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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  2000 CRV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By mary - September 15 - 1:21 pm

  I have loved my CRV since the day I bought it. I have only the normal wear and tear, such as tires, battery oil changes. I now have 103,000 miles and intend to drive it for another 100,00 miles. I get 25 miles a gal around town.

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  comfort - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By alender - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to have for families. I enjoy all the amenities that it has like plenty of room in a relatively small body, power, handling. However if you are like me and this is your first SUV after years of driving sedans, be prepared for some bumps. The ride is not as smooth as I was hoping. I do feel the minor bumps on the road, but I guess that is what you get with an SUV. Sound system is great, cloth interior is great. Tires are wide and give you great handling. Make sure you get the cross bars on the roof rack, it is very usefull. Overall great vehicle and highly recommended, just a little bumpier than I thought.

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  First Impressions - 2003 Honda Accord
  By clayh13 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  As a BMW-driving enthusiast, I was initially skeptical that I would ever in my life enjoy driving another vehicle other than the loaded 2000 BMW 528i w/ Sport Package Ive owned for the past 3 years. However, Ive been pleasantly surprised by how much I now enjoy driving my Accord EX V-6. While far from having the performance, handling, torque and curb appeal of the Bimmer, I find the Accords roomy leather interior much more attractive and comfortable. What the Accord lacks in body style sexiness, it more than makes up for in terms of value.

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  Very reliable, still plain vanilla - 2003 Honda Accord
  By BillyGates - September 15 - 2:00 am

  A dependable car with lots of interior space, but very boring on those back country roads (although a nice highway and city cruiser).

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  Great Reliable Car!! - 2002 Honda Civic
  By civicguy444 - September 13 - 9:19 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002. I havent wanted to part with it since then. Has been very reliable. I have just changed the usual things, such as tires, battery, etc. It still has the original brake pads. Stock tires werent the greatest. I get about 40 highway MPG with 5 speed manual transmission, which I think is hard to beat!! Very happy with this vehicle. Wish all I have owned worked this well!

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  130K and still running strong! - 2000 Honda Accord
  By Old frugal guy - September 12 - 2:43 pm

  I have a 2000 EX sedan which I purchased new in 2000. I change the oil every 3K miles, installed my first set of brakes (front and rear) at 105K miles, the dealer said that I still had at least 10K miles left on them. Replaced my battery last year. It didnt fail, but it was getting weak. Replaced timing belt and all other belts. Brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission oil and anti-freeze is changed every 3 years. I get 33 mpg driving 70MPH on the highway. Never had a problem with the car and expect to be driving it for at least another 10 years.

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  Great car time for a new one - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Linda Simon - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great car

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  Great car time for a new one - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Linda Simon - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  Great car

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  Got what I expected - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Fit Fan - September 11 - 12:26 pm

  I did a good amount of research on the Fit before getting it. I knew going into it that the sport suspension was going to be great for driving, but rough on unforgiving roads. The same goes for the motor. I knew that the Fit did not produce a lot of horsepower. For what it is given, it is fun to drive. It is the right amount of power for a single driver who wants to push it on the local interstate. Storage on the Fit is prefect for the size of the car. As long as you know you cant try to fit a mattress into a Fit. Lastly, I suggest spending a little extra and get the Mugen and Sport add ons. It helps make the little guy stick out among the other Fits on the road.

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  1st Honda, But Not the Last - 2008 Honda Accord
  By sternie - September 11 - 11:16 am

  Let me start off by saying I love this car. I totaled my Mazda Protege 5 and spent the next 4 weeks comparing vehicles. With about 60% of my commute being freeway I am averaging about 27 mpg. This is by far the most comfortable vehicle I have owned.