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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  09 honda fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By bert - April 4 - 12:46 pm

  Ive owned the 2009 Fit for just one week, but I have some valuable feed- back so far. Surprisingly, I have averaged between 34-35 mpg on my first tank of gas, significantly better than I expected. I read earlier customer reviews that complained about the 2008 fits inadequate Air Conditioning. I understand their concerns but I think I have found the reason for their complaints. The front seat passengers are exposed to quite a bit of sunlight with the position of the windshield and the tall side windows. The AC is fine, but when you are exposed to direct sunlight, you will feel hot. Window tint is essential to remedy this concern.

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  Great Car and excellent value. - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Hideki Hara - April 4 - 10:17 am

  Shop around from different dealers. I only found Anderson Honda in Palo Alto who offered a price under sticker. George was the best sales person there and there was no pressure to purchase anything additional. I knew the price of the car prior to stepping in to the dealer showroom. Most other dealers charged sticker claiming that this car was "hot" and was in demand and therefore no discount off sticker price. Had its oil changed on Friday and service noted missing coolent cap on resevoir. Odd thing to be missing from a new car?

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  Best of four Hondas Ive owned - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda guy - April 4 - 10:00 am

  As a Honda salesman and customer, I understand how people feel about markup, Annoyed. However, this is the finest vehicle I have ever owned. It drives just like my Accord, and the DVD is the coolest thing ever for the kids. My only complaint is the drawer under the passenger seat. It is cheap. Dont look at it as paying too much markup. Think of your next best option, and the Odyssey will seem an incredible value. I am sorry your dealer hasnt been satisfactory.

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  02 Odyssey LX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By jlaves - April 4 - 10:00 am

  The van has been a pleasant surprise from day one. One rarely buys a van for the pleasure of driving, but for the ability to haul things and people. This van delivers on the requirements, and it also delivers a lot of fun to drive. I recently drove form NH to FL with seven people, and the car made the long trip easy. It is very quiet, seats everyone on comfort, and delivered 25 mpg when driven 70 to 80 mph on the highway. On the way back, I got 27 mpg with a stiff wind from behind...

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  Great car! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Jeff & Tanya - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Traded up from our troublesome 2000 Tahoe LS. Excellent in every respect.

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  Cavernous - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pcchr - April 4 - 10:00 am

  It has a very solid, if not heavy feel. It handles well for an SUV. A quiet, comfortable ride. The radio can be loud without being annoying. The fit and finish is perfect. A huge center console wont have you and your significant other jockeying for elbow space. The front seating is cavernous. More front space than the much larger Sequoia and maybe even the Tahoe. The car feels slightly underpowered, surprising at 240 HP. You can floor it for more power of course, but the transmission will not-so-seamlessly downshift and the engine will quietly yell at you. I just filled my first tank since the purchase and if I did the math correctly, I got 14.9 MPG city

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  Rally/Sport yet economical hatchback - 2002 Honda Civic
  By Richa - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Want a car thats fun to drive, but need a functional back seat? Youve found it! The new iVtec teamed with the close ratio 5 speed gearbox and the short throw shifter make an awsome combination. The tight European tuned suspension make the car highly responsive and agressive in the turns. Yet, besides myself, I can put 3 Lacrosse players and gear in this thing. The SI handles as well as the RSX Type S. If you must have the 200hp w/6 speed, buy the RSX, or keep the 3K or so and get the SI and get the added economy, Im getting around 29 mpg and Im certainly not light on the gas pedal.

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  1st time owner - 2002 Honda Accord
  By jenwill - April 4 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely love it! I couldnt have chosen a better vehichle

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  The best car ever! - 1992 Honda Prelude
  By TommyJoBomb - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my car.

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  2 1/2 Years and Counting! - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By SherylD - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This was the first new car I ever bought and I could not be more pleased! I got caught in a heavy snowstorm in Tulsa Christmas of 2000 and the way the CR-V handled was better than the 4X4 truck I had been driving. I watched Jeeps, Explorers, etc. slide everywhere but my Honda never missed a beat. Additionally, other than general maintenance, no work has been necessary. If and when my CR-V ever wears out, I will replace it with another. Im curious to se if they are really planning to produce a hybrid CR- V.