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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  Highly Reccomended - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Curly - November 9 - 12:17 pm

  In 20 yrs owned 3 GM full sized trucks then Suburban. Needed to go back to PU. Tired of American quality vehicles and associated repair bills. Finally went Honda. Ridgeline has been in shop for scheduled maint only. 55,000 miles and everything still works. Drives like a car - golf clubs fit in rear trunk. Whats not to like? Reminds me of a bulldog, ugly to look at - and I love it unconditionally.

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  One of the first Pilots built - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Bill - November 8 - 1:50 pm

  I own a 2003 honda Pilot. Its been a very good driving crossover vehicle. The front plows a little when turning. The cabin is noisy but I crank up the 155w stereo. Under 45mph it whistles and all of the window regulators have been replaced. Never buy a first year model - lessons learned. The vehicle goes great in the snow and its fun to goose it when starting out in wet conditions. This vehicle has a wide stance, not too tall, front wheel drive and would handle better in emergency manuvers where 4x4s would probably flip - very important, ask my neighbor. I bought this because I was tired of being beaten up by my previous SUVs and needed a better ride. Overall - smart vehicle.

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  Good Car Overall - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Jack - November 7 - 12:43 am

  This is our second car. We purchased it last week. Here are initial thoughts. As a second car intended for local driving, or as a city car, it is a good choice. The car handles well in turns and grips the road. The driver visibility is excellent, and the stylish interior appears to be of good quality (time will tell). We live in Pennsylvania with some steep slopes; the automatic transmission shifts gears going up hills. On occasion, the engine winds. Since it is a brand new car, Im tentative about putting too much stress on the engine. The gas mileage is very good but not exceptional. One might expect more from such a light weight car.

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  Beware of the automatic transmission - 2008 Honda Civic
  By cartmaniskool - November 4 - 9:06 pm

  I wanted to let others know that I love everything about this car except for the automatic transmission. It shifts too harshly while in D. When driving above 25-30 mph and then slowing down or braking under 20 mph, then quickly stepping on the gas, the transmission will jerk or buck forward and youll hear a very loud clunk sound. It is not a normal jerk at all, it is a very violent jerk and the transmission will clunk. Its pretty bad and Ive learned that its common in all 2008 civics with automatic transmissions. There was a problem with the civic si 3rd gear and there is a problem with the 2008 civic automatic transmission as well. Honda needs to issue a recall ASAP!

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  42.5 mpg on first commute! - 2012 Honda Civic
  By tnmansfield - November 4 - 6:35 pm

  I just traded my Infiniti G35 sedan which was a great car. Now that my commute is 112 miles each day, I needed a more economical car. The 2012 Civic EX-L has a luxury feel to it, a great ride, plenty of back seat room, and the seats are comfortable. I got a whopping 42.5 mpg according to the trip computer on my way in. I have read some negative press reviews but dont see the problem with the new conservative look. The interior is quiet, the ride is smooth, and the dash layout is really interesting. I like the new information screen.

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  Solid Small SUV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By D F - November 2 - 6:46 pm

  Nice entry level SUV. Good for small family with one child. Gets decent MPG, 27-28 on Hwy, 24-25 around town. Wish it had more room, looking to upgrade to Pilot. Passenger seat is manual, no rear A/C vents, could come with more options and colors. Stock tires were Bridgestone, they wear fast.

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  2006 Honda Accord New Owner - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Marcia - November 1 - 11:56 am

  Changing from a Durango to Honda Accord has been quite emotional & Im still grieving but gas mileage is more important. New owner for 3 weeks; handling is okay but doesnt take bumps well. Going in for service b/c have recently noticed front glass appears to have come unglued?? - squeaking noise full length of glass next to hood when you go over bumps. If you like your music, make sure it gives the power you want. For me, depending on what youre listening to, sound doesnt go up high enough.

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  I Still CRaVe my Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jesse James - November 1 - 12:56 am

  I have owned my Honda for 5 years and have appx. 97,000 miles on it. I live in/ near Los Angeles and have been everywhere there is a road and no roads in my Honda., the first weekend after I got it we went to Vegas, its been to Laughlin, San Francisco, TJ, Ensenada, Phoenix, Az., its been up and down dirt roads semi muddy ones too and every time I look at after its been just washed I fall in love all over again.

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  A little too basic. . . - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Nancy M. - October 31 - 6:13 pm

  Ive been driving my basic Honda Fit for a couple of months now, and while it is great fun to drive and thrills me when I fill it up with gas for under $25, I have gotten slightly frustrated with not having a "magic button" for the door locks. Additionally, the gray/black interior makes it very difficult to see inside at night, especially when the inside light goes off immediately when you turn off the ignition. In the high side, it has great cargo space with the back seats folded down, and the sound system is adequate. My last vehicle was a small pickup so I am really impressed with the fuel economy and the ease of handling. Wish I had bought the Sport model now.

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  Noisy Accord - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Jim - October 30 - 4:24 pm

  I had a 93 Accord and loved it. Then I bought this 2007 top of the line EXL- V6 and am not really happy with it. First, the rattling/vibrating when car is cold. Wind noise is lower than my 93 Accord but still could be improved. Then the disappointing fuel economy - 25 mpg. Then the interior. The dash board seems to have 20 pieces put together and each has a different shade of black/grey. The center console door (below the radio) broke and wont push-lock anymore.