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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  Perfect "Out of the Box" vehicle - 2008 Honda Element
  By lalande - June 15 - 8:14 pm

  I bought my Element new in February of 08. Two weeks later I made a 9 hour trip each way to Fort Kent, Maine on the Canadian border in the middle of a snow storm to photograph the Can Am dog sled race and she performed wonderfully. Driven her all over the North East and Mid Atlantic. Never had any issues with any weather. Easy clean, load her up and go. Not for those who want plush luxury. Dog owners, campers, hikers, climbers, bicyclists, surfers, Home Depot strollers, this is the vehicle for you. Fun to drive, reliable, very versatile and pretty comfortable. Tons of space for driver and passengers to enjoy. Best vehicle I have ever owned and the most fun to drive too.

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  Practical and pretty and fun to drive - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By kellyferg - June 15 - 9:11 am

  We love our new CRV and feel we made an economical choice but got a fun car to drive.

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  Love my 2011 EX-L - 2011 Honda Accord
  By leesmart - June 9 - 10:44 am

  Purchased my new Honda EX-L after researching the Infiniti G, Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata. Passed on the Infiniti due to cost and premium fuel. Was moving from my 2000 Nissan Maxima which I was disappointed with due to minor things like the sun glasses holder and arm rest breaking and other parts failing. Liked the look of the Sonata but unsure of reliability and resale value. Test drove the Accord and fell in love. The ride is great. Not sure why people are complaining about the seats. With the many seat settings I was able to find one that works perfect for me. The interior gives the feeling of riding in a high priced European car. Pros: Handling, regular gas Cons: No home link.

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  I LOVE This Car! - 2011 Honda Fit
  By mrswilliams1 - June 8 - 10:44 am

  I traded in my 2005 Volvo S60R on this car and I was prepared to be a little underwhelmed. I can honestly say that I havent had a moment of buyers remorse. This car is very fun to drive and I use it mostly for commuting so I am loving the gas mileage as compared to my old car. Im sure that the manual would be even more fun but Ive grown tired of the constant shifting in stop and go traffic. I was planning to sell this car to my daughter in a few years but Im rethinking that idea because I love the car so much!

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  One Year Update - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jjbean12 - June 5 - 11:05 pm

  I have had my car for almost a year now. The CRV was a gift to myself after graduating college. I love everything about the car! I havnt had a problem since I drove it off that lot. Ive driven to the mountains in Colorado during bad winter storms. The automatic 4-wheel drive made me a bit nervous (in my Jeep I would manual turn on the 4-wheel drive), but it delivered every time. I suggest taking into an icy parking lot and driving around to get used to the feel of the 4-wheel drive. Overall, I love my car and I probably will continue buying Hondas.

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  268K and still driving great - 2000 Honda Accord
  By kcinga1 - June 4 - 11:54 am

  I bought this car new in Sept of 2001 during the honda clearance event. When I first got it, I used to have probs with the EGR valve every 40K or so. But then they finally recalled and the problem was fixed. I think Ive been through 3 alternators. No engine/tranny work. Replaced brakes a lot because Im a rough driver. I drive @ 120 miles daily rt to work. Im in Georgia so I cant really say how it handles cold weather, but its been a champ in the extreme heat. About three years ago, I had freon added to the AC because it wasnt getting as cold as it should. Its great now.

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  Why didnt someone tell me these were so fun?? - 2000 Honda Civic
  By smooshies - May 31 - 11:17 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned about 10 different cars and trucks. This even beats the Toyota Truck that took me to Canada, Mexico, New York, Seattle, San Diego, Chicago, and everywhere in between. I bought this go cart from a super shady dealer, but even they couldnt make it not run. Best 5 grand I ever spent. Its comfy enough for my two year old, but zippy enough to scoot around town quickly and easily. And, you can park in the tiniest spots EVER. No complaints here. Just wish they were easier to find unmolested... No I do not want that terrible body kit and engine that you slapped together with your buddies!

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  Smooth ride. Comfortable interior. - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By mauimomof3 - May 31 - 3:55 pm

  We spent so much time hemming and hawing over which van to buy. Sienna vs. Odyssey. I did NOT like the exterior styling of the 2011 Odyssey. But its grown on me a little. To me, the Sienna has and still has nicer exterior styling. After test driving it and sitting in all 3 rows, I had to go with the Odyssey. Odyssey is smoother shifting, handles better and is more comfortable inside. The plastics and cloth seems to be higher quality than the Sienna, also. This car is fun to drive. Really drives like a car. I had a mid-sized SUV (2WD) before this and Odyssey blows it away not only in power but handling!

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  LOVE my 2011 EX Insight - 2011 Honda Insight
  By rjbjr5 - May 31 - 1:33 pm

  The main reason I love the Honda Insight is the gas mileage Im getting. I had a 2006 Pacifica, getting 18-19 MPGs... now I average about 42 MPG just running errands and back & forth to work. Drove to NH & back and got 48.6 MPGs - calculated manually (miles/gallons). I am saving at least 1/2 my monthy car payment in gas each month! Driving it is fun & feels sturdy... its a smooth ride and I never can tell when transitioning from gas to battery etc. Since this is only the 2nd year of the new Insight, Im really hoping the engine etc. is made as well as all other Hondas and will last just as long... time will tell.

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  Outstanding Value - 2010 Honda Accord
  By ken117 - May 31 - 7:14 am

  Bought this Accord Coupe EX-L with Nav about eighteen months ago. So far the vehicle has performed without a single issue. Very comfortable. EX four cyl engine is more than adequate and gives about 30 MPG combined. Interior quality, a big thing with me, is very good. With over 15K driven, I have not noticed a single rattle. While some reviews complain about intrusive road noise, I have not noticed any unacceptable noise levels.