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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  like it so far - 2007 Honda Fit
  By vtfit - August 18 - 3:08 pm

  Bought a new Fit in 2007. So far weve seen an incredible savings in gas: anywhere from 32-38. Zoomy, responsive. Seats are a bit cheap and uncomfortable on long drives. We bring a pillow to sit on. Drivers legroom is not great for tall people. My husband is just 6 feet and needs the pillow to give his legs another few inches. Not many bells and whistles but thats not why we bought it. Very dependable so far. Great cargo space. We have been able to fit a TON of stuff in the back when you put the seats down. We joke that we can "fit" it in any parking space and we can "fit" anything into it. Handled well in the Vermont snow. Backseat is not super roomy but its not terrible.

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  Best Vehicle Owned - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By Hugh - August 17 - 7:29 pm

  I bought this CR-V with 41,000 miles on it, and now have 156,000 on it. Change oil at 3000 miles always with a Honda dealer. Have had 2 minor brake jobs, set of struts, 1 radiator, 1 back-up light, timing belt with belts and water pump (at same time) these were not generic. My son is a cert. mech. wiper blades 2 times,2 tune ups, 3 sets of tires. Only lasting problem is in the hot Texas summers my auto tranny does not want to shift at certain times, it kinda hangs in gear until I give it more gas. I take it in and have the tranny oil changed (3 qt.) 3 times a year, thats a lot cheaper than an AT overhaul or new tranny. Gas mileage never less than 24 to 25 tollway/city.

• 

  Love our CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Tom Grayczyk - August 17 - 6:29 pm

  Zero repairs. Good view of the road. Brakes last forever. 21 mpg city 33 mpg Hwy. Could do with less road noise. Large cargo area with seats folded down.

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  Expensive for its class, still a value - 2000 Honda Civic
  By alpha_animal - August 16 - 3:00 pm

  Excellent ride for a car this size, quite supple yet controlled. Power steering a bit overboosted. Engine doesnt have much grunt down low but gets with the program over 3000 rpm. Engine is also quite smooth and car gets excellent gas mileage. No mechanical difficulties to date, though I do hear a noise when shiftin when cold (Im going to get this checked out). Other cars in this class may be cheaper, but this one is well-executed and retains value so its still a great choice.

• 

  great minivan so far - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By ryan young - August 16 - 12:06 pm

  bought this one for $400 over invoice. this thing has more bells and whistles than one can ever realistically use. more things to appeal to people, but more things to break, i guess. this is a really beautiful minivan is there ever was one. adjustable pedals are a great help. power is adequate for most situations. handling is good for a minivan. it really does drive like a car. visibility is great. ride is relatively smooth and quiet. all seats are extremely comfortable to sit in. build quality in interior could probably be a little better (some noises on rough roads). dvd is a great occupier of the kids. lots of storage space and cupholders.

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  Honda knows what it is doing - 2013 Honda Accord
  By kalmanzar - August 16 - 4:28 am

  overall i like the car, very roomy, smooth, alot of features, decent power, good build quality and material inside. the cvt does getting use to, at first i did not like, but after 3k mi there are some situtaions that i think it is better than a traditional tranny. still prefer a traditional tranny but not by that much. And actually like the cvt much more than i thought i would. the other two faults are the sound system sub par, and the ride a liittle firm, not bad but just would like a touch softer over some bumps, but live in nyc and roads terrible here. overall i give it a 8/10. fyi drove the sport back to back 3 differnces are steering heavier, ride little bussier, and stereo even worse

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  Dont look for qas mileage - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By shoulda checked more - August 15 - 11:08 pm

  Purchased our Pilot in May of this year, while we like the ride, although the road noise is pretty bad, we feel safe in it and it is comfortable. However do not expect to come close to the EPA estimates on the window sticker, the last tank of gas was primarily in town driving, we got 10 mpg, the best we have gotten on the road was 18 mpg. We have 6000 miles on it and we are looking for something else in and SUV that will come closer to the EPA est. Our 36 foot motor home gets 8 mpg, so go figure.

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  Sad - 1998 Honda Accord
  By SAD - August 15 - 9:19 pm

  Recap to earlier review. Approx 82k and even though maintained well. Its needed alt., vtec valve and pwr door actuator. Car still looks nice except for corroding wheels. Major problem has been the trans which started shifting bad at 18k and gets worse every year. Sad sad sad. Ive notified Honda about trans and they claim theyll help me

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  Good Car except brakes skid - 2007 Honda Accord
  By ananymous - August 14 - 6:09 pm

  #1: The car doesnt seem to stop/ skids , when brakes applied over road bumps. Its a little frightening when it does that. No problem driving in the winter though (may be because I drive slowly). #2: 2007 model accord doesnt has a auxiliary port.

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  Great car, but the brakes are terrible. - 2003 Honda Accord
  By stburt - August 14 - 1:36 pm

  This is the first new car I have ever owned. It is taken care of meticulously. It has 40000 on it, the brakes have been done twice, the head unit once, and there is a rattle on the pax side. Its fast for a sedan. Louder than it should be on the highway. Its comfortable in all seats. Would I buy another one? Probably, but Ill look around.