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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  Ill never go back to gas only . . . - 2005 Honda Civic
  By matthew novak - October 4 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car. Love sitting at a stop and knowing that I am not like all the cars around me pumping pollution into the air, because I am on the electric motor. I used to have a lead foot, and now I have more fun trying to get great mileage instead. I love competing with myself from one tank of gas to the next to try and get better and better mileage. So far the best tank of gas was 62.8 mpg and the worst was about 42 mpg. I have one tach that I havent reset since I purchased her. Currently it says I am averaging 51.8 miles per gallon over the life of the car.

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  Amazing reliability - 1995 Honda Civic
  By colorado civic lover - October 4 - 2:46 pm

  Well I will miss my little red Civic. I bought it new in 1995, the only owner it ever had. A young girl decided that she had to plow into me from behind last week and totalled it and now I am car shopping. But I never had to do anything to this car other than the routine maintenance. It would have gone another 100k miles easily. I recommend this years model (or any Civic model) enthusiastically to anyone looking to buy a used car!

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  Just out of Warranty - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Country Golfer - October 4 - 10:42 am

  We just passed 36K and are making first trip to the dealer for the brakes. I think its a little early for a $200 brake job, but gotta do it. Other than that, great vehicle thus far, especially on long trips!

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  best mileage you can get in 4 door car - 2005 Honda Civic
  By hybrid civic - October 4 - 10:06 am

  An awesome Honda that combines 4 door, multi person capability with totally awesome mpg with the 5 speed. Mine has over 80 K miles and I frequently get 80 + mpg on hiwy with cautious speeds (not exceed limit of 55). Special driving techniques also gives 60++ mpg suburban driving ! Easily goes over 800 miles per tankful on regular gas.

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  Pretty Good So Far! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SChow - October 4 - 3:30 am

  Ive only had my car a couple weeks so its hard to comment on things like MPG. Still on the first tank of gas, and Ive gotten 170+ miles and the gauge is still a tad bit above 1/2. But everything is great about this car. The interior is so much nicer than the other cars I tested, but I did notice a couple small fit and finish issues, but nothing major. I will have to get used to not being able to see the hood of my car so itll be a bit of a pain to parallel park for a while here. Ill also have to mention the manual gearbox as it has a pretty short and precise shifting action and feels good. The clutch is pretty user friendly for a newbie like me and overall the car feels pretty sporty.

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  Love it! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Jennna - October 3 - 3:51 pm

  Love this car. Great gas mileage, great handling, and just great looking (I might be one of the three people on Earth who actually likes the aesthetics of the Fit). I have always preferred smaller cars, and now I have a small car that can actually carry cargo. No more borrowing a truck from a friend! Very convenient for city driving- I can fit into any parking space, and have no problems executing U-turns on narrow roads.

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  Beats my OJ Simpson Bronco - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By David Anderson - October 3 - 3:22 pm

  I had an OJ Simpson 1995 Bronco for a little over 10 years. It was reliable, drank gasoline like a thirsty boozer and rode like a vehicle from hell re lack of comfort. Im retired, fly fish, pull small boats, go off road as well as drive in town and local trips. Ride is good. The grandkids love to ride in and prefer it over my wifes Lexus. The mileage has been a disappointment with an average of about 16 per tank. I normally beat the estimated mileage, not here. The lack or real off road under vehicle protection is a pain. Apparently, that is due to the Honda lawyers. The vehicle hauls everything we have needed to haul. The lockable trunk in the bed is great. Buy one

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  I like it! - 2005 Honda Element
  By opppstopp - October 3 - 1:40 pm

  I find the element a very fun suv to drive. it handles nice & gets reasonable gas mileage. Interior is very roomy, plenty of shoulder & head room. The element feels like a much larger vehicle without the large mass.

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  Great car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By BT - October 3 - 11:19 am

  The car is fantastic - everything I hoped for. Its not a performance car, but you knew that. Great MPG, very comfortable in the front seat.

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  EX-L with Nav excellent - 2012 Honda Civic
  By dadmansr - October 3 - 7:25 am

  Purchased 2012 EX-L with Nav. Great car! Drove back from Columbus, OH got 46 mpg using econ mode averaging 65 mph. Overall 38mpg for first tank. Technology is great, nav system and bluetooth excellent. Interior very quiet for small car, leather is very nice and seats comfortable. Always bought Toyotas til now.