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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  my most excellent Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By tom driscoll - December 31 - 1:06 am

  This is by far the best car I ever drove. It handles great, goes as fast as I want, and gets over 80 mpg on the highway. It has plenty of cargo space. Just driving it and seeing the effect of my formerly heavy left foot on the mileage has transformed my driving from the usual "get there first" attitude to "get there in my own sweet time", and I enjoy driving much more now without the usual rush. If youre man enough to let go of beating everyone else youll love it.

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  Not very impressed - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Bob - December 30 - 10:06 pm

  Drove a 2006 Accord (EX, V6, Nav) one day, took it on the usual route. The car would shake at idle. I figured with a V6, this car should be rock solid. Not much power. The nav system is horrible! I dont want to talk to my car. Just give me a button to press. Car rode a bit rough, seats were nice, cabin was somewhat quiet. Overall, not very impressed. Car did not feel like it was bolted together very well. A shame too because Ive always wanted an Accord. I ended up purchasing a Maxima.

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  great car - horrible on fuel! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By jtyler - December 30 - 9:21 pm

  great suv but horrible on gas. please honda do something about the fuel ecomony! im lucky to get 17 mpg on hwy and 12 or 13 in town. thats not what the sticker price said!!! i could have got an expedition if i wanted that type gas mileage. im doing good to get 230 miles a tank. thats horrible!!

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  LONG-Term Honda Insight - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Woody Smith - December 30 - 8:07 pm

  Mine is a 2000 Insight purchased in March, 2000. It now has 116,000 miles on the odometer and has been absolutely trouble free. I mean, not even as much as a single lightbulb has ever needed replacement. In brief, it is the very best car I have ever owned by a VERY wide margin, and Ive owned a few, including a big Mercedes, two BMWs, two Volvos, an Alfa Romeo, and other nice cars. Its a spectacular long-distance cruiser -- I once went over 800 miles actually nonstop, and only stopped then because I had to pee -- I still had gasoline left in the 10.6 gal tank. Its quiet and comfy and is the only car Ive ever owned where I dont need the seat all the way back. I absolutely LOVE it!

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  Hybrids KICK GAS - 2004 Honda Insight
  By CraigSquirrel - December 30 - 4:02 pm

  Much more fun than we ever imagined. Quick and fast. Cruises on highway at 70-90 with no problem other than having to occasionaly downshift. Concentrating on milage we get upper 60mpgs. Driving fast low 50s. In city, Washington DC, no option other than drive aggressively we get low 40s. Great city car because nimble and quick. When supersized, dark colored SUVs tend to get aggressive its a simple matter to leave them in the rear view mirror with a smile. Many people think the car is all electric and most dont know it gets up to 70 mpg and can go 115 mph. Commercial media, the one source most Americans use for news, does a horrible job of informing the public.

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  ride the countryside - 2004 Honda Insight
  By Baron - December 30 - 1:43 pm

  This is a vehicle worthy of your disposable dollars. I have an automatic and the only disappointing item about this vehicle is that the fuel estimates should be revised with each number going down by 10 (highway/City). Even then it is a great buy. I purchased based on the epa estimates. They were close but not quite right. I would but it again and again. I am funding my 401k catch up contribution with the gas savings that I am receiving. I cant imagine why anyone would pay such ridiculous prices for gas anymore. I guess it was because we didnt have a choice. Now we do.

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  Goid car but a few negatives - 2016 Honda Fit
  By C K Unruh - December 30 - 1:25 pm

  I have had my 2016 Honda Fit for about a month now. A few negatives: Excessive wind noise from front windshield when going over 45 mph...Passenger front window is very slow going up and down at times...the Ac vent air blows hard when decelerating and blows less hard when accelerating. ..and last, the engine pings loud at idle. I have addressed these issues with the dealership to see if these are common for the fit and I have yet to hear back from them. Its been 4 days. The fit is peppy enough and has plenty of room for my large dogs. I dont like the fact that these only come with black interior. .Dog hair and dirt really show up. Also, they dont come with floor mats. How stupid is that? Rubber mats from Honda are 170 bucks. Carpeted floor mats are over 300 bucks. Gas mileage is Good but gas tank is too small. Fuel like comes on at about 8 gallons. Too small. Also, no wheels...it has hub caps! Gross!! As soon as I can save some money i am going to get some wheels. I tinted the windows that made it look a little better. To me, this looks just like a small van. Thats about it. Hope this helps in making your decision whether to buy one or not.

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  A Winner in my Book! - 2004 Honda Insight
  By DelightedInsightOwne - December 30 - 12:01 pm

  I bought the second insight my Honda dealer received in 2000 and I now have driven it 37,253 miles. Over that time and distance it has averaged 68.6 miles per gallon, and gradually rising! I live on a hill about 400 higher than the surrounding more or less level terrain in a suburban bed-room area. The best mileage I ever logged on a single leg was 93 miles per gallon on a 120 mile trip with few hills. I was on an Interstate and stayed in the right lane and drove at the truckers speed limit - 55 miles per hour. My wifes car is a new Honda Accord Hybrid because we have been so satisfied with the 2 seater. She needs more capacity for occasional trips with friends, heavier loads, etc.

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  BEST!!! - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By JonB - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV for the money! bar none. I just traded in my Lexus RX400 and use to own Nissan Pathfinder. This car has "everything you need not want." I read that from an article and I agree.

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  2003 Pilot Review - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Real Pilot - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Delivered 6/8/2002. Black exterior, gray leather, navigation system, back- up camera, chrome bumper cladding, front bumper cover with foglights, and added aftermarket 8inch DVD system. Nicest driving vehicle Ive owned, comfortable. Plenty of power, turns like a car, very quite interior. Third row small but functional. Excellent fit and finish. Like the looks with added front bumper covers more than the MDX.