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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  Overall Great Car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Rich - April 7 - 2:10 am

  Ive had this car for (3) months and 12K miles. Leather seats and interior ergonomics are excellent. Gas mileage has averaged 35 with mostly highway and rural road driving. Manual transmission is effortless in forward gears. Reverse is sometimes difficult getting into gear.

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  No Car payment - 1996 Honda Civic
  By Arthur Harts - April 6 - 2:13 pm

  Overall, Ive owned 3 other Honda civics. Nothing beats the 1996. Its a tank and keeps on going no matter what goes wrong with it.

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  Eds Review of 01 Accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Ed - April 6 - 10:08 am

  Best car I have ever owned. It has been flawless. I have had regular services performed as recommended and had the brakes serviced at ~60,000 miles.

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  First Honda w. no regrets - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Mawingo - April 6 - 6:46 am

  After several years of owning comfy but less than reliable VWs, I decided the time had come to take a crack at a new Honda. The new exterior design and ACE engineering really sold me on the car, as well as the standard features on the EX-L. I needed a smart looking, roomy, reliable family car that still made me enjoy my commute when the kids werent on board. This car fits the bill. I opted for the EX-L as opposed to the EX-L V6 because at the time of purchase I wasnt sure what the future held for gas prices and a 190hp 4-cylinder seemed more than adequate for me. My only gripes with the car stem around the heated seat switches and the XM Radio.

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  Its Just Awesome - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Andrew75 - April 6 - 3:46 am

  I am very happy with my 2006 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD. It handles great and has a very comfortable drive. Also there is so much cargo room. I bought the all season mats and rear cargo tray. It was well worth it as it protects the interior and stock floor mats.

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  Honda Ridgeline...just what I needed! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Gonzo1124 - April 6 - 3:06 am

  I have been a Honda buyer since the 1980s. Always wanted a truck, but was not satisfied with the ride of many. I also didnt need to haul heavy stuff, or to cross creeks and fly over stumps. I wanted a more civilized truck. Here it is and I am really enjoying it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Michelle L. - April 6 - 2:10 am

  Originally bought this as a commute car, never owned a Civic before. I absolutely LOVE this car. Everything about it is perfect. I am not given to hyperbole but I rated it "10" in every category because it really is outstanding. Design, performance, reliability - everything is top notch. If you are considering a hybrid, look at Honda. Drives like a normal car, looks sleek and I can get 50+mpg on the highway if I am easy on the gas pedal. Honda really hit it out of the park on this one.

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  What are they talking about??? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 1st time Honda owner - April 6 - 1:13 am

  I have had my EX 4 cylinder Accord sedan for 1 year now. It is my first Honda, and after reading these reviews, I had to say something! I absolutely love this car! I have a bad lower back, and the lumbar support on the seats is a life saver! I also live 3 miles away from work, and drive all city miles. I get 25 - 30 mpg, and I am a complete lead-foot! I do not know what these people are talking about saying it gets bad gas mileage! It is all relative to the way you drive!! If you need lower back support, must go with EX model at least! Will definitely get another Honda!

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  Good car, Good price - 2008 Honda Civic
  By b13 - April 5 - 10:43 pm

  Great car, owned since new. Low cost of ownership; I have not spent any money other than for oil changes (20k on car). The cockpit design is great, more storage space than needed. Fuel mileage is a steady 29-30mpg, 40mpg is attainable on the highway. Very stable in corners. The stock tires (Bridgestone) do not last very long. Replacements with a higher tread wear should be purchased. The A-pillar blocks a greater portion of your viewable area, more so than a standard A- pillar. This can be dangerous in areas of high foot traffic. Acceleration in the lower RPMs can cause cringing. However, above 4.5k the car has plenty of power for acceleration. Road noise is pronounced.

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  Beautiful car - 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By quilter113 - April 5 - 3:17 pm

  This is my first Honda and Im impressed. This car is gorgeous, and fun to drive, and we are getting 29mpg right off the bat. The fit and finish is exceptional. I drove the caddy srx and the Venza. The srx was a no go for me, and the Venza was $6,000 more comparibly equipped. Plus the Venza interior was simply horrible - the salesman put me in a 4 cylinder to get me anywhere near the price. Its a nice car til you look at the crosstour. Numbers dont lie. This is a fab car for the $$$$ My husband says "Why didnt I get one?" lol.