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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  Champion - 1996 Honda Civic
  By dago travers - September 7 - 9:15 am

  Im 66 and this car has been the most cost effective vehicle Ive owned including motorcycles and as old as it is now I still consider it a beautiful frog and believe it will last as long as I. Thanks Honda

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned! - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - September 5 - 10:26 am

  After own a 2 Dodge Caravan and replacing the 3 transmissions later it was time for a change. I drive a lot of miles in a day to go to and from work. All of the miles are highway. It is now Sept 2010 and the only thing Ive had to do was general maintenance according to Hondas requirements. Tires, brakes and timing belt replacement were the most pricey repairs. Change the oil when required. Im on my second set of brakes in 122,000 miles. Second set of tires. Im 64" so Im loving the higher ceiling and the leg room.

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  Bang for the buck - 2010 Honda Insight
  By seahurst - September 4 - 8:34 pm

  We have now driven a year. Previously had a Toyota Celica for 20 yrs. Toyota service locally had gone downhill, so looked at the Honda. More care for the money. I like the fact that the car starts from gasoline power versus the battery. You give up a couple of miles per gallon, but I like getting out of dodge from a dead stop. Auto-Stop takes some getting used - when you change the temp, you have reset Auto- Stop. Minor issue. I hope the paint holds up as well as my Toyota did.

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  Bought 2 - 2009 Honda Fit
  By mark - September 4 - 7:42 pm

  My wife and I bought 2 of these after reading reviews and test driving one. I drive about 80 miles a day to and from work and love it costing me $22.00 a week to fill it up. Much cheaper than my old Explorer. Wish it would have come with floor mats for what it cost. Went to the dealer and told him what we wanted and drive them home in about 3 hours. No having to deal with the usual new car sales b.s. if we could have afforded it we would have bought the suv and 1 fit instead. Still love them and they are very reliable. If you are thinking about one, buy it. its worth the money

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  Love this SUV - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Love it - September 4 - 5:08 pm

  I bought this Pilot couple days ago, so far my family love it. Entertainment is great, back up camera and sensors front and back are very helpful for this big SUV. I tested ride MDX, 4Runner Limited and Nissan and Infiniti, I was not impress with those SUV. I never like the older model Pilot but this one is way so much better looking, and have everything we need inside.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By TGHonda - September 4 - 2:30 pm

  Fun to Drive, Gas Mileage, 18 city and 26 hwy. Checked every drop of gas to tenths of miles. Great SUV. Best for the Money, reliable, Quality Not smells new an dies or rattles like other equal in class.

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  A Thinking Mans Car - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jinglehyme - September 4 - 9:29 am

  OK - Dont miss the point on this one. The CR-Z is not the fastest, prettiest, or "est" car out there in anyway- But, it is a nice balance of fuel economy and flirtations fun to drive. And it is big on the tech side. The 6 speed manual makes it a lot more drivable that any Toyota. If you want a big, fat, dumb muscle car - buy a Chrysler - um - Fiat. And my 30 something and 40 something friends (all edjamacated and stuff) get it.

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  Totalled @ 270,000 - 1995 Honda Accord
  By Vermontdog - September 4 - 7:23 am

  Bought from a salesman I knew and it turned 200k on the way home. That was 8 years ago. Last week I was able to avoid a head on collision with a geriatric on a cell phone thanks to the quick handling on the car. Rugged build and my passenger, a body shop manager, said we were lucky to be in this car compared to most others. The car is a total loss but we walked away. TY HONDA. The car is 15 years old and I will get a respectable check from the insurance company too thanks to Honda quality. Typical problems with the car that other writers have shared but overall a super value.

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  Love it, wish it had more power though - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Sdax - September 4 - 5:09 am

  Ive had this fit sport over a year, only racked up 5000 miles. I love to drive it when the weather is nice. The first snow storm, tracked through the snow great but, didnt feel too confident the car is really light and it slid a few times. So parked it all winter and drove my awd car. On long drives prefer to drive my other car..not crazy about the road noise and slow acceleration. But the car is great for city driving and parallel parking is a breeze, but its deceptive in that i think im always close to the car behind/front of me but in reality Im pretty far. Overall I love the car, but its not my first choice if Im going on a long trip.

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  Great truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By TJH - September 4 - 4:29 am

  I bought this truck because I needed something for 4 adults with light hauling capacity. Additionally, Hondas are very reliable and the build quality on this truck is amazing. I expect, like my 2000 Accord, it will run for a long time with out serious repairs. The handling and comfort are excellent in all weather. This truck will handle all road conditions with confidence. I recently took it off road through some very rugged trails near the ANF and it got me there and back with ease. It is big and heavy and you pay for that in gas mileage. I consistently get 20 mpg on the highway, however I dont mind as the view, safety and comfort while driving are worth it.