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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  Rides worse than a truck! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By dirtbikedad - November 18 - 6:20 am

  Bought a week ago used with 19,000 miles and ready to get rid of it already. If it rode better I would be happy with it but I honestly have never driven such a rough riding car. I had a geo metro hatchback 10 years ago that was way more comfortable. I have had older civics, accords, mazda protege, acura integras, old broncos. All rode better. It is truly ridiculous how bad it rides.

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  No more SUVs... - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By marusik - November 16 - 10:38 pm

  Since my Honda CR-V was my first ever SUV driving experience I knew I would take a little while to adjust to its unique driving dynamics. My first driving impressions where OK, but during one my long road trips I found out the worse case scenario while traveling at 70 MPH: high speed avoidance maneuver, which brought me to the brink of rolling over. From that quite scary experience I never trusted this vehicle ever again, despite its good braking power but horrible high speed handling. Not to mention the fact that the lack of the sixth speed makes it quite annoying when driving longer uphill roads. I guess after all, SUVs are supposed to be built for off-road and not much for pavement.

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  Best Compact for Commuting...go with EX Trim - 2014 Honda Civic
  By tgrit68 - November 16 - 2:40 pm

  Put aside the sporty and nifty handling of the Mazda3 and Ford Focus because what most commuters want for the 5-day grind is a smooth riding highway vehicle with low cockpit noise, and thats where the Honda Civic excels. I have been getting 33 mpg combined in city/highway driving or about 400 miles before the next refuel. On really long highway trips with the ECON button on, I have hit 40 mpg! The EX trim is where the value lies for commuters...rear disc brakes, auto headlights and "pothole friendly" 16 inch tires with beautiful alloy rims.

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  I love it ! buy one but understand this technology first. - 2008 Honda Civic
  By fyler - November 15 - 11:59 pm

  The build quality is awesome, interiors look kinda luxury especially with the blue cloth color, I like the futuristic dashboard.The only thing I dont like is the location of the gas pedal (its like coming off the floor). A very dependable car.People who complaint about the MPG, they need to understand how to drive a hybrid car first, cruise before red lights, drive on 55-65 speed, dont floor the gas pedal etc. I am at 80K miles and the IMA battery is working properly (this is my second Hybrid and I never got any IMA issues). People need to understand that the IMA technology has been matured enough that they dont need to get scared from the IMA because they are cheap to replace now.

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  Best Compact by Far - 2014 Honda Civic
  By medford41 - November 14 - 5:10 pm

  Recently purchased a new 2014 Honda Civic EX Sedan. Test drove a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, and Kia Forte. No comparison to the Civic.

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  Smart Buy - 2014 Honda Accord
  By rac10 - November 13 - 1:56 pm

  I was going to buy the Accord coupe but the Sport was so much more car for the price. If Honda offered the Sport in the coupe I would have purchased it instead. The 2.4 engine is one of the best 4 cylinder engine made. Dont think it is too small and under power, its not. I bought this new from a high volume dealer that had the best pricing in the state. For the price nothing comes close. After driving it for 6000 miles I like it more every time I drive it. I picked the CVT over the manual, both have their advantages but I didnt want to shift for the next ten years. The performance reviews for this class, Honda comes out on top. Many reviewers pick the $6000 more Mazda 6 over the Honda.

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  Insightful Overachiever - 2013 Honda Insight
  By theshenami - November 12 - 4:43 pm

  Have had my Insight EX for 6 months now, and after ~6k miles driven I have come to love this little hybrid. I consistently get over 50 MPG driving through Los Angeles rush hour traffic (based on miles driven/gallons filled), despite an EPA estimated 42 MPG, while a cursory review of fuelly-dot-com or fueleconomy-dot-gov suggests the Prius tends to get below its EPA rating. This fact, combined with much better handling and brakes than Prius family members, makes me love it! It is a bit lacking in rear seat space, but it has plenty of room for my daily commute, and running about town with wife and son in tow (can fit stroller and weeks worth of groceries with ease in the cargo bay).

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  Excellent car in terms of reliability and performance. - 2001 Honda Accord
  By pcast99 - November 11 - 11:06 am

  I bought my 2001 Accord EX 2.3 Vtec with 176,000 miles and it still runs like it did thirteen years ago. It is my second car, and by all means it is a godsend compared to what I owned before. This car starts up, drives straight as an arrow and shifts without hesitation. And for being as old as it is and spending its life in Ohio and its winters it has hardly any rust on it. The interior is fairly roomy and comfy for what it is. Dont get why some say its stiff on the highway it feels fine to me. As looks go its pretty bland, so dont expect any eye catching around town. Its also a bit pricy, so if you look into getting one make sure its in tip top shape.

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  Great Car. Every day (and fill up) I love it more - 2013 Honda Civic
  By dmoneyman - November 11 - 2:27 am

  I bought this car because of a need for a reliable car and it has lived up to its expectation. Looks wise its awesome. With its aerodynamic posture and sporty looks... Something you cant get with other brands. Coupe looks like its own model. Interior wise its a good mix with colors but what is most impressing is the dash and screen that displays a large amount of information. Performance wise it has enough power to pass and accelerate without you having to gun it. 140 hp and 39 mpg without a turbo? You thank it later down the road when you wont have to pay for repairs becauase the engine wont have added stress from a turbo. I love this car and plan to keep it for a very long time.

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  The 2014 Honda Accord EX-L 4cylinder - 2014 Honda Accord
  By cardo111 - November 10 - 5:29 pm

  I have driven about 1,200 miles on my new Accord prior to writing this review, only time will tell long- term reliability. This is my 3rd Honda and the interior in this trim level is upscale and quieter than previous Hondas. The CVT transmission is responsive and takes a little getting used to. If you live in the snow belt you may want to give the 2015 Subaru Legacy a close look as it to has also been much improved. The Accord handles well , I really like the electric assist power steering, it makes a big difference. The infotainment system on this trim level and higher is a little more complicated than it should be, however the more I use it the better I get at navigating through it.