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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  No Lagin Wagon - 2012 Honda Fit
  By arbolero - September 9 - 2:16 pm

  Very impressed. I wouldnt race anybody for pinks with this car, but its still very lively when I need it to accelerate and responsive when I need it to handle. I drive treacherous, windy, mountain roads. Honda has made a proven winner and, remarkably, it remains unseated by any of the markets other small cars which are trying so hard, but not quite measuring up. I average 36 to 39 mpg on a tank. The seats are supportive and comfortable enough for 5 hours continuous driving. The drivers seat is spacious enough for a 61" driver. A 68" friend of mine was not able to sit comfortably in the drivers seat.

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  Excellent Choice - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By jerebea - September 9 - 8:02 am

  We are very pleased with our purchase. The CR-V is comfortable with sufficient room in the driver and front passenger area to not feel confined. Instrumentation is easy to read and controls are functional and easy to use. Rear cargo area is very sufficient for our needs handling a medium size dog crate with ease. Rear seating area is comfortable and very adequate for two good sized adults. We are presently getting 29.5 MPG is mixed driving. Style and quality of build is excellent.

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  Transmission - 2002 Honda Accord
  By kyleoostrand1 - September 8 - 5:00 pm

  Had to replace the transmission at 90,000 miles and sometimes it doesnt want to start.

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  A fun hybrid? Go figure - 2011 Honda Insight
  By msbella - September 8 - 1:33 am

  I am thrilled with this car! I bought it for a year-long 220-mile round-trip commute that would have been miserable and expensive in most other cars but was actually pleasant in this one thanks to the comfort, handling, and iPod connection. The front-wheel drive also got me home safely during an epic blizzard last winter. After 32,000 miles in 18 months, and now commuting 60 miles round-trip on a winding rural road, I can still say I love this car, as do my growing kids and two big dogs. Im averaging 45 mpg across all conditions and terrains, and the 12,000-mile oil changes are nice, too. One change I did make for my rural area was wider tires, which are more durable and widely available.

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  2012 This Hybrid is Awesome! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By peter789 - September 7 - 3:01 pm

  I just purchased at a fantastic price. Deal hard. Hybrids are not selling as well because old reviews were bad. So I did not pay the hybrid premium that I would have to make up with gas savings. I do 70% city and 30% highway and getting between 45 and 47 mpg so far. This Civic is made in Japan and sells very well there. Hence the Japanese near 6 dollar a gallon gas. I am sure that in my state the cost of gas will be in the 4.50 to 5.00 range soon which will make this purchase so much more justified.

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  Fun & Practical, but... - 2008 Honda Fit
  By joshnbecki - September 7 - 11:15 am

  This is a cute, practical little car, but it seems to make a lot of compromises. I would expect a little better milage from the small, overly busy engine. The ride is rough with the Sport setup, harsh even, though this means it has GREAT handling...that the power cant live up to. Just another 20-30 hp would do the trick & more match the MPG. NEVER take it on a long drive--dont even think about it. The constant engine whine and wimpy attempts to get up hills, combined with supportive but rigid and uncomfortable seats, made worse by peddle position, will drive you NUTS.

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  Love the Ridgeline - 2010 Honda Ridgeline
  By bpsblaster - September 6 - 7:34 pm

  I owned 2 Rangers and a F-150 supercab. The F-150 is a great truck, the best full sized truck there is in my opinion, but I needed better gas mileage, I was averaging 15-16mpg, and I wasnt using the truck like it was meant to be used, I used like a car. I didnt off road or haul things anymore and I have kids now and needed the 4 full doors. So I looked and looked and looked some more. After test driving about every small pick up made, I knew the ridgeline is what I was looking for. I am averaging 18-19mpg and it is plain fun to drive. It seems to be built very well, it is solid, and handles great. Would I pull a huge boat or horse trailers with it? NO, but it fits my needs!

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  As good as it gets for under 24K - 2012 Honda Accord
  By rebiii - September 6 - 1:56 pm

  After driving my 2005 Nissan Altima for 135K I decided it was time for a new car. I tested the new Altima, Camry, and fusion. All great cars but was able to save some $$$ buying a loaded left-over. The car drives great and IÂ’m averaging about 30 miles a gallon on the highway. The leather seats are comfortable and the stereo is great with SAT.. For the record, I disagree with the review that the interior is of poor quality". Honda uses textured hard plastics for the dash but it looks nice and does not appear cheap. I find it easy to clean and maintain its highly scratch resistant. So unless you plan on resting on the dash I think it should be fine for most people...

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  Electronically Junkie! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By jacksonmom3 - September 6 - 12:28 pm

  I bought my van new. We replaced the engine mounts not too long after the warranty expired. The rear windows electronics shortly died thereafter. We paid to get it painted hoping to stretch a couple more years out of it (it only had 95K miles on it at this point). Then our transmission went out! Another $4500 down the tube. So, we are trying to recoup some money by hanging on to it, but recently (133K miles now) our rear doors have started going out, and I hear a clunking noise occassionally. Looking at the Murano or possibly CRV--almost scared to buy another Honda though!

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  A great car - 2012 Honda Fit
  By wolf12373 - September 4 - 12:05 pm

  Honda somehow managed to squeeze an incredible amount of space inside this car. With the two “magic seats” in the back folded down it is possible to put almost anything in. The Fit’s 4- cylinder engine is more than adequate for everyday driving. I found the Fit to be extremely nimble as well. But the icing on the cake is the fuel efficiency. This car is rated 33/37, but I have been easily been able to average 40+ MPG.The Fit does not provide breakneck speed, exquisite luxury, or loads of extra features. On the other hand, it does have a great deal of one thing: Practicality. It is a no frills machine for moving people and stuff in a fun, comfortable manner.