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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  Just two things left off - 2002 Honda S2000
  By sbsundevil - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Id had my red S2000 for quite some time now. Ive driven from Santa Barbara to Las Vegas several time, to the Red Woods, and San Diego. A treat every time I get to drive it. And in my opinion..... a Red S2000 is the only real S2000.....!

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  220,000 miles and runs like new - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Jesse - June 21 - 1:42 am

  This is a car for the long haul. Runs like a champion. Ours has been in the family since Brand new and it has needed nothing but basic maintenance and minor repairs (plastic pieces, gasket seal, etc.) This is the Toyota truck of cars.

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  Hignly Recommended - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By DPS - June 20 - 12:30 pm

  This is a GREAT vehicle. I shopped, compared, and test drove the Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, and Dodge competitors. This vehicle is in a class by itself and clearly better than the competition. After 5,500 miles and six months I can report NO PROBLEMS and no complaints. Mileage is 18-19 local, 21-23 highway, and 13 towing my pontoon boat or camper. It is extermely well designed and user- friendly. Cargo capacity and hauling are particlarly notable - locking weathertite in-bed trunk, flip-up split rear seats, flexible console configurations, etc. Solid feeling driving driving dynamics have to be experienced to be appreciated. Would I buy it again? - You bet! Recommend it to others? - I do!

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  Replacement for my Clunker - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bjstrahm - June 20 - 8:36 am

  Thank you, taxpayers; my old Mercury Villager is no more! Being a college student, I needed a more reliable form of transportation, and thats exactly what I got. I looked at a few competitors as well as the Accord, but the Civic fit what I needed best. The Si badging added a little something something to the personal enjoyment factor. So far, I love my Civic. It has been impeccable in both build quality, initial reliability, and ownership satisfaction. Having never driven manual before and it being a new car, I was expecting some low MPGs on the first tanks. However, in my 2500 miles of driving, my lowest tank has been 28 and my best slightly above 33. Keep this car on your short list!

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  Whats not to like? - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Carol - June 20 - 7:06 am

  I have been driving my new Fit for over one week and am thrilled with it! I also own a Civic and an Accord and I love my little Fit. It may appear "little" on the outside but the inside is huge. It handles and rides to perfection. Its a high quality vehicle and the gas economy meets and exceeds all expectations. I love the arm rest on the driver side and flexible cargo space in the back. Its got plenty of pick-up and the dashboard gauges and controls are very conveniently located. The 6 speaker Radio has great sound. Honda had a winner with the 2008 model and now they made it even better. Whats not to like?

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  Love my Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By prodigy - June 20 - 6:10 am

  I have owned my Civic for about 4 months now and have over 12,000 miles on it. I absolutely love this car. Other cars that I have purchased previously have never measured up and I was never totally happy. I have not had that problem with this car. It is such a smooth ride. Im always excited when I get in the drivers seat because this Civic gets a lot of looks.

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  Best car under $25K - 1998 Honda Prelude
  By Jim U - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Best car under $25K. Too bad they stop making it.

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  Fun, zippy, and gets a ton of attention! - 2002 Honda Insight
  By jpyrz - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I didnt buy this car because Im an environmentalist. I actually am not a big fan of recycling because its a pain most of the time. However, when saving the environment can save me money, and let me drive a fun, zippy car, Im all for it. I was amazed at the get-up that this car has, I was expecting a weak little ride, but it has more power (feels anyway) than the 96 Toyota Corolla I traded in for it.

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  Preliminary review - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Drud Report - June 19 - 7:46 pm

  I will add more to this review later, but my initial impressions are very good. I dont have a long commute or drive a lot as other Fit consumers do, but I still got this because I know Hondas are reliable, I like the new Fits design and performance specs compared to the older versions and I wanted to be environmentally conscious. I sold my 2001 Jeep Cherokee and am glad to finally be past the SUV phase of my life. Getting used to the 4 cylinders will be interesting, because the Fit just doesnt have a lot of power. But its so low and aerodynamic that it still zips around and is fun to drive. So far I love the Fit. I think its a great value for the money in this economy.

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  you wouldnt understand its a HONDA thing - 2004 Honda Element
  By Helen Bennett - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Element for three months, and already 10,000 miles. This vehicle is terrific in every sense of the word. After four Accords since 1987 and over a million miles on them I again put my trust in them and this car is perfect. Ive camped in in four times been to the Indy 500, MIS races with one more to go and its just the best. Great fuel milage great ride and no not the noise that I have read about. I drive it over a hundred miles a day to work and back on the freeway and it doesnt skip a beat. And of course my 17 year old has to drive it just to "show off". Although there is nothing wrong with her Civic. Honda has another winner here.