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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  civics are awesome! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Iheartmycivic - January 12 - 3:43 pm

  I got my civic a year ago today!! It is the most easy and fun car to drive!! All though i wish it did have a couple more safety features. (ie more air bags, my car just has the driver and passenger front air bags.) its a great car, with an affordable price!

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  Factory Street Racer - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Si-newby - January 12 - 1:26 pm

  Until I started researching the new Si, I never thought that Honda Civic would be my dream car! Bought my new rocket on 12/23/05. One short test drive was all it took to fall in love with Si. Sitting in the cockpit you feel like youre in a high tech video racing game with all the digital gauges, shift light, and ambient red lighting. Build quality inside and out is excellent giving the car a feeling more like that of a $30K car rather than $20K. You can hear and feel high-performance as soon as you turn the key. Theres plenty of power at low RPMs for town driving but get up around 6,000 RPM and Si hits a new level of excitement!!! It has the growl of a rabid beast and flies!!! Availability of the new Si is scarce... production is only 15,000 for the first year. I was very lucky but these are very hard to find, especially without a dealer mark-up. Of course the low production means that this will be a car of iconic and collectable worth. The car itself is near perfection.

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  Makes Driving Fun Again - 2003 Honda S2000
  By s2000owner - January 12 - 11:02 am

  I just love my Honda S2000! I thought the thrill of driving was one of those things that you lose over time. Turns out its just making sure you have the right car. The S2000 is a sporty 6 speed manual that turns head and garners lots of compliments. The hardtop is easily removed and replaced. Im very impressed by the control panel as everything is well laid out in fingertip reach. No more taking your eyes off the road to change stations. Overall a great car especially if you can find one slightly used and get a good price.

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  200,000 miles and going strong - 1992 Honda Accord
  By macboy9999 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car New in 1992. This car has been outstanding. No problems with the car at all. Well I take that back. I have had to replace the knobs for the heater and fan, total cost $15. We bought this car because we felt we would get our money out of it in the long run. and 200,000 miles later I say we sure have!!! this is a very well built auto.

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  best car ever - 1999 Honda Civic
  By hawkerhurrican5 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  absolutly love this car only complaint is stopping distance in the rain because of no abs unfortuently i had to sell it 2 weeks ago cause it was getting expensive really was the best car i ever owned hopefully i can get a new one this summer :)

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  3rd (and likely not my last) Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By UVAHoo - January 12 - 7:03 am

  We have had a 97, 01, and now an 06 Odyssey. This is a wonderful family van, and it has come a long way. The 06 is much roomier, and more fun to drive with more get up and to than the 2001 model. As usual with Honda, the reliability is second to none. While I had to pay MSRP for my 01 because demand was sooooo high, I was actually able to negotiate on this model - in part because the dealership was so eager to get their hands on my 01 which they sold the next day. My only little complaint is the plastic interior on the Hondas is a little soft as the belt buckle easily nicks the column next to the door. Love it, though, and will likely buy a 2011 or 12 when the time comes!

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  Love it. - 1996 Honda Accord
  By will4271 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This probably the best car that I ever brought. So far I am lucky to not have encounter any mechanical problems. Im buying another Honda/Acura product. I am very happy with it. Keep up the good work Honda.

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  A good car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By luis - January 12 - 2:00 am

  good car

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  First Honda - 2002 Honda Accord
  By HondaDrvr - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Honda Accord for just over a month now, and what can I say about it, I LOVE it. This is my first Honda, I used to own a Chevy Cavalier which gave me lots of problems. So I decided to go with a Honda. Ive got 6,000 miles on my car and its only a month old! This car handles great on the highway, including the ability to shift the automatic into 3rd gear if you need that extra "get-up and go." Im quite impressed with the pick up, since this is a family sedan. According to the owners manual, you can shift the gears in the automatic, as if it were a stick. Ive done this a few times, from a traffic light and wow can this car go!

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  Excellent value - 2008 Honda Accord
  By wk - January 11 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Accord and I think it is a great value. I have had other Hondas - the old Prelude and the Acura Legend. They were all very reliable as I expect this one to be. This Accord drives like my old Prelude and is quite fun to drive. It is noisier than my Lexus LX but not more so than my Town and Country Limited or my old Mercedes E. It gets good mileage on HWY = 30 but mediocre on local = 21. Everything else is great in the car for the amount of money paid.