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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  Fuel Efficient - 2006 Honda Civic
  By MARTINCAM - January 19 - 3:13 am

  Before purchasing, I read several reviews on this and other cars. I owned a 2002 Camry, but just wasnt comfortable in that new style that model year brought. I read where several people were not happy with the fuel efficiency of the Civic, especially in city driving. After about 6,000 miles, I can state that I am NOT one of those people. Although most of my driving is highway, I do have some city driving. I average 37 mpg overall. On two predominantly highway trips, I average 42 mpg. I admit, finding a car that is comfortable for me to drive has been nearly impossible for about the last five years, so perhaps take my comfort rating with that in mind.

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  Excellent vehicle, Honda rules - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By ssvk - January 19 - 3:12 am

  I switched from my Audi A6 to an 08 Honda CR-V. The style of the 08 cr/v speaks for itself, it looks great on the road. The Honda no nonsense packages are great. I have been driving German cars for past 12 years and switch to a Honda CR-V was pleasant. The ride quality is good, the driver feedback is always very good. The 166 hp is pretty good, occasionally you do feel a little challenged when passing or while overtaking but overall its very good. Love the fact I can use regular gas and the fuel economy is very good. The real time 4WD sounds good. The interior build quality is very good, there is great attention to detail.

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  Good, better, best... - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Aussiedave - January 19 - 1:46 am

  My previous car was a 2005 Honda Accord 2.4l 4cyl. A beautiful car. I must admit a degree of trepidation in the purchase of my first Hybrid. All my fears were allayed. This is a perfect mix of economy, comfort and performance... in that order. Straight out of the box I got 50mpg without even trying in the worst bumper to bumper traffic on earth. I have a 60 mile round trip to work. With a mix of city and clogged higway travel. Just love those gauges. It really does "teach" you how to drive for economy. I like the way it looks like a standard Civic.

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  Best car ever - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Ryan - January 19 - 1:40 am

  So I got this car about 3 weeks after I got my license for 3500. It had 50k miles on it and Lotta body damage. But this car is awesome. If your by yourself and theres nothing heavy in your car. The acceleration isnt half bad for a tiny engine. The handling on this is crazy good. You can go around turns and corner stuff so easy. I think Ive filled it up once in 3 weeks because of how good the mileage is. This isnt too big of an issue but for people who go really fast on the interstate. 90 is probably the fastest you ever want to be going in this car. It can go over 100 if it wants to but after 90 it just gets scary. This car is just fun to drive because you have total control. My model had no traction and stability control or abs. So the safety of this car is in the drivers hands.

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  CRV Touring - Well Worth The Wait - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By crving - January 19 - 12:25 am

  Traded my 2012 CRV EXL Navi for the 2015 AWD Touring. What a huge improvement. Quiet, significantly improved performance, better ride and handling. The electronic "safety" additions work as advertised from Lane Keeping to Adaptive Cruise Control. MPG is improving with each tank full. Expect warmer weather will improve more. Quality is much improved. Seems more rigid and better screwed together. Build quality appears perfect.

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  2016 Honda CRV LX 2WD - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Stephen Oakley - January 18 - 7:18 pm

  Excellent value. Good looking, highly practical, consumer friendly, pleasant to be in and drive. Acceleration is probably the biggest drawback. I have gotten used to cars with better ability to merge into traffic, and to move quickly when necessary. We ended up buying a used car rather than leasing, because of the onerous sales taxes in Texas. This was our top choice of vehicles in the price range.

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  Civic snow dilemma - 2006 Honda Civic
  By melekpod - January 18 - 12:43 pm

  My Honda has been reliable in fair weather and rain, but snow, I find it a problem to get up some of the smallest hills. I bought a manual transmission hoping I would have more control in the snow. I thought it was the tires, so I bought new tires, still have the same problems. Also, I open the window and water seems to pour in on the controls when its raining and rolling the window down usually has cleared the windows in past vehicles, but it doesnt, seems the like the rubber squeegy is on the wrong side of the window? Had a ford contour w/ no problems in snow.

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  powerful truck at cost of fuel economy - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By dr. cookie - January 18 - 7:36 am

  I just traded in my 2003 Pilot with 90,000 mile on it still going strong. I just wish the new pilot had similar if not same mileage per tank as old model. I was able to get close to 350 miles per tank (which was smaller) where as I only got 250 or less with new one (bigger tank). I do notice the new one drives more like a truck with more power. I have to agree with one of the review about the sloppy finished interior (under the driver seat has metal parts sticking out beyond the carpet). Overall, I do love my new Pilot and my kids love the XM radio and navigation. Not crazy about the bells and whistle but nice to have for those who might appreciated it. I still am glad I got the car.

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  Great can but noisey - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Beaker4572 - January 18 - 2:53 am

  The 06 Honda Civic is an overall great vehicle, nice design, pep, and great gas mileage. There is a problem with wind noise and tire noise however. After 17,000 miles, it sounds like a distant freight train on various road surfaces. My tire guy stated its a common complaint about the Bridgstones on the vehical. Honda needs to make this right. The dealer says tire wear and bad alinement? But the noise is getting louder. Again a love the car but if this keeps up Ill get rid of it. I dont believe I should have to purchase new tires after just 17k!

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  Great car...but a little sluggish - 2008 Honda Civic
  By jake - January 17 - 9:20 pm

  My mom bought me this car as her final gift to me before she passed from cancer in May 2009. I love this car! I love the dash layout, Im a big guy though and the seats are a bit narrow. Quick around town, but on a recent trip on route 66 to California I noticed on long inclines you have to put pedal to the floor. Lots of "zip" but horrible acceleration in situations where you pull a U-Turn and have to gun it... almost got hit a couple times because even to the floor its just so slow getting up to speed. Transmission has inconvenient shift patterns too. Thats the only bad, all in all its great little car and I get over 400MPG on the highway!!!