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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  Nice Car - 1993 Honda Prelude
  By stevo_043 - May 23 - 2:00 am

  My Honda Prelude is really great. Acceleration is excellent. I have an automatic, but wish it was a stick. The A/C is really good it gets cold quick. I love this car.

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  Fab Car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By Blackdragon - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this in January and love it to death. Amazing control and performance - looks fantastic too. Has been driven daily and still gives me a smile each time I hit vtec

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  After 2.5 years driving - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Jiechi - May 23 - 2:00 am

  Its a good van and serves family needs well. Some minor problems here. Auto sliding doors were stuck several times but all worked later magically. Gas mieage is very low (17/21). Fuel capacity seems at 15-16 gl but not the 20 gl spec. Anyone has this problem? Seats are too soft. Rest arms are not much useful (too small & low). Persistent nozzle spray type noise coming from engine compartment @ 50mph cruise is annoying. Service rep says its not gear grinding but injection related with every 01 model year. Surprised! Other than these, its a perfect van.

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  The title should go here - 1995 Honda Civic
  By froggy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Well... its been a few years since I bought my Civic. It has never left me stranded and if I didnt drive like a maniac woman, then it would probably be in better condition! What can I say its a Honda, its not going to die, unless you beat it to death, and even then it still wont die. I too have noticed the rough tranny shift in the autos. Thinking about swapping out the engine and transmission soon because I need more power! Not sure, might just buy a new car.

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  great car, but Im selling mine! - 1992 Honda Accord
  By rebaaron - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since 97 and its coming up on 174K miles. The first 130K were great and then repairs started happening (as I would expect) - and theyre expensive! The car developed 4 major oil leaks, the brakes needed replacing which is expensive on these (4-wheel disks and press-on rotors), and last week I had a suspension spring break which evidently is common. This is my second Accord (86 which lasted 190K) and its a great car - but time to move on!

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  2 car seats and an adult in the 2nd row! - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Joe - May 22 - 12:56 am

  With a growing family we were in the market for a large crossover. Viewed all the typical competitors and the Honda was honestly last on our list. The deciding factor? We had one requirement that eliminated all of the other crossovers. We wanted to fit a rear facing infant seat, another car seat and an adult in the second row. The Honda was the only car that did it safely and comfortable. We are amazed that so few cars can do that other than the GMC Yukon which is much too large for city driving. So far the ride is fine. Fit and finish leave much to be desired. Already have one panel that doesnt fit right but I hope Honda can fix it.

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  Zippy and guilt-free! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By zippy and guilt-free - May 21 - 10:30 pm

  Each time I drive away in my Fit, I feel I as though Im privy to a best-kept secret. Who could want anything more than this lil car offers? It has great pick-up on flat terrain, and the most standard features in its price range, not to mention the infamous Honda reliability. It holds a vast amount of cargo, and the mileage is far superior to any SUV. Who needs to spend $10k more-for what? You can drive away with no guilt, given that kind of savings, and youre making a better choice for the environment to boot. This car is responsive, fun to drive, and feels solid. Call me Zippy and guilt-free!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By UK - May 21 - 10:10 pm

  Bought it after testdriving several competitors, camry, nissan. So far enjoying it completely. Nice acceleration, comfort, fun to drive. My first Accord, but not the first Honda. Looks good inside and out, comfy leather,clean lines.Comes with everything included, which is nice.Even my teenage son is impressed!

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  "Fits" My Needs!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Darius - May 21 - 8:23 pm

  Truly a " Gas Saver" , i was amazed how roomy the inside of this car, low maintenance, really helps my 4 days to commute from home to work. "Nice and Neat Honda car"

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  Anniversary Ridge - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Yeah its Me - May 21 - 1:50 pm

  We bought our Ridgeline , because first it is a Honda, secondly it has features that other truck manufacturers havent thought of or didnt care to engineer the equipment to function correctly. I dont usually purchase a first year model vehicle, but I have to GIVE EXCEPTION to Honda, they have shown, in the past, the desire to try to make a vehicle that seems to last forever. Every vehicle has a certain amount of upkeep, Honda is no exception, but if you service your Honda regulary, I believe, you will in return receive years of worry free driving.