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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  Bit of a tripod - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Azrael - September 24 - 4:07 am

  I bought this car in 2006, and have not had a single problem. I love taking it up past 5000 (and so does it). You cant give this car too much abuse. It just laps it up. Although, I agree with top gear, it is a "bit of a tripod". It handles like a dream, and accelerates like a bloody rocket! Im averaging about 30-35 on the highway, and thats at a constant 6500 rpm! Im pretty sure if I slowed down a bit, I could get better mileage. Nah...

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  Sweet! - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By dantheman - September 24 - 3:43 am

  I bought this car because my older VW was getting to be a pain to fix all the time. I figured I needed a 4x4 for the winter, and I needed the extra room as our civic is a little tight on long trips. This is my first CR-V and I love it. The drive is smoother, the interior is nice, and the fuel economy is up there. I read others who were complaining about things missing that I have on my EX-L. I have only driven the car 500 miles so far, but theyve been flawless so far. I will be taking my annual trip to NC this summer which is around 2000 miles round trip. I look forward to it.

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  Strong Compacted Car! - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Alex - September 24 - 1:39 am

  This car is one of the best hatchbacks honda made. The car is very reliable and that 1.6 L vtec engine is very promising. Very happy with my honda, i might keep it forever and give it to my future son. Gas mileage is good too! less than 30 dollars to fill it up!

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  Love it! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Frank - September 23 - 5:43 pm

  I traded in my 2007 civic EX for the 2009 version. Thats how much I like these cars. Its always been my practice to buy the car that depreciates the least (even if you have to pay list), end trade every other year. I spend practically nothing on maintenance, and my cost is only minimal depreciation.

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  V6 4 Door Manual - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Accord Driver - September 23 - 2:43 pm

  Great car, has an abundance of power especially with the manual.The car does everything more than well but nothing perfect. It is a jack of all trades that gets good gas mileage as well.

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  Awesomeness - 2013 Honda Pilot
  By Steven Waggoner - September 23 - 1:55 pm

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  Love this truck! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Jen - September 23 - 12:07 pm

  We traded in my 2001 Honda Civic for the Pilot. Like other reviewers, we looked at the MDX, Highlander etc. This was my favorite by far. I love the look of this truck vs a cross over. I feel like I have a presence on the road and I love looking at the car. The interior could be a little more fashionable It is pretty simple but it has plenty of storage space and room for all passengers. We recently had 6 adults in the car for an hour and everyone was comfortable. Comfortable, fun to drive, great leather and XM. Who wouldnt love this vehicle? I see a lot of complaining about the gas mileage. I am getting about 17- 18 mpg in city and 20 mpg if I am on the freeway. Pretty good!

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  2012 Civic Driving Experience - 2012 Honda Civic
  By kmorse8011 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Since there isnt a lot out there on the 2012 Civic EX-L with Nav. just wanted to share my experience. I traded a 2009 Avalanche for this car. Going from my Avalanche to a Civic took a little bit of physical and emotional adjustment. The avalanche averaged about 18 mpg the civic just under 40. I weigh 250 lbs and dont find the car uncomfortable. Filling up the civic about $35. A big drop from $110. for the Avalanche. The car is peppy if you want to drive it hard but using the eco and trying to stay in the green as much as possible is best for fuel. The near 40 mpg that I managed was some hwy and in town driving. So its a good estimate for the average driver. I was using the ac all the time

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  Love the Car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By RogerWanMan - September 23 - 5:50 am

  I love my new Civic and the Navigation system is really awesome, it actually has more feautes than the Navigation on my 2006 Honda Odyssey. Only one minor complaint. While driving you cant see the front of the car at all and Im 61". Makes it tough parking when I pull into my garage.

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  Satisfied customer - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben from KC - September 23 - 1:47 am

  Because my wife and I are planning to have more kids, I traded my 08 Acura RDX for the 08 Odyssey EX-L DVD/NAV. It was worth it mainly because of the space, comfort, and reliability of the Honda engine.