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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  Little car.....HUGE FUN!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Caldge04 - October 10 - 4:20 pm

  I just bought this magnificent car and instantly fell in love with it!!!.... of course Ive owned four other Hondas prior to this one and I am a Honda fanatic!!! Ever since the movie series "Fast and Furious" came out when i was a teenager who was just starting to drive, I instantly became immersed into Japanese cars, more in particularly Honda. For the next three years i wished and dreamed of owning my first honda and on a day seemed for doom with $8k at my side i finally found my first honda.... a 93 Honda del sol with a jdm gsr swap mildly built! When i happily paid the guy the $7500 cash for it, which i drove four hours to get, i felt like i was dreaming!!! With this first honda so many feelings immersed me, but mainly an overwhelming sense of joyous pride....HONDA PRIDE!!! The first 48 hours i owned this car i did NOT get out of it, I drove it everywhere and slept in it the first night in it! Fast forward ten years later and three hondas more in my belt, ive always dreamed of the ep3 si hatchback, in particular a black one with white wheels. On one morning before work I found my next baby....a black 2002 Honda Civic Si Hatchback with white wheels and mildly modded with all bolt ons, a k-pro tuning system, and aftermarket suspension. The week leading up to the buy of my life was the longest week of my life but the day finally came! A day that seemed to evade me for years was finally upon myself and quickly seemed to be set for failure, everything and anything seemingly went wrong...uuuntil... it seemed the Honda Gods smiled down upon myself and made this car destined to be mine! I finally made the 1.5 hour trek to the car...there she sat like the most gorgeous sexiest girl in school back in my high school days...the transfers took place and within the first few moments sitting in the seats of this seemingly rare gem of a Honda ( dont see many if any of this particular models around anymore )my pulse sped up, palms got sweaty just as when i bought and drove my gsr swapped del sol the first time, and in my head all i could hear was the song from the honda commercial with the car driving through the car engineers head and the lyrics all about the thrill of it playing in my head....then with a turn of the magic key there she purred, so elegantly she looked just absolutely astounded i gently pulled out and onto the road, a road that this car was destined for like the curvy roads of a mountainous Japanese back road! I hit the gas and so smoothly glided the s bends and nineties like it was nothing, so with the car seemingly begging for more i gave it full throttle and she ran through that road like a thorough bred horse at the Kentucky Derby! This car is an absolute amazing car, but so is any Honda in my opinion! For only being a 2002 this car was way ahead of its time with all the instrumentation, the cars sleek design is way ahead of its time, the changes made with K series motors and ivtec, this car is an absolute positively beauty!!! Honda you have really nailed it as you always do, and you were my favorite when i was 15 and still so fifteen years later with my new ep3, which by the way only has 60,000 miles, and Honda you will always be my favorite car manufacturers!!! To anyone and i mean ANYONE looking to find something thats reliable, fun to drive, sporty, and has great pop, go look at one of these or any Honda for that matter and test drive it an BUY IT!!! Im really looking forward to the much anticipated Civic Type R to come out but while i admire from afar i will be smiling ear to ear driving this gem for the next 5-10 years easily!!! Moreover in short, this car is as close to perfection as you can get, now dont get me wrong its not as fast as a lambo or bugatti but its got plenty of pop n power for only being a little four banger, but with some serious mods you can make a honda faster such as my buddies seafoam color eg hatch that runs 8.68 in the quarter mile at 175mph! So for all the haters out there....yes ANY Honda has loads and loads of potential!!!

• 

  Little car.....HUGE FUN!!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Caldge04 - October 10 - 4:20 pm

  I just bought this magnificent car and instantly fell in love with it!!!.... of course Ive owned four other Hondas prior to this one and I am a Honda fanatic!!! Ever since the movie series "Fast and Furious" came out when i was a teenager who was just starting to drive, I instantly became immersed into Japanese cars, more in particularly Honda. For the next three years i wished and dreamed of owning my first honda and on a day seemed for doom with $8k at my side i finally found my first honda.... a 93 Honda del sol with a jdm gsr swap mildly built! When i happily paid the guy the $7500 cash for it, which i drove four hours to get, i felt like i was dreaming!!! With this first honda so many feelings immersed me, but mainly an overwhelming sense of joyous pride....HONDA PRIDE!!! The first 48 hours i owned this car i did NOT get out of it, I drove it everywhere and slept in it the first night in it! Fast forward ten years later and three hondas more in my belt, ive always dreamed of the ep3 si hatchback, in particular a black one with white wheels. On one morning before work I found my next baby....a black 2002 Honda Civic Si Hatchback with white wheels and mildly modded with all bolt ons, a k-pro tuning system, and aftermarket suspension. The week leading up to the buy of my life was the longest week of my life but the day finally came! A day that seemed to evade me for years was finally upon myself and quickly seemed to be set for failure, everything and anything seemingly went wrong...uuuntil... it seemed the Honda Gods smiled down upon myself and made this car destined to be mine! I finally made the 1.5 hour trek to the car...there she sat like the most gorgeous sexiest girl in school back in my high school days...the transfers took place and within the first few moments sitting in the seats of this seemingly rare gem of a Honda ( dont see many if any of this particular models around anymore )my pulse sped up, palms got sweaty just as when i bought and drove my gsr swapped del sol the first time, and in my head all i could hear was the song from the honda commercial with the car driving through the car engineers head and the lyrics all about the thrill of it playing in my head....then with a turn of the magic key there she purred, so elegantly she looked just absolutely astounded i gently pulled out and onto the road, a road that this car was destined for like the curvy roads of a mountainous Japanese back road! I hit the gas and so smoothly glided the s bends and nineties like it was nothing, so with the car seemingly begging for more i gave it full throttle and she ran through that road like a thorough bred horse at the Kentucky Derby! This car is an absolute amazing car, but so is any Honda in my opinion! For only being a 2002 this car was way ahead of its time with all the instrumentation, the cars sleek design is way ahead of its time, the changes made with K series motors and ivtec, this car is an absolute positively beauty!!! Honda you have really nailed it as you always do, and you were my favorite when i was 15 and still so fifteen years later with my new ep3, which by the way only has 60,000 miles, and Honda you will always be my favorite car manufacturers!!! To anyone and i mean ANYONE looking to find something thats reliable, fun to drive, sporty, and has great pop, go look at one of these or any Honda for that matter and test drive it an BUY IT!!! Im really looking forward to the much anticipated Civic Type R to come out but while i admire from afar i will be smiling ear to ear driving this gem for the next 5-10 years easily!!! Moreover in short, this car is as close to perfection as you can get, now dont get me wrong its not as fast as a lambo or bugatti but its got plenty of pop n power for only being a little four banger, but with some serious mods you can make a honda faster such as my buddies seafoam color eg hatch that runs 8.68 in the quarter mile at 175mph! So for all the haters out there....yes ANY Honda has loads and loads of potential!!!

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  Fit for life - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Vanessa - October 10 - 8:38 am

  Invest in the EX. Be prepared to consider getting an iphone if you have an android.

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  Its simply beauty - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By beauty - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  It is a suv so compare it with suv lines. I cant even take my eyes off my beautiful white shinning baby. I got compliments from people all the time. I know it is a eye-catcher and drive like a champ. The steering wheel operates like a car. I cant say enough good things about it. After all, it is a car, and you have to feel the passion and pride to own one.

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  Love my new Civic - 2005 Honda Civic
  By hondaguy13 - October 9 - 5:13 pm

  Amazing car for a driving in the city. Turn ratio and everything about it is amazing, looks good too. Not as cool looking as theMmazda 3, but at least it wont break down at 20 000kms

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  great car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By matt22 - October 9 - 2:20 pm

  I love this car! Its great on gas, has enough get up and go for most driving situations, and is vary safe as well. Great for road trips too.

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  My baby - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Advanced Metal, Inc. - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Love my VAN!! I wouldnt change a thing. I would have paid twice as much for the DVD player...worth every cent.

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  Love it!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Art1964 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Had this vehicle for almost a year now. Not a single problem. Fun to drive, lots of head and leg room and Im 66". Nice quiet ride.

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  Love it - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Frank93SER - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Love this car.Optional fog lites look really classy at night. Like agressive sound as you get on it. No tranny problems plus now has 7 years warranty from the factory. So far I have not had any tranny problems. 42K miles. Interior is easily equal to a $35K+ car.On the con side; Seat back edges wearing from entry and exit if you are not careful getting in. Side pillars too wide and block vision. Dont like the door rake,prefer more horizontial as its difficult for short passengers to rest their arm when window is down. Passenger seat too low.Planning on installing 55 series performance tires. The michelins are good and quiet but make for a mushy ride.

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  Love my CRV - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By Wired - October 9 - 10:00 am

  For city driving, and for the price, this vehicle cant be beat. It is roomier that any other in its class, and the Honda engine cant be beat by others of comparable power.