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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  4WD Touring w/ Nav - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Fantom5 - January 13 - 2:19 pm

  Overall very happy. Loved my 97 4 Runner but this car has much more interior space, better advertised mileage than the 10 4Runner. Quiet, handles very well and luxurious on the inside although some of the trim seems a little cheap. No real complaints. Handled great in our last snow storm. Overall mileage so far according to trip meter 18.1 over 950 miles. Havent been on the highway for any extended period yet. Would expect improvement when broken in and switched to synthetic oil. Great sound and Nav system. Love bluetooth and iPod interactivity-never need to take your hands off wheel. Boxy exterior but you know that going in. No pulling or mechanical issues so far.

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  Handling and braking are excellent - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ChuckfromLI - January 13 - 1:34 pm

  Just returned from a 2500 miles trip to Florida and back, and have no serious complaints. My son is 64", did half the driving, and never lacked headroom. The car is quiet most of the time, except on rough concrete roads. The power level is fine, storage capacity is fine, handling and braking are excellent. Have also driven it on some snow covered roads and it felt very secure. I love the XM satellite radio. The leather still feels plasticky, but it is breaking in. My only "real" complaint is that the fan cycles on and off frequently when the car is idling, and that it is very noticeable and even sets off a vibration that is felt through the steering wheel. Current mileage is around 4500.

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  love my fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By michelle - January 12 - 1:17 pm

  We just bought our vivid blue Pearl fit. It is just beautiful. We love everything about it from the blue lights on the dash to the great gas sipping. We will buy hondas from now on.

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  I Love my Pilot!! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Kim - January 11 - 10:34 pm

  I upgraded from a 2005 CRV because my lease was up(we also had a baby on the way, and I am not a big fan of the new Pilots), and I could not be happier with this SUV. I am fairly short and with the 8 way power seat,it is very comfortable for me to drive. My biggest complaint is the lack of rear space when the 3rd row is up. It is also hard to get car seats in/out of the 3rd row. My husband would like for it to have a telescoping steering wheel and I wish the SE came standard w/a leather wrapped steering wheel. We will definitely consider buying this one when the lease is up next year.

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  Solid SUV - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By soccermom - January 11 - 1:36 pm

  I debated between my 2005 Honda Pilot and a 2008 Jeep Commander. I settled on the Honda. Love the room and cargo space. I seldom use the 3rd row seating but it is roomy for the kids. The gas mileage is not bad for this SUV. Has great get up and go and looks nice on the road!

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  Fantastic All Purpose Vehicle!!! - 2007 Honda Element
  By Mooshi - January 10 - 7:16 pm

  I have driven my Element in every condition imaginable over the last 3 years and love it. Very functional interior allows for many different activities. Hauling, camping, daily commute and more. I average 22 mpg in everyday driving. Factory tires are junk, replaced with Michelins, what a difference. I recommend installing the clear protective tape on the front end to protect from chips. I had Z- bart install for $450, covers hood, bumper and headlights and it has been worth the money. I love this car and would recommend it to anyone who is in the market for a fun to drive, dependable all purpose vehicle. I have a new baby and the clam shell doors are a challenge for my wife.

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  Spend the extra money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By driverdan - January 10 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased a 2009 EX loaded with leather and Nav. Spending the extra money on this package is worth it! Your not just getting a navigation system but Wireless blue tooth for hands free driving, CD, various ways to listen to music either by using the XM radio, USB port to plug in to a memory stick or using whatever MP3 device you have? And yes it also has hand free navigation. Just tell it where you want to go and it will plot the course. Bottom line if youÂ’re a techno junky you will love this system. Mileage is around 30-32 MPG combined. Good pickup and go on the freeway and car is quite at freeway speed. You should be able to buy this cad loaded for under $22,000.00!!

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  Reliability & joy - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Super auto - January 10 - 2:53 pm

  I have driven this auto for 46,000 moles with most of it in town but have two trips of over 2,000 mile each time from here to Galvestan, Texas. On each trip to Galvestan I usually drove at 70-80 mph . The car holds road excellent and still has power to pass in excess of this speed when necessary. I had trouble with a humming noise while driving. Had installed a canceling kit which cost me $600 on August 2008. Ive had no mechanical problems or body work done. I am keeping written evidence of purchases of gas for the past 12,000 miles and getting about 36 mpg on highway and 25-30 in town. I wish Honda still made Accord Hybrids. Over all I have not owned a better car than this one!

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  fit for the economy - 2008 Honda Fit
  By mandmfarms - January 10 - 1:42 pm

  We just bought our fit and we love it. Its a beautiful vivid blue Pearl. I would recommend thehonda fit to anyone who wants to get great gas mileage. It has loads of room. This is our first Honda car but it wont be our last. It has a bumpy ride and you feel every bump.

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  Best SUV in class! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Mike B. - January 10 - 11:38 am

  This is our Second Pilot, we traded in our 2006 EX- L. When we test drove the 2010, we were sold. We opted for the full featured Touring model, and have been pleasantly surprised with all of the features. For the price we paid (Just over $38,000) there is no way you could buy a comparable SUV in any other brand. The added benefit is, it is a Honda, which once youve owned one, sells itself. We have a large family, Three Kids, and this car does great on road trips. If you are on the fence on what model to buy, get the touring. For what you get, it is well worth it!