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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  Personal experience - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Gene jasper - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed all my expectations, drove it from OH to COlorada last summer in Temps over 100 4 adults and averaged 48 MPG. Getting better than 50 mpg around OH. Corners great, and accelaration is good when needed. Excellent leg room for four adults. CVT transmission is great, never feel any shifting.

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  Dope Ride - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Trishi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Civic ex . I love how it drives and its responce time is great too. The only thing that bothers me is it is a little loud when its running. I also wish Hinda would come out with its new bug shield and vent visors to match the color. I also wish the sun roof popped up and opened like the neon does.

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  Supercharged Civc Si - 2004 Honda Civic
  By JRSC_EP3 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I must say, this is a really fun car. Lots of room and great styling. Though my Si is running about 230 hp, the stock trim is an excellent starting point.

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  Great car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Phil Johnson - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the 2nd Accord we have owned. Its still the best car for the money on the road today. Love the gas milage on the 4 cyl. At 160 HP it;s got a lot of get up and go. The in side is really nice. The best thing of all is the XM radio. If you try it one time you will not be without it ----Just Great Plan to drive this car 150,000 miles

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  Its a Honda! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By BEASER - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR AGAIN! "AGAIN" MEANING HONDA ACCORD, JUST A 2004. HAVE HAD MANY. ALL ARE ABOVE AND BEYOND. THE BEST. #1 CAR OUT THERE.

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  Great Deal on a Great Car - LX/4d/AT - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Sandiego_Guy - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Recently bought my LX/4d/AT/with Side Airbags for $17900 over the internet from Twee Mai at Family Honda in Orange County, CA. Got a price that was $800 below invoice (incl. delivery). Much better price than any of the San Diego dealers would sell for. Great car that is a HUGE improvement over my old 1996 Toyota Camry. While others may think this is a plain model, I really like the high quality CD player, door unlocking with auto window opening, and smooth driving car and engine. Maybe next car will be more luxurious, but Im happy to save the extra $$s for other stuff.

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  Fun and reliable - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Siva - May 28 - 7:40 am

  I have just bought this car and have less than 200 miles so far on it and already this car has impressed me in so many ways. The Civic has such a sporty feel and yet its a very practical, quiet and comfortable ride. The reliabilty for Honda has always been high in standards and this one is certainly a keeper. The drive and the style is unsurpassable it doesnt do any justice just reviweing the car, it has to be driven to beleive what I mean by exactly. As soon as I test drove this car I knew in my mind that there was no reason to look at any other cars. The features that have been included are really cool and the accesories that can be added on just makes this vehicle flawless.

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  Love MY Honda Accord!!! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Ms.Honda - May 28 - 1:23 am

  Funny how I was trying to change another car, like Mazda, or the Toyota cause I wanted to change up lil. For the last 10years I had me Honda. Ill never will go with any other car but Honda.. Just love my Honda accord! I got what I wanted!. Very happy. Great start for the new year 2010!

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  Love it! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By RebeccaRose - May 27 - 9:16 pm

  Fun to drive, the V6 makes a difference, and the 6 speed makes an even larger difference as far as control and pick up. I have had no problems with this car, but have only had it since November 05. Love it though! Gas mileage gets better and better as you drive it and I am not using premium gas, by the way. I feel this car handles very well, accelerates quickly and is really powerful!

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  Awesome Vehicle for the Price - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By New SUV Enthusiast - May 27 - 8:07 pm

  Absolutely love my new CR-V EX 4WD Automatic. Great value for the price. I have been using many excuses and made up tasks just to stay on road all the time driving my CR-V. It is fun to drive. I test drove CR-V and Rav4 V6 and decided to go with CR-V for its price, performance, looks.