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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  We just love it. - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By fr488 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I like the way this vehicle handles.The ride has been excellent. The room inside excellent.With the rear seat down it has more room than any of the five SUV we had in the past.

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  Great car - 2002 Honda Accord
  By hotgeorgiaguy - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned a 2001 Honda Accord LX- 4 door with 4 cylinder. I am very pleased with my purchase of 2002 Accord EX-6 cylinder with Leather. Purchased the car for less than invoice. 21500.00.

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  CIVIC 4DR Special Edition - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Mark - February 26 - 1:43 am

  Large trunk for a car of its size. great little all round car. Wonderfull on gas without using the A/C. Special Edition sound system sounds great 6 cd changer built in nice touch easy to use controls for heat a/c etc. Everything in east reach of driver.

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  Awesome PILOT - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By Arn - February 25 - 8:26 pm

  I had this Pilot for almost 2 months now and have put in about 3,500 miles including California trip for Christmas. Kids love the Rear Seat Entertainment, iPod connection and awesome sound system. It is very nimble and fun to drive and better gas mileage than my 2004 Toyota Sequoia. I got the "show vehicle" so it came loaded with accessories including running boards, front & back aluminum cover and the front grille is upgraded & shiny. Since my Pilot is loaded, it is a "looker". The grille actually looked more like an HDMI than a USB port as observed by others. So, there you go, a High Definition SUV.

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  I love my 09 Fit Sport! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By zackster - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased this car one week ago on Dec 20, 2008. I am very happy with the 09 Fit Sport. I had the 07 Fit Sport but it was totaled by the insurance company. I enjoyed the 07 but on a longer drive the 09 feels smoother to me and to be very honest, it is a much more pleasant drive! I love driving around in my new car because I love the way it handles. I would give higher marks in performance but pulling away at red light and uphill is hard. Going uphill on an interstate is hard... your MPG get really low it is a bit slow to do. Fuel economy is ok, for me as advertised thus far. Interior needs a center console so took points off for interior.

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  Surprised I bought it!! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By richardcpa - February 25 - 9:00 am

  I had tried to make deals on infiniti g37, infiniti ex-35 VW CC, Audi A-4, but dealers were not willing to negotiate realistically. So, I gave up my 2005 g35 at lease end last January and shared a car with my wife. Test drove the insight in April and it felt good and I did not have to spend upwards of $33,000. The insight is excellent in local driving and I am averaging about 42 mpg after one month of ownership. It is peppy enough for local driving, but make no mistake, this car does not have enough pick up between 45-70 mph if you are on the highway frequently. The seats are very firm and the controls and driving positions are good. Auto shut off can be a problem when it is very hot outside.

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  Hybrid since 2002 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By spock67 - February 24 - 3:06 pm

  I have driven Honda Hybrids since 2002 - never had a service call or a problem - amazing comfort, mileage, and it looks like a regular car -- get comments all the time from people in parking lots. Love this car (and the 2002 I still have)

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  I love my car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By ellen downing - February 24 - 11:43 am

  Had the 2006 crv traded it in for the 2007 i love my car it handles awesomely and it looks great dont want to stop driving it

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  Little Green Box - 2004 Honda Element
  By Green Box Driver - February 24 - 10:00 am

  OK folks. Try parking this box next to the Civic and holy moly! The Element is a pleasure to drive. Those who love it will love it and those who dont well... I just want to get in my little green box and go go go. Oh everyone, factory floor mats are for sale.

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  The Ride of the Future - 2004 Honda Element
  By loyd - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Honda has outdone itself by putting everything a consumer could possibly want within arms reach in the Honda Element EX. Styling and sophistication create a fun to drive vehicle with plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it. One merely needs to ride inside to realize this isnt a "box on wheels". Smart car. Smart money. Lots of fun.