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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  Excellent Mileage..! - 2005 Honda Civic
  By md - April 15 - 4:15 am

  I just returned from vacation. I drove by myself, and Im an older woman. I felt comfortable and safe... And I drove over 2300 miles and got over 36 mpg...! How can you not love that... Shes a fun little car... Id buy another one... md

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  Very happy - 2007 Honda Fit
  By redandy - April 15 - 1:30 am

  Ratings are in the context of an economy car. Extremely fun to drive (90% of Cooper level fun), but you get the utility of a much larger car. Gas milage is very good, but not great (~32 mpg city in winter). Im hoping for the high thirtes on the freeway in the summer. I test drove vs. Yaris and Versa, and MUCH preferred this over either. If you value comfort over handling and can live with less gas milage, you may want to consider the Versa - its a bit cushier but much less fun to drive IMO. Cost is a bit higher than the others, but ABS, airbags, etc are all standard here. If comparably equipped, the competitors lose their pricing advantage..

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  Solid performance great comfort - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Eric - April 14 - 7:13 pm

  Drove up mt hood with excellent performance. I encountered sleet / ice roads and snowed filled roads. With my all seasons tires that came standard with the Pilot I experienced no slippage, excellent handling and felt very safe. Two thumbs way up!

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  A great fun car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Norman - April 14 - 3:43 pm

  This is a fun car to drive and it is very easy on gas

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  wifes car - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Alan Mcconnachie - April 13 - 8:43 pm

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  Great Little (big) Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Jim Davis - April 13 - 7:50 am

  We bought the Fit Sport to use as a short to moderate distance economy driver and it has served very well but it took a while to warm up to the ride (very stiff). The handling is very good though and there is an amazing amount of usable space considering the vehicle dimensions. Power is adequate (with the automatic) but by no means sporty. The transmission works well and I appreciate the paddle shifter option (keeps the transmission from shifting up and down so much in hilly country when using cruise control). Front seat comfort good, visibility is outstanding. Controls are easy to use and gauges easy to read. Great city car & adequate cruiser (wind moves it around a lot on the highway).

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  A good decision - 2008 Honda Civic
  By chasda - April 13 - 3:10 am

  I recently traded in my 2005 Acura TL for a 2008 Honda Civic EX-L. I know, why would you do that? Well, I drive about 30K a year,my TL had 60K miles and it was time to either keep it till death or trade. I could have got another TL or similar car, but the premium gas and the mileage were starting to hurt. So I went hunting for something simpler and more economical. I considered a hybrid, but the numbers just dont work. The Civic is a good choice. It is peppy and fun to drive, it has everything you need. Its comfortable and very economical. Im averaging 31+ mpg, Ive had it 3 weeks and have over 1700 miles already. I added the leather, I think it brings the car to the next level.

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  ITS A HONDA! Need I say More? - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By B Kelliher - April 13 - 12:56 am

  As the Title states! Its a Honda. Big reason I rid myself of my LTD 01 Jeep was because of safety $ fuel costs, comfort, features and reliability. I mean the list can go on and on. I was sold on this car 3 years ago but just could not justify the cost of buying new. I am glad I held off. My wife and 2 kids love this car. Finally after years of saying I want 3 rows,she got it and is thanking me every day. The bottom line here is: you want a suv that drives like a car but has all the features, safety and reliabilty of a larger vehicle. Look no further this is it! I own a Lexus LS 400 and I think the power, luxury and feel of this vehicle rides like a 40K plus car but I got for 31.5K

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  Impressed - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By m stewart - April 13 - 12:40 am

  My 05 Pilot continues to put a smile on my face. I am a Honda loyalist--this is my 5th. I traded my 03 Accord EX and have no regrets. While my Accord always seemed overly soft and loose in the curves, my Pilot rides and drives like an absolute dream. I love the handling and the ride continues to amaze me--very supple for an SUV and is light years ahead of the competition. Passengers are constantly commenting on the quietness and the smooth ride. If you are considering a midsize SUV, do yourself a favor and check out the Pilot.

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  What a great surprise. - 2009 Honda Accord
  By ggin - April 12 - 8:26 pm

  Im a very satisfied customer. I had driven several other competitors and hands down, Honda Accord won out. I love the overall performance and comfort. There is also a lot of leg room for both front and back passengers. Plenty of storage space in the trunk. The overall performance on the highway is super smooth and fast. Lots of fun to drive.