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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  Snappy, ready to go always. - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Debbie Mohr - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving this car. It is always ready, and hard to believe it is a 4 cyl.

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  Very Well Built - 2003 Honda Accord
  By mofo - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a good car. very well built, very comfortable, rides smooth, ect ect. I came froma sports car so I have to put the performance down but I didnt expect it to be a sports car when I bought it. It is great for road trips but not so fun on small curvy roads. This car has every option a BMW or Lexus has on it but not the price tag.

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  Best Shopping Expierience... - 2004 Honda Accord
  By 6SpdAccordFan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This new Accord v-6 6 spd is unbievable. It drives smoother than anything else i compared it to (maxima, solara, is300, c320) The best part of buying my new car was he dealership I purchased it at. Gregg Martella my salesman was outstanding in understanding my needs and finding me the car that met all my needs. Herb Chambers in Burlington.

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  4 dr Ferrari - 2004 Honda Accord
  By bfleshner - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We traded up from the 2002 EX V6, an excellent car. But now its like wow! The sound system is better. The navigation system. The interior room even larger. Performance with the 240hp V6 is breathtaking. The ride is more sportier this year with 16"wheels and a tighter suspension but still very comfortable. The drive by wire(no throttle cable) actually gives smoother throttle response, especially from a stop. Dual climate control is heaven. You can have the vehicle do or change whatever you want it to do just by asking it. Great voice recognition and the trip computer with all its various function are great.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Dan Miner - May 2 - 12:50 am

  Driver seat could be more comfortable however, but I love everything about it. Gas mileage is above average. Mine is black, and just looks awesome.

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  My Honda - 2004 Honda Civic
  By R.Sibble - May 1 - 2:01 pm

  I have enjoyed my Honda. The fuel economy has been very good. I always would like to see it do better than 35- 45/gal. It drives nice and looks cute on the road. I see a lot of them around. I am looking to trade it in for the latest Honda Civic Hybrid. I love them!

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dean - May 1 - 12:06 am

  I looked at Corollas, Scions, Mazda3. None of them offered the combination of sportiness, room, and gas mileage of the Civic Coupe. Yeah the Mazda is quicker, but the reliability and gas mileage of the Civic cant be beat. The Special Edition stereo sounds great. The sunroof switch and cruise control switch are oddly placed, but a small price to pay for the best overall package found in the Civic. Not only that, but I paid $1200.00 below the sticker price. It pays to shop around. The trunk is large for this size vehicle. Ride is quiet, road feedback is superb. Since I rarely have anyone riding in the back, I removed the rear headrests to improve visability. A fabulous car for the money.

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  Great little vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Brian Cheney - April 30 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned my CR-V for less than a month & only have about 800 miles on it, but early returns are very positive! It is flexible, agile, roomy, and fun to drive. Ive been getting gas mileage right at the EPA estimated 22 city & looking forward to a road trip next month. I evaluated a couple of dozen vehicles and drove 10 or 12 before finally settling on the CR-V. It is a compromise vehicle...not as fast, roomy, powerful, flexible, sexy, economical, etc., etc., etc., as some, but IMHO offers the best possible combination of features.

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  Option - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lilian - April 30 - 3:46 pm

  I love this vehicle, from A to Z except that there are few options you need to add to instead of standard equipments.I bought the top of the line model but I have to add the fog light and the auto dimming night/day mirror.These common option should have been standard on the top of the line model.

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  Not just for kids - 2003 Honda Civic
  By skrause - April 30 - 4:13 am

  I admit, Im not that young anymore, but I still like economical, fun-to-drive cars that will last. I have owned my Si new just over 2 years and have 57,000 miles on it. It is by far the most comfortable long-distance car I have driven. The handling is superb, the seats are comfortable yet sporty, the ergonomics are excellent. I average 30 MPG and my experience with dealerships has been very good. I think the leg room in the rear is better than the Jetta, and the utility of the hatch is terrific. The overall feel of this car is far better the price I paid for it. This is definitely an overlooked value.