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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  45,000 miles and still no problems - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By BB - April 22 - 8:44 pm

  Im not sure why the magazine writers do not get it with this SUV. Everyone that rides in my Pilot wants one. It is actually my work car, and I put over 30k on it a year. Im averaging about 23 mpg with a mix of city and road driving. It is the most versatile, comfortable vehicle that I have ever owned. I grew up on many car lots and I have driven a lot of vehicles. This is the best SUV on the road. Honda stepped out with a design that people originally thought was ugly, but now is seen as boxy cool.

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  Big car in a small package - 2010 Honda Fit
  By clonebaby1956 - April 22 - 7:36 pm

  This is the most amazing car I have ever seen, I bought it for my son as a University graduation present, and feel very confident that it is a good and safe choice. The car is solid, has "head turning" looks, a cool package overall. We love the space, and it drives like a much larger car, very stable on the road. Great brakes with no fade, great visibility and very comfortable seats, and good leg, and head room. The engine has good pick-up from a stopped position, and has all the vital maintenance points at easy reach and well labeled. "You will not be sorry for getting one of these!"

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  Still satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 08Owner - April 22 - 12:06 pm

  Well, I just went over the two year mark in terms of ownership and all that I can say is that I am still a satisfied Honda owner. I have over 42,000 miles on the car (mostly highway) and have had no major repairs. I have heard a lot of talk about the brake issue and at my last oil change the first inklings that it will bite were felt. It is not really the best car in the snow (Ohio) with the wide tires. It handles amazingly in all other conditions, however. The V6 is not the peppiest out there, but it aint bad. It is very roomy, to the point that I think it might be a little too big for my liking. Gas mileage is great. In the summer I average around 27 mpg, mostly highway.

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  First Honda, Definitely Not The Last! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Emma - April 22 - 8:56 am

  I got this car as a senior in high school with 85,000 miles. I have never had any mechanical problems - only routine maintenance. This has been the best car Ive ever owned and still runs very smoothly with 141,000 miles. I would recommend Honda to anyone - you will get a car that will last well over 100,000 miles. The gas mileage is still good with a V6 - Im willing to trade power for a few more dollars at the pump.

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  Nice - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By ejb - April 22 - 1:07 am

  A terrific happy medium. Very functional as a family car, work car and a hauler. Well designed inside and out. I ordered an aftermarket bed cover with lock which makes the bed like a huge trunk. Gas mileage could be improved and a little more power would help. My truck had an unusual whistle at certain speeds from wind noise. A Honda dealership worked hard to fix the problem. They added a sunroof wind protector and bug shield in front which solved the problem.

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  Quality - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By reliable - April 22 - 12:32 am

  Reliable, efficient, quality. Much better than newer model, drive up the Rocky mountain with speed 70 and drive very stable in the snow, never had any problems or die on me.

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  An outstanding care - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Rick - April 21 - 6:36 pm

  Albeit, I just purchased this car, it has been a blast to drive. Impressive from the onset. Ive had Mustang Cobras, Corvettes and so on and this car ranks right up there. It truly is the perfect car. Fits 5, good on gas, power when you need it and second glance looks. Ive looked at Cobalt SSs (horrible build quality and interior is a joke), Caliber SRT not up to par, and would rank this equal with the Mazdaspeed 3. Im now a Honda guy.

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  Favorite car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By marcia - April 21 - 10:52 am

  I have always had fords and i love my cr-v! i didnt think i would need a nav. but it was used and a good deal. had a Mazda 5 (made by ford) and it did horrible in the snow. i feel safe in this car even though its a 2wd. people come into my work asking me if the cr-v is my car and somebody bought one because of me. I Love It

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  honda ex v6 sedan 3.0 - 2001 Honda Accord
  By joe pa - April 21 - 9:15 am

  I bought this car in August 2004. It had 30,000 miles. Since owned it has been a great vehicle. Very comfortable on long trips. Very roomy inside. Nice big trunk for grocery shopping. Overall couldnt be happier to own such a strong and dependable car. Get one and you will be very pleased on how well this vehicle drives. It now has 146,000 and never any problems.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By jmharrell - April 20 - 10:17 pm

  Has 129,000 miles so far, original clutch, all original parts besides regular maintenance items like timing belt, water pump and brakes. Runs great, handles great, manual gives it some pretty decent acceleration. Get 33 city/40-50 mpg highway depending on speed and type of highway.