to its highest position. I would have rated it with 10s across the board if it werent for a few things: 1) Either drive-by-wire or the VTEC mechanism makes acceleration under certain conditions somewhat choppy and abrupt. 2) Theres a creaking noise coming from the front suspension, and a rattle coming from the rear of the car. I cant determine the source of either. 3) Thin paint.

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  2nd Odyssey - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Minivan - November 8 - 2:16 pm

  My wife and I think the Honda Odyssey is the nicest car we have ever owned and plan on buying another one in a year or two. The only complaints we have are the difficulty of strapping oneself in with the seat belts as it seems to be too tight of a fit and we wish the second row seats folded into the floor as they do on the Dodge Caravan and other minivans. Minor complaints on an otherwise excellent car ! Its extremely quiet and comfortable to drive on the open highway. We love the rear view mirror and Navigational Aid which we use often. It has good get up and go when you need it. An overall excellent choice if you like minivans.

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  The future of family transportation - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By felix23 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  After looking at everthing on the market, the Pilot was the obvious choice. It offers the best size, power, mileage, and features for the money. Also, the price has come down considerably since its introduction - I bought mine for $2700 off of MSRP.

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  What a ball to drive!!!! - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Michael R. Northcutt - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I took delivery on 2-1-04, and i have been tickled ever since. From the moment i first drove it, i knew i wanted it. The dash lights are so neat in blue, and all is laid out so that you know what is going on with the Engine, and electric motor.I too wish it had a sun roof, but i can live without it. CVT transmision is so smooth, you dont feel anything. 500 hundred miles or so on a tank of 13.2 gallons of Reg.gas is amazing.

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  ? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By art and alba - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, fun car to drive,a girls eye casher,and very economy,reliable car!!!

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  Great Buy - 2004 Honda Accord
  By DamarisRN - November 8 - 2:00 am

  The options are great and very user friendly. The gas tank goes quicker than I expected but driving it it is way more fun . The sengine is quiet and at high speeds very little changes in the cars handling. With the snow in the North east, its handling has left me amazed. I am very happy with my investment.

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  Back to my roots... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dalmatian Wagon - November 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I looked for a $30K sedan. We are both professionals and felt we deserved something special. We looked at Volvo S60, Mercedes C230, Infiniti G35, and even the pre-optioned BMW 325. We drove by a Honda dealer and thought wed just run in. We had both had Hondas in college and thought they were well mannered and reliable. Boy, things have changed. This is a bargain luxury car with all the features, including full power, alloys, ABS, 6- airbags, leather, 120W 6-disc CD stereo, heated seats, etc. Offered invoice price and the deal was signed. The 160HP 4-cyl handles wonderfully with the manual, with a 0-60 time around 7.7 sec. A very nice car.

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  Great Honda - 1995 Honda Accord
  By lovemy95 - November 8 - 12:17 am

  This was the first Honda I have owned and my next car will be a Honda as well. My car has 251000+ miles and I have never had any major problems with it. I have had to replace the CV joints and get a new exhaust but that goes with the high mileage. I have kept the maintence up to date since I have owned this car and has been great for me!

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  A Good Thing in a Small Package - 1995 Honda Civic
  By chadbo - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The thing that I liked about my Honda Civic SI hatchback from the start is its quickness. No, its not a racer but it can get out of its own way easy enough. It handles well for a half- tuned econo hatch. The sheet metal is really thin though. It dents like an aluminium can.