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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  Excellent Car - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Dave - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We just traded this 2004 EX-L in on a 2010 EX-L if that tells you anything of how we liked the car. In the more than 6 years that we owned it this was an extremely reliable vehicle. Only maintenance was due to normal wear and tear and scheduled items. An excellent buy.

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  Fit Fits Me - 2010 Honda Fit
  By morjoie - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is adorable and I love the roomy inside. The magic seat configurations are ingenious. I love the huge panoramic windshield. Although some have complained about the seats, it seems to work for my 52" frame. So far, no problems accelerating or braking. MPG is all that was advertised, as I get 36-37 mpg with a mix of mostly highway and some city driving. Shifting with the 5 speed manual transmission is surprisingly smooth, although the clutch could be firmer. I wish VSA, steering wheel controls and bluetooth were available without Nav. I didnt like having to pay extra for a cargo cover. Also, 10 cup holders seems excessive and their placement is not helpful.

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  Norm Reeves Honda and me... - 2010 Honda Accord
  By Etorres - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Where to start? I am Honda Fan through and through. In 2008 I purchased my first Accord. It was a V6, EX, Sunroof, Clothe interior, and pearl white. From day one this car has been FUN to drive. It handles great, smooth acceleration, and looks amazing with a great set of wheels. Now 2 years later I wanted to treat myself to an upgrade. This time around I got every bell and whistle available. I just purchased a 2010 Accord, 4 doors, EX-L(L = LEATHER!), Navigation, Bluetooth, upgraded sound system, and in pearl Black. NICE! I only have two words to say about my experience with the 2010 Accord: EXTREMELY HAPPY.

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  Zippy Fun Hybrid - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By PDX_CRZ - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a economy gas vehicle and had narrowed my choices down to a Fit or Scion xD when I saw the CRZ in the Honda show room. I was instantly enamored. I was down-scaling from a large SUV to a small car I struggled with the idea of a two seater but quickly dismissed since I was keeping the SUV. I found the Prius “boring” and the Insight low resale. Previously owned utility type vehicles but decided it was time for a “fun” car. I settled on the Silver EX with Navi model. I’ve had the car 3 weeks and very pleased, 43 mpg hwy and with drive conscientious driving I get ~40 city mileage keeps improving.

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  2008 Honda Pilot VP 2WD - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By ernieD - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I feel I got a great trade in price on my 2003 Chevy Trailblazer (many elec issues on Trailblazer) and a great drive out price on my new Honda Pilot VP. Its been a very nice and solid SUV. Ive owned 5 SUVs. True about the wind noise with only one window or only rear windows open. I usually just crack a 3rd window to prevent this noise. The 2009 new design addressed the tight drivers side armrest issue a bit. Still could use more drivers side comfort area. The Pilot has been very reliable, comfortable, great rear cargo area. Wish there was a option for NO 3rd row seat. I never use it. At 38,000 miles I have a rather serious engine warning light on. Manual says might be emissions issue

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  2011 Honda Touring - 2011 Honda Odyssey
  By 8Pack - October 20 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased the 2011 Odyssey Touring on Oct 16. We decided earlier this year to go with the Odyssey over the Sienna (only 2 minivans to offer 8 passenger seating) primarily because of step back Toyota took when they made the 8th seat (center in center row) so much smaller than in the previous 10 model. We were very surprised that Toyota did not build on this feature but rather made it a lot worse. Since we have 6 kids we really need 8 real seats - which the 11 Odyssey has. Further, we need a minimum of 4 latch positions, the Sienna only has 3 (down from 4 in last model - another step back). The Odyssey has 5 latch positions. We also like the looks inside and outside. It looks sleek.

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  Hondas - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Tara - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I just got my accord 7 months ago i havent had any problems with it, it has almost 67 thousand miles on it. Love it

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  Utili-toaster - 2003 Honda Element
  By jlawton - October 19 - 2:00 am

  At its heart, the Element is exactly what a small SUV should be- practical, reliable, and easy to drive. What sets the car apart is simply how over-the-top utilitarian it really is. The interior is nearly indestructible. The rubberized floors are easy to clean, the seats are waterproof, and the folding rear seats open up a cavernous cargo area that will easily accommodate mountain bikes with the wheels still attached. For a giant rolling box, it handles surprisingly well- though not a sports car, the car feels stable and relatively nimble on mountain roads. An excellent buy for dog owners, college students, or anybody with an active lifestyle.

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  Best purchase - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Dom - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car early of September this year to replace my Plymouth breeze. This car is great to look at, fun to drive, gets impressive gas mileage even when driven not so responsibly, and easy to work on. Ive timed my 0-60 with the 5 speed at about 7.1 seconds, give or take a few milliseconds. The car looks mean, feels nice, and when you shift just right, ooh it gives me tingles. Only trouble ive gotten so far is i need to replace my struts, and my driver side window regulator went so the window only goes up until theres 1/4 inch to go, and i just use my hand to put it up the rest, just cant bump my sound system without it falling down again! Buy this car!

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  WOW! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By TC - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Super car. Bought used with about 50,000 miles. Drives excellently. 3 accords in my family. All super! The v6 is so smooth! 6 speed manual takes a little getting used to . Especially after I drive my wifes auto 4 cylinder. There is some kind of flaw with 3 rd gear. Sometimes does not want to go in. Thought it was my used version. But hearing others have the same problem. When you want to get down and boogie . The thing will really move. Or will be a super smooth commuter. It is a real 4 seater even though a coupe. I have driven the latest models. I will not give this one up for one of those. Honda needs to get better with new models. Hyundai is a real threat now. My 06 is a+