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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  Disgusted with gas mileage - 2010 Honda Accord
  By driveon2 - January 4 - 12:10 am

  I have owned Hondas for the past 20 years so when it was time to by a new car I naturally decided to get a Honda Accord LXP 4 Cylinder. I liked the looks of the car, it drove nice and I thought that with a 4 cylinder I would get pretty good gas mileage. Boy was I wrong! The fuel effeciency has been extremely poor 16-18 mpg in town and a combined Highway & City of 22 mpg. If I had to do it over Im not sure I would buy a Honda again.

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  this car sucks - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By dlemmon1 - January 1 - 9:38 pm

  i bought my 01 cr-v with 130,000 miles on it, it now has 153,000 on it and the engine died, only had it 2 years bought new tires 3 months later engine dies clyinder 4 has no compression, blowback, could sieze up anytime i thought hondas were good cars but im sticking with a jeep

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  Overall - Good - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By erik_h - January 1 - 12:35 am

  First mini-van, wanted a vehicle with 3rd row. Looked at all the competition and his was the choice for us. Happy with the choice and have very little to complain about. Interior is better then the competition and was better fit for my family.

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  Not Bad - 2009 Honda Civic
  By sjet - December 31 - 10:54 am

  I leased a Honda Civic for the price and have not been too disappointed.

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  Dissappointment - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kokomoboy - December 29 - 4:02 am

  Poor acceleration, poor highway mileage and annoying wind noise.

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  Far From Perfect - 2010 Honda Civic
  By bayoubilly74 - December 26 - 8:14 pm

  I bought a 10 Civic---in a hurry I might add. I test drove a new Accord but did not buy it due to cost. Went with Civic blindly. Ive owned 2 before so I figured "how can I go wrong?". Well, it rides fine, looks good from the outside, and has a bunch of storage spots up front. The stereo is great for a stock system. Other than that, I cant really say this is the Honda I thought it would be. The cabin is tight--watch out if you are 6ft or over. The roofline slants at such an angle that I hit my head if not careful. Also, there are no cupholders in the back...ZERO. Not sure how the designers got away with missing that simple feature.

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  SAFE MY LIFE...SEVEN TIMES - 2001 Honda Accord
  By always7 - December 26 - 7:56 pm

  I used to own a 2001 Naples Gold EX Honda Accord. I had it for nine years and had only 39,000 miles. Unfortunately, I was involved in seven cars accidents with this car. It survived six accidents. It was totaled approximately a month ago, alas, the seventh car accident. Fortunately, I was able to walk away from all those accidents in one piece. I never had any problems with this car (except the accidents). This was a great car and I got an outstanding deal on it. However, no more Hondas for me.

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  fun economical car - 2010 Honda Civic
  By adansereau - December 26 - 6:47 am

  this is my wifes car , i drive a crv. it is a sporty coupe with good handling , not as good as an si i had and not as much power, but it zips along pretty good and returns about 30 mpg around town. prior civic have given us over 40 mpg on the highway. got a black one and put a nice oval exhaust tip and some aftermarket letters ( ex ) just to make it personal. looks great, looks like a sports car and yet it is econmoical. it is well made, the engine is sewing machine smooth and as with all civics reliable. i do steal it from my wife to go out and have fun driving thru some country roads.

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  Great Value - 1996 Honda Civic
  By kerrym1 - December 22 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car a few years ago and with regular maintenance, it has been a charm! I have loved having this car for the gas mileage, of which averaged 40mpg (lots of highway driving). I now have 322k miles on it and it seems to have past its prime and the engine is going. It has served me well and will definitely be buying another!!

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  Best Bang for the buck - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By jlemoine - December 21 - 3:51 am

  After months of research I finally narrowed our choice down to the CRV or the Rav4. Test drove both 3 times and found both suvs competent but overall I thought the CRV was superior. First, all the talk about power, all you hear is the CRV is underpowered compared to competitors like the RAV4, Bull!! The reviewers even Edmunds compares the CRV to the 6 cyl RAV4 but when compared to the 4cyl version the crv holds its own and then some. The rav4s sold are 85% 4 cylinders!! Come on reviews be fair! I find the crvs power just fine. Im 62:" and 275 lbs and find the driving area comfortable and best of all the CRV is fun to drive! Honda quality is 2nd to none