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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  New civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By g8r - November 30 - 10:00 am

  excellent car good value for the money very reliable fun to drive

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Davidj - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. The interior design/ leather/GSP system is the same as the LT for 10,000 less. The car is great.

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  2010 Pilot - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Matt - November 30 - 12:00 am

  Just bought my first Honda, the Pilot is surprisingly larger inside then it appears from the outside. Almost bought GMC Acadia preferred outside looks more on Acadia but was concerned about resale value. Very impressed with design of interior. Blue accent light, lights up front at night. The rear DVD and heating/cooling controls from both dashboard and rear controls. DVD also has a detachable remote.

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  So far so good. - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Selles - November 29 - 2:00 pm

  I did too much research and this was the best choice for my budget. This car has a very high reliability rating. I wanted something that could handle pot holes a little better than a compact sedan and this does that. Its not as good at handling potholes as an SUV but it handles a lot better on the highway than an SUV. You could comfortably travel across the country with four adults and a ton of luggage. The car is very quiet on the highway. Im sure the V6 is even more quite but this 4 cylinder engine sips gas and has no problem accelerating to get on the expressway.

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  Bang for Buck! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By monty - November 29 - 12:46 pm

  I dont get where some reviewers feel this car can get pricey. This car has excellent quality, is fun to drive, and is super practical, without ever feeling like an entry level car (unlike a Yaris or Versa). I traded in a 2006 MINI for my Fit Sport, accepting a loss in the "fun to drive factor" Was I wrong! The car is a hoot to drive. Its composed, sporty, but doesnt tire you out. No, its not a MINI, but its more practical, cheaper, and surprisingly, gets a lot of looks by people on the street. Given the poor service history I received with my MINI compared to the reputation of Honda service, I look forward to a long relationship with this "Big" little car!

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  2008 Honda CRV - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By BDVANJ - November 29 - 4:33 am

  The decision was between a Highlander or a CRV. The CRV won. Very pleased with this car. Wife loves the entire package - her "favorite" car. Overall mpg from dashboard indicator is 22.3. But, if you divide the miles by gallons put in the tank, its about 1 mpg less. Still not bad for a small SUV. Dual climate control is not very dual - there is only one temperature sensor. I had to add an aftermarket Homelink rearview mirror with compass and autodimming - should be included in EX- L.

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  I dont get good mileage - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Andy - November 28 - 4:20 am

  Everything about this car has been very good except the gas mileage. I consistently get 36 mpg. I drive on the highway about 45 miles each way to work. Needless to say, mileage is important to me and I dont get anything near the sticker.

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  Drivers Seat very uncomfortable - 2009 Honda Accord
  By soreback - November 27 - 6:06 pm

  The drivers seat is very uncomfortable, and I didnt really notice this discomfort until after a 30 minute drive. The seat cushion on the bench part of the seat (the part of the seat the fanny sits on) is way too firm. And the front of the bench part of the seat does not tilt down enough to avoid excessive pressure on the underside of the thighs. I will have to have a wedge shaped custom cushion fabricated to solve this problem. I have sat in a 1999 Honda Accord, Nissan Altimas, Toyota Camrys and Mazda 626s, and they all have much more angle adjustment on the bottom seat cushion than the 2008 Accord. Honda needs to go back to the drawing board on their front seat design for the Accord!!!

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  I love my Fit!!! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By nwlove - November 27 - 9:16 am

  I recently bought a Honda Fit! My main goal was to get better fuel efficiency for my two hour a day commute. The Fit has really paid off! I averaged 34 miles to the gallon on my first tank, which will only get better as the engine breaks in:) I have two children and we arent having any problems finding room for everyone and their stuff! The Fit rides smooth, looks great, and is all around fun to drive! The AUX jack that comes standard on the Sport model was also a plus! Honda really thought this vehicle out before releasing it, its got it all!

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  Incredible Smiles per gallon - 2008 Honda Civic
  By xinuguru - November 27 - 6:30 am

  After two years of driving, I compare the Si with few small sports cars. The retail price was tuff but it was cheap club membership. I have driven and ridden wheeled rockets from Kawa H1 to a 500Hp Chevelle 396 and this is the best combination of control and power that I have ever had. Highway driving is so smooth and artificial limits are an issue. The key to satisfaction is keeping the RPM at 4k with the fantastic 6 spd tranny. I regularly get at worst 26MPG and at best 32mpg at 80+ mph. 350 watts of music drowns out the background road noise. The pavement surface has a lot to do with ambient noise level.