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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  A solid choice that rattles - 2004 Honda Accord
  By angrisicilian - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this as commute workhorse. Very refined feel. Smooth auto shifting and loves getting on freeway. Great ergo layout. Comfy front seats. Get one hell of a car for the price. That being said, I have had center compartment, back door panel replaced under warrenty because of poor fit. Also had back power window replaced because of terrible sound when in use. Several rattles and chirps in cabin when driving. Makes me crazy. Stereo also rattles interior at moderate level. Also, doesnt hold road thru fast corners real well. I think its the pinner tires. But no doubt I will be driving this trouble free well after it is paid off.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By mr87monte - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Only complaint is that the coupe is only different than the sedan on the outside. I wish there was a sportier version of the automatic. Wheres the sport shift they sell on every acura? also there are some rattles that the dealer cant seem to find other than that its a grat car.

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  Do I have a Lemon? - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Disappointed in CA - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is good (when not in service) and fun to drive. After three months of ownership I had to take it to the dealer three times within days to get the battery and alternator replaced. After a while the power to the lighter was gone. Now it is sitting on the dealers lot for a new starter. I think this car has an electrical problem. I am thinking of selling this car before the warrenty expires. Six trips to service in little over a year is just too much.

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  The fit is GO! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Sam - February 9 - 11:30 pm

  I really like my fit, however I am disappointed by the gas mileage (its much lower than advertised, city) and the seat comfort. I bought a pillow for the seat because, on long trips, by legs go numb because Im so tall. The room in this car is deceivingly abundant. I can fit my entire apartments worth of stuff inside. Acceleration is a little shady at times, but it is really fun to drive. The sound system is great, and I love the look of the car. I feel safe inside it because its a Honda, and it has 8 airbags.

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  GOOD BUY - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By shamarc - February 7 - 10:00 am

  MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE BUT I HAVE DRIVEN IT QUITE A BIT. SO FAR SO GOOD. CAR HANDLES WELL AND HAS GOOD ACCELERATION.

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  John C. In Evans, Ga. - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Fintago - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I only had to take it back once in 34000 miles. The plastic right front windshield post covering was rattling after 20000 miles of dirt roads. Fixed in about an hour. I get 43 to 44 mpg at 80M.P.H. on Interstate, and 49 to 51 M.P.G.around town. The best I got was in the Keys (54-56 M.P.G. (flat land below 55 M.P.H.) And yes, I would buy another one, my other vehicle is a 2003 Dodge 1500 Quad Cab truck.(17 to18 M.P.G.) 15 M.P.G. on the Interstate.

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  Very dependable and rides well! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Elise Thomas - February 3 - 6:40 pm

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  Honda win - 1999 Honda Civic
  By ensmnlile - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Hx has poor hp. But put about $2000 into the engine and it runs pretty good. I beat old and new mustangs and old z28s in it. The exterior needs the trim painted like the ex or si but for about $150 I had that done. Other than that I love the car.

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  Manual isnt for everyone - 2003 Honda Element
  By gertgert - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Im 5 and I constantly knock my knee on the steering column. Its the type of hit that jolts and stuns you for a second. I also think they need to make the passenger foot area taller. There isnt enough height to comfortably cross your feet on the passanger front unless you scoot the seat way back.

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  An Excellent, Albeit Quirky, CUV. Love it! - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By eagleyes - January 31 - 4:46 am

  The quirkiness of this vehicle is also its beauty. I love the styling, from the first one I saw over a year ago. I have had my Crosstour for a bit over one month and can truly say this was a great choice to replace my Volvo XC90. Certainly there is not as much interior cargo space as a traditional SUV, but I dont need that much space for my needs. I wanted something different and yet felt more like driving a car than a truck. The comfort is excellent; engine very quiet with enough response; fit and finish excellent. Not in the same class as the BMW X6 or others in the ultra-premium category, but this really fits the bill for me. Love it so far!