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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  Fun and Stylish Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By klm1031 - June 7 - 8:23 pm

  Ive had my Civic for just over 1 week now, and I absolutely love it! I put on about 400 miles already and I just filled the tank for the first time yesterday. I didnt sit down to figure out the mpg but I am estimating it to be in the low 30s. That is really good considering I do more city driving than highway (about 60/40). I love the atomic blue color, I get compliments from everybody! I also love the ride, it is so smooth. I traded in a Ford Escort and this is my first new vehicle and Honda purchase. What an upgrade from a Ford. I expect this car to last pretty long. As long as I dont drive too aggressively and I get my car maintenanced on schedule, Im sure it will last.

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  Quite the SUV! - 2003 Honda Element
  By Jesse - June 7 - 4:08 pm

  It is a pleasure to drive. It has excellent control, decent acceleration for an SUV, and a turning radius that can get you through any tight parking situation or do a fast three point turn. The only problem is that the wind can often blow the car off course during highway driving. This is rather dangerous and you therefore have to keep your speeds way down on windy days. It is due to the cars aerodynamic (or lack of one) design and therefore most likely unfixable in later models.

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  Great Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By mandee - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love everthing about this car. The 99 drives and great looks great! The gas mileage is remarkable.

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  Everything We Expected - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By kfisher - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Had a 99 Dodge Grand Caravan. What a difference. Lots more power, better suspension, handling, and ride. Read the reviews from everyone and dont understand complaints from those former Chrysler owners and the guy who was talked out of buying a MPV. We looked at the MPV. You must be kidding. That van(?)is not even comparable to the Honda. The Honda meets or exceeds all our expectations. Although, I dont understand why Honda cant keep up with demand. I think this is just a marketing scheme to keep the price up. But as long as Chrysler keeps marking their minivans up as high as they do, than the Odyssey is still a better deal. In a word: AWESOME!

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  My Odyssey. - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By smegs - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this van. I really wish that the vehicle could have a little better gas reading from the fuel guage. Showes empty even tho you have 5 gallons or more left in the tank. . And some other things I like to be changed is heather controls closer to the drivers seat.

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  BEST VALUE - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Steve Ngo - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Honda Accord and I have 6 Hondas total. Since my 1991 Honda Accord, we have never seen the dealer for any repair jobs. Only for maintenance work. Hondas are great cars, and the Accord remains on my list every single year.

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  my accord - 2001 Honda Accord
  By clevinger - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car through Autoweb. I got what I wanted: a car that I dont have to think about, carries 4 adults, and enough options to keep my mind occupied. The only things I dont like are the gas mileage 19 mpg average, but 25 on long trips, and theres a sqeak in the passenger door that drives me crazy.

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  Excellent sport touring car - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By m610 - June 6 - 8:36 pm

  I bought it new in 1998 and 8 years later I still love it. Fun to drive on trips and at the track. Very reliable. Have had minimal repair issues, significant considering my 25+ HPDEs. Basic suspension mods really helped the already excellent sport driving performance, and a Quaife LSD has been a good investment. Will hold 0.9+ Gs in a flat turn, and can reach 150 mph without much trouble. Impresses the BMW and STI drivers and can hang with much higher rated cars in the turns. Best looking and most elegant styling of Honda ever. Ford and others have recently picked up its more notable styling elements.

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  2005 Honda Insight CVT - 2005 Honda Insight
  By Ryan B. - June 6 - 7:14 pm

  I purchased this new from dealer to help offset my high miles that I drive. Excellent car, lives up to its fuel efficiency claim.

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  Honda Insight Hybrid - 2000 Honda Insight
  By Richard - June 6 - 11:17 am

  Excellent in all respects. Just over 8700 miles. 63.4 MPG overall combined city and highway mileage. Can make easy 74 MPG on commute at sea level at 62 MPH less in the mountains. 0-60 acceleration not great, but quick off the line. As reliable as any Honda or Toyota. Turns Heads! Fun to drive, sports car handling. Can run with the BMWs on I5 using the Electric Motor Boost as passing gear (staying in 5th) and still get 58 MPG.