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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  Good little car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By devils41 - September 1 - 10:46 am

  Good car fun to drive love it and love the looks I get in it. Im 23 years old first car I have bought, not gonna mod it out. But have replaced intake with Injen Cold air intake and put in my own diamond mesh grill. Good car would recommend for anyone. Only problem is there needs to be more power, other cars in its class have more power, cobalt SS turbo is around 260 hp, and lancer ralliart is around 237 hp. only car it really beats out in its class is the Nissan Sentra R. Sound system is good but subwoofer and interior is great but it attracts lint like no other.

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  My Honda - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By jeff foote - September 1 - 7:34 am

  This has been the most dependable car that we have ever owned. There have been no maintenance problems and the gas mileage exceeds the amounts shown on the sticker. In fact, my wife has taken it as her car even though we own another later modeled brand.

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  My CRV vs. my Highlander - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Al C. - September 1 - 5:46 am

  We have a 2004 Toyota Highlander V6, auto. loaded and were very satisfied with it. Its deserving of Consumer Reports top ratings for safety, reliabilty, etc. Wanted to get a smaller SUV with fully loaded features including moonroof, traction & stability, front, side airbags, etc. CRV also garnered top ratings and deserves it! Cant tell its only a 4 liter unless we are driving a full load of adults going uphill. Otherwise, it is peppy and powerful on the highway, and gets very good fuel economy. In local driving my Highlander gets overall 18- 19 mpg and the CRV gets 21-22. Great Honda clearance price and next years CRV styling doesnt look as trucklike as this years. Go CRV!

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  Lemon? - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By pwaddell - August 31 - 8:46 pm

  It may be too early to call this one a lemon, but its getting there quickly. Its been in the shop for one of the four weeks weve owned it and will be going back. The vehicle developed a low vibration when accelerating after a week or so. It was determined to be the AC. The dealersip replaced the compressor, belt tensioner, and water pump and drained and refilled the system. It seemed to work, but the vibration has returned. American Honda has not been helpful. Their response has been you shouldnt expect perfection from a mass produced vehicle. I do expect a new vehicle will be at my house more than 3/4 the time I own it. If this keeps up the Lemon Law will allow me to give it back.

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  On it goes! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Bob - August 31 - 6:23 pm

  I bought this car for $350.00 with 191,000 miles. It has hail damage, some rust, and, as the sellers ad said, is not much to look at. BUT. It runs very well, gets amazing gas mileage (42 highway), and has been totally reliable to date. Performance- wise it is nothing to write home about- -as Rolls used to say when asked how many horsepower their cars have, they would reply "Adequate." So it is with the Civic. The interior has aged fairly well, though the body less so. And everything still works! All in all, a solid little commuter car that is as close to free to drive as you can get.

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  Brigids toy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Brigid - August 31 - 4:46 pm

  We bought this car to replace an 04 Scion xA that my wife loved. That car we gave to our daughter in grad school. When we went to the Scion dealer and discovered they are no longer making the xA, we went next door to the Honda dealer. 5-sp manuals are apparently hard to get, but he found one at a deal in the next state, and we got ours in a few days. It feels bigger, more substantial, quieter, and smoother at highway speeds than the xA, but its not quite as fun to drive. It might be the standard 14" economy car tires--the Scion has 16" standard--thinking of getting 15" tires and alloys. Its certainly quick enough with the 5 sp manual.

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  Love my Civic Hybrid - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Dan - August 31 - 2:50 pm

  I love this car! I traded in my 6 cylinder Toyota Truck for this very fuel efficient & sporty Civic. People cant believe that its a hybrid - it looks just like a regular car! I am also finding that people dont understand that hybrids dont need to be plugged in .. ever. They create their own charge while coasting and braking. I really do get 45-50 mpg, even on stop-and-go LA freeways. While the engine is a 4 cylinder, the electrical assist kicks in when I need it to provide extra power for acceleration. Really the only times I know Im in a hybrid is when I am sitting at a stop light and the engine has automatically turned off- and of course when I am filling up the tank.

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  Ridgeline - Not perfect but close - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By dtag44 - August 31 - 1:31 pm

  I love my Ridgeline but a few things I dont like are... 1. too much plastic on the body 2. low ground clearence 3. rear suspension weak, cant load bed up due to low weight capacity, need heavy load rear spring option 4. no chrome on the exterior body 5. trailer light package doesnt generate enough amps to power trailer lights

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  Happy with my element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Douglas Bomzer - August 31 - 12:08 pm

  Such a great truck, its like a toy! I love my element so much, just take one for a test drive an di promise you will understand how much I love mine. Roomy, versatile, great handling, a pleasure to drive and all my friends love to go aorund town in it!

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  my buddy Civic - 1997 Honda Civic
  By hans - August 31 - 10:00 am

  It was a perfect choice for a young couple as a first car to buy. Never have been disappointed with it!