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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  Honda Element - 2006 Honda Element
  By nels356 - April 29 - 9:09 am

  Love this suv except on windy days it really rocks in the wind. Love the location of the gear shift - very ergonomic

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  Great Decision - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Greg - April 29 - 4:33 am

  Currently averaging 45.3 miles per gallon, and on various trips averaged 55 to 60 mpg (95% of my driving has been on econ mode). The car was carefully put together and made affordable for a 25 year old like me. Missing some luxury and quality, but happy with the simplicity that the car brings. I am 62" and have plenty of head room, and distance between me and the steering wheel. Could get a little tight in the back for someone my size, but it is manageable. The technological features are useful. If you are patient and smart on the road, then you will maximize the efficiency of this car, and also find time to play with the sporty features.

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  My Faithful Friend - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda RULES! - April 28 - 11:19 pm

  We bought this wonderful minivan in 1996. Ever since then, the car has been faithfully serving us on all our long trips. We have gone over 150,000 miles and the car has never given us any problems. Since we had such good experiences with our Honda, we bought another one later(Pilot).

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  Civic Hybrid - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Justin - April 28 - 10:56 pm

  This car is great. If you just sacrifice beating every car off the line from a stop light it will do massive amounts for fuel mileage. As my car has gotten broken in and I have "learned" how to drive it I am now getting 52 MPG! Also driving at about 60-63 MPH (and using cruise control) I have found gives you the best mix of both fuel efficiency and speed. Drives great and is super comfortable. Also I cant wait to claim it on my taxes next year.

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  Very Nice - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By Bud - April 28 - 4:10 pm

  Impulse buy and totally satisfied so far. Solid, comfortable and roomy. Performance is fine. Lots of compliments and questions from people. I think Honda has a winner here

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  What big little car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By ElliottBay - April 27 - 8:43 pm

  I traded in a 1999 VW Jetta VR-6 for my new Civic EX sedan a week ago, and am very impressed with how BIG this car is on the inside, and how much storage space there is. I bet theres at least an extra 1" of front leg room and 2" more rear knee room than the Jetta. The Civic is reasonably peppy, and corners very well. I just wish the ride was a bit more supple and there was a little less road noise. Ive owned two Hondas before, and expect this one to be typically reliable and long-lasting.

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  135,000 miles on it and still great - 1991 Honda Civic
  By grey ghost - April 27 - 5:14 pm

  I got the manual 5-speed new 15 years ago and its still going strong. I love this car. Its responsive, has excellent road feel, is extremely reliable, it gets great mileage (see below), and visibility out the front and rear windshields is fantastic. There is tons of space in the back for hauling lumber, bookshelves, Newfoundlands, bicycles, etc. etc. Even when I rent new cars for travel, Im relieved to come home to my DX. They dont make cars like this anymore. What will I eventually replace it with? There isnt a Civic hatch anymore. Maybe I wont have to replace it, given the miles reported by other reviewers... :-)

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  Honda EX Auto/Navigation, one sweet ride - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Melch - April 26 - 7:26 pm

  I have driven this car for 15 months (35,000) and I have never gotten less that 38.5 MPG highway and as high 41.5. This car is exceptional and for the price, the value cant beat. It drives like my BMW Z3 as far as handling goes, but does not have the HP to make it as zippy

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  Best Value - 2006 Honda Element
  By Chris - April 26 - 5:11 pm

  First new car that I have ever bought. Love the ride, however, it is a little choppy. But feature for feature, dollar for dollar, with the honda name behind the vehicle, it is a great value that my wife and I are sure to enjoy for quite a while.

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  Transparent - 1995 Honda Civic
  By NGB - April 26 - 8:54 am

  Bought this new and its been simple and affordable to own. Its been pretty transparent in the sense that I dont have to think about whether or not it will work or get me where I want to go.