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 Hits A Home Run - 2008 Honda S2000
  By Michael Yeager - December 7 - 11:13 am

  A practical sports car? Ive owned and driven true sports cars such as the MGB and Fiat X-19. As all true sports cars are supposed to be, they were cramped, noisy, with no room for luggage -- in short highly impractical -- but a blast to drive. Here is a true sports car in every sense with high-tech handling and more power than all but the most experienced sports car guy can handle. The S-2000 has changed little, but when youve approached perfection, why mess around. Honda pays attention to critics. Although HP numbers have evolved downward slightly, the mid-band torque is now just right. 50/50 balance, a bit light in the rear for traction, but great handling.

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  Fun with svings - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Scar - December 7 - 9:00 am

  Not my first Civic and wont be my last. I have had this Civic for about two months and I am very happy. Getting over 30 MPG.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Mick - December 7 - 12:50 am

  This is an excellent small car..and bigger than you think. Usual excellent Honda quality. Mileage is ok.. around 33mpg... its so so practical, and great fun to drive. Ive seen criticsm of automatic lag... but I dont have any problems. Also, the aftermarket foot rests and armrest are very easy to install.. I bought the ipod connection but am disappointed, its very difficult to use and doesnt use the display very well. The sound system is excellent.. I just use mp3s.

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  Good features - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By DFW driver - December 6 - 11:56 pm

  Compare features and prices, Ody beats Sienna for sure. Price is great, too. We got ours at about $100 over invoice in March 05. Build quality could have been better- check odyclub.com for opinions. Many owners have found problems typical of 1st year build- paint defects and trim alignment problems. Make sure you closely inspect the outside paint quality and inside trim, especially the glove box alignment. MPG is so so at 20mpg average, but I dont expect much there since its a heavy vehicle.

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  2007 Honda CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Julie Weiler - December 6 - 9:20 pm

  I researched for about 2 months, then started searching for the perfect vehicle. I found a CRV and knew this was the car I always wanted. Great style, a Honda dependable. I bought one after looking at other makes and models,but I knew it was to be a CRV. I love the room,were both tall, Ive been getting around 25MPG, Im not a lead foot. Love the heated seats.I read where someone thought it "putted" around and it didnt have enough horse power. I havent found this to be a problem at all. We bought the wood trim for the interior, which looks great. This is our fourth different model of Honda and not our last.I love the style of the exterior. I would recommend this vehecle to anyone.

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  Love the Pilot! - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By JD - December 5 - 8:52 pm

  Ive had the Pilot EX for just over two years and its the perfect vehicle for a family with two kids and their stuff. Everyone who rides in the Pilot cant believe how smooth and quiet the ride is. The Pilot is also fast. I dont "get on it" that often but it really moves when it has to. I have 42K on the clock and its been super reliable. The size of this SUV can feel a little clunky around town and the highway ride is great.

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  Good overall vehicle - 2009 Honda Accord
  By PCPostman - December 5 - 11:40 am

  As previous Honda van owners, I felt we couldnt go wrong with the Accord when I needed to upgrade my 12-year old car. Has good pick-up from start and when on the highway and can get up to triple digits if necessary. Ive had no issues with it in the first 10 months of ownership, which is what I expected. Want more speed and features? Step up to the EX/V6. Want good, reliable, safe, basic transportation? Kind of hard to go wrong with the Accord.

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  2007 honda civic EX a/c failure - 2007 Honda Civic
  By My 1st Honda - December 5 - 9:06 am

  Bought in Feb of 2007. I am now faced with a failed a/c. Since Ive had the car, the a/c button when engaged emitted a clunking noise. when the car would idle, it sounded like a fan was rattling. I took it in for servicing. I was told that the drive belt needed to be adjusted (?), the car was still making the noise. Now about 8 months later, my a/c will not blow cold air nor will the compressor or clutch engage.I was told that something must have punctured my compressor and the freon has leaked out and neither Honda or my extended warranty will cover the damage because it is considered a road hazard and my fault. Honda will not fix my car. I will never by another.I am prepared to fight this

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  Civic - 1998 Honda Civic
  By aeman21 - December 4 - 9:51 pm

  I bought the Civic with 144,000 miles. I now have 146,000 miles. I traded my 1999 Civic LX 4-door for this car, and it was a great decision. My 98 EX is a stick as opposed to my 99 LX auto. It has much better gas mileage and is a lot more fun to drive.

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  All I asked for - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By first foreign car - December 4 - 7:03 pm

  Good enough power, great brakes and steering. Feels light and nimble on its feet. Getting 27-28 mpg with light foot, wife gets 22-24 mpg when shes at the helm. Different driving styles. Feel good about buying a car well into its model cycle where the bugs are worked out.