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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  get what you pay for - 2004 Honda Civic
  By 04lx10533 - June 26 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car as my 02 accord v6 came off lease. With the price of gas figured the civic would treat me better, and it has. My complaints (which seem to be redundant) come from the cheap bits and overall inexpensive feel of the car. After 7000 miles I also have "heel holes" in the drivers floor mat. The passenger window doesnt close (started after 4000 miles), the cloth armrest is beginning to form a hole where my elbow goes, and, after being hit in a parking lot, I am looking at replacing the rear bumper. Hey things happen, but at nearly $400 estimate for the rear bumper ... come on ... I thought this was an economy car! By the way, there is no power lock lever on the passenger side?!?!?

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  Another CRV - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By JNA - June 25 - 7:33 pm

  Traded in a 2000 CRV and definitely like evolution of the car to include creature comforts like seat warmers, XM radio, USB port for MP3 player. Was ready to move to a small sedan or another small SUV, but the CRV is still the best overall package for me.

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  1 month ownership - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Lovesgreycars - June 25 - 1:30 am

  Like the safety and tools on the car. The space is great.

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  Civilized car needing a few improvements - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Schneider - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a Civic, but I did, and its not quite a bad car. The performance is adequate for its size, and the handling is pretty taut. The interior has a nice look to it, but there are a few substantial rattles that are annoying. Overall quality is decent, but the "tight" feel of everything could be improved. The car really "loosens up" shortly after being purchased. Even with all of this, the fuel economy is what keeps me really happy about my purchase. Good car for the money.

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  Honda Civic Ex 01 - 2002 Honda Civic
  By prasanth - June 22 - 6:23 am

  Good. No complaints. But less fun.

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  2007 Honda Civic EX - 2007 Honda Civic
  By CBinBigD - June 20 - 8:10 am

  Purchased new 2 years ago. Previously had a 2001 Civic, and the gas mileage is slightly less, but this is a much better car with more power. Average 30 MPG town, about 36-40 hwy. Only problem was driver window came off track, but dealer repaired at no charge. Have 41K miles on it, very reliable, excellent in traffic. Highly recommended, if you are looking for a low cost, economy car with a lot of safety features.

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  2000 civic ex - 2000 Honda Civic
  By swimmer - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new and overall have been happy with it. I put 25k miles a year, and am now at 84k. I have had two problems so far. The ignitor went out luckily while still under warranty. The ac compressor went out this summer. I have used semisynthetic oil since new and it runs as strong as the day i drove off the lot.

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  Brakes Failed - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Owner - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Weve loved our Odyssey for the past year except the brakes failed at 15000 miles.Suddenly the pedal went to the floor while driving. Apparently a defect in the braking system and the master cylinder.

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  Be careful - 2008 Honda Accord
  By roy21 - June 17 - 10:43 pm

  Great car, except the vcm engine, its jerky, it will drive you crazy.

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  Accord vs impala - 2017 Honda Accord
  By Steve R - June 16 - 1:49 pm

  I had previously purchased nine new Chevrolets over two decades My most recent to Chevys were impalas. I was ready to buy another impala. But the new impalas, while they had a four cylinder available, really needed a v six. The fuel economy with that was dismal. 18 mpg in city. Nevertheless i had picked out the model, trim packages and colr i wanted. Priced it using all dicounts rebates etc. then i decided what the heck , let me look at a honda accord. Test drove. Whoa. More acceleration than the impala that had a six cylinder. This accord has a four cylinder in it? With acceleration like that! Then i checked some pavkages and trim levels. This accord cost me 6000 less than a comparably equipped impala. It has 27 mpg in city and 35 or more on highway. I am. Averaging over 31 combined after 1100 miles. The Accord has a much bigger back seat than the impala. The trunk in impala is bigger, yes, but accord has plenty of trunk soace, golf clubs fit with no problem. The passenger front seat is not as comfortable for my wife as the impala. Except for that this car is awesome. Test drive one, look at the price...i still think chevy makes great cars, but I am 6-3 and dont want a makibu, hard to fit in. I have plenty of room in the accord and in terms of mileSge, performance and price, honda beat you chevy.