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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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Izzy Cohen - August 7 - 9:42 pm

  Two weeks of ownership, and its a delight. Paid 18,455, and dealer threw in floor mats. Just returned from a 400 mile weekend in the Catskill Mts. , a test run, and it was flawless. Gas usage estimator said I got 32.5.mpg but my own before and after fill up calculations came to 34.8. Thats with lots of mountainous and hilly driving.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Cyd - August 6 - 3:33 pm

  Bought used EX w/ 36K miles. Replaced transmission at 67K under class action suit. Since the transmission work, only oil changes and tires needed for the past six years. Most reliable car ever! Rides like a dream and at 10 years old, still accelerates at 80MPH. Husband drives 97 Accord, son drives 90 Civic. Daughter has P-O-S GM car that proved American cars lack quality and longevity. Cant say enough about Honda quality.

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  LOVE Honda, LOVE my CR-V - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Shawna - August 6 - 2:37 pm

  This car is incredible. The recent reviews complaining about tires are the furthest thing from my experience. The tires have been replaced once in the 3+ years Ive owned (and consistently driven) this car. It handles wonderfully, is ridiculously comfortable (I should know, I drove from Colorado to Georgia and Tennessee and back), and is an all around amazing vehicle. It has a great MPG for its size, and its great for highway driving or rough dirt roads smooth ride no matter what. After some nightmares with Chevy vehicles as a young driver, this wonderful CR-V has made me a Honda buyer for life.

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  Superb! - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By Stan - Amarillo - August 6 - 1:15 pm

  Currently have 8500 miles on it. Just got back from 2000+ mile trip -- Amarillo to Walsenburg, CO to San Luis Lake SP to Navajo SP to Durango to Albuquerque, NM to home. Towed 4400 lb (600 on hitch) travel trailer @ 55 mph (my choice -- was more comfortable driving 55 than faster -- Im 67 yrs old!). Went over 3 passes (Raton: 7800 ft, La Veta: 9400 ft, & Wolf Creek, 10,868 ft) -- 12.5 mpg while towing. Up passes at 55 mph until speed dropped, then reset cruise @ 40 mph & stepped on throttle until transmission dropped into 2nd gear walked the passes @ 3800rpm @ 40 mph in 2nd on cruise with no problems at all. Absolutely fantastic truck. Has done everything Ive asked of it & more.

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  15 month update - 2010 Honda Insight
  By hunter20ga - August 5 - 12:58 pm

  Ive had my Insight EX for nearly 15 months, now. Ive taken a 2,000 mile trip through the Montana Rockies in it with my son and daughter-in-law as well as driven around town on a daily basis in temperatures from over 100 to colder than -25 F. For the past 4500 miles Ive averaged 44.3 mph, and Im no hypermiler. I rode in the backseat more than half the time when traveling with my son and daughter-in-law, and had no problems with room or seat comfort. While I find the car to be quiet in most circumstances, I will admit that going up long mountain slopes tended to produce significant engine noise, but not enough to stop conversations between front and back seats. Its a good car.

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  Good commuter car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Chipperdog - August 5 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car for its style and fuel economy. It has not disappointed. Great all around car with excellent fuel economy. My commute is rural highway driving with stops and starts. I have never gotten worse than 36 MPG even with the air on. My best is 38.8 MPG.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Al - August 4 - 9:37 pm

  Ive only had my CR-V 4WD a couple of weeks but so far I love it. It handles well, brakes well, easy to park and see out of. I feel safe knowing its 4WD and it has many safety features and that it has many comforts like heated seats, xm radio, and leather. My previous car, a 2008 Accord was a nice car, but horrible in the snow so Im looking forward to peace of mind this winter. I also want to say that I love the CR-V in and out. Its much nicer to drive than the Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Liberty having tested them. CR-Vs tire and wind noise is next to none and the ride is smooth, comfortable and controlled. Bravo!

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  Love My Pilot - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Ginnie - August 4 - 5:21 pm

  I have been driving my Pilot now for 1 months now and I dont have any complaints. It is a comfortable, roomy vehicle and I feel safe driving it.

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  Great! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rog - August 4 - 3:35 pm

  This car has been nothing but great! In any given week I am commuting over 1000 miles, I live in Maine so this means in snow, ice, and summer humidity and this car sails through it all! I can seemingly fit almost anything into it, and I know it is as safe as it can be while driving my daughter around. It is far and away the best car I have ever owned.

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  Still going strong - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Vdp - August 2 - 2:08 pm

  Bought this CRV used in 2001 and have been driving it ever since. Great reliable vehicle. Doesnt get any better. Some what under powered but that is really the only major thing I would want changed. Would like to get something else to drive as after 9 years, Im getting bored of it .. but it just wont die and it not worth trading, so Ill just drive it till she quits or my 16 year old smashes it. AWD is great in the snow and have had no major problems. Great job Honda, put in a small six cylinder so I can pull a camping trailer and I will buy another one tomorrow.