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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  The New CR-V Rocks! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Axe1969 - August 3 - 1:13 am

  This is the most efficient vehicle ive yet owned. Great MPG and requires only regular gas and is an SUV at that! Nice turning radius and maneuverablilty, but a little too much braking pressure is needed to stop. Pick up is adequate. Love the nitro gas tires. Wish the armrests were independently adjustible, as I recline more than most others do while driving (dont worry- not so much that Ill sleep). The armrest is stationary (so it rises to a more obtuse angle which means more awkward contact with the steering wheel, despite wheel telescoping and tilting). Love the car so far and my only wish other than the above is that the driver seat be multi-powered, the EX-L be powered.

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  great car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nick - August 3 - 12:40 am

  this car is a great buy. definitely recommend this car for anyone looking for performance and drivability. by far one of the most fun cars i have ever driven

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  Awesome ride EX-L V6 5AT - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Fz6biker - August 2 - 11:03 pm

  This Car is a Pleasure to drive from day 1. I have the diamond white pearl which is awesome with the tan interior. I just love the VCM makes the car give great mileage. Its the roomiest Accord I have ever had. Its the most comfortable Accord I have had. I have only one complaint that is the Road noise that I get from this and all the accords I have owned since 1997.

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  thinks its a sports car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By stephen987 - August 2 - 8:50 pm

  So far I love my Fit. It has much better throttle response and better handling than the 1999 Civic it replaced in our household. In fact, it reminds me of how much fun Hondas used to be, before they went too mainstream. It has a very useful interior, with a lot more space than you might think. The view out the front is terrific, if a little unusual. It looks like a minivan, but it drives more like a sports car, or at least a "hot hatch." Only two gripes: the ride is a bit bouncier than the Civic over rough pavement and expansion strips, and the glove box door doesnt fit quite right.

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  BIG little car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Alexander - August 2 - 8:36 pm

  This is a GREAT small car for the money. Have wanted a FIT for quite some time. Last year we needed to replace an aging minivan. Did a lot of research and fell in love with the FIT. However, it was just a tad too small for our needs as we needed the capability of transporting 6-7 in a pinch. Went with the Kia Rondo but dealer just did not want to give us fair value in trade in for the van so we decided to keep it. Well, it all worked out for the best since now we traded it in under the cash for clunkers program toward a new FIT. This car just impressed me from day 1. I love driving it. GREAT mpg, averaging 41.5 right now but I am admittedly babying it to see how much I can get.

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  LOVE MY CRV-GETTING ANOTHER - 1998 Honda CR-V
  By Amy L - August 2 - 6:54 pm

  I bought this vehicle bcuz I had a 2 door Civic and I wanted something a little bigger since I was having a baby. This car has NEVER let me down. I think the interior quality is awesome-I havent been the cleanest person in my car (have horses and dogs) and all I have to do is vacuum it and it looks great. Shampoo it once in a great while and looks brand new. Never had any mechanical issues w/exception of drive shaft and motor for window needed to be replaced. And it is a lil rusty cuz I live in snowy central NY. Other than normal wear and tear, it has worked out great for me. Excellent in snow!!! Love this vehicle and will be sad to see it go when I get a new one: (

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  My 06 Accord - 2006 Honda Accord
  By johnphiggins - August 2 - 4:03 pm

  Great car! Expected higher actual mileage. Creaking noise from right rear seat is annoying. Drivers seat belt does not retract sufficiently to clear door.

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  STILL Love It. - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By JonnyB, - August 2 - 2:44 am

  I bought this truck, new, well over a year ago, and Ive never regretted it once. In fact, quite the contrary. If you have a family, a house, or do any light duty stuff (for ex. trips to the dump), this is a GREAT vehicle. I live in New England and its solid in the snow as well. I also take long trips (500+ miles) with my family of 4. The Ridgeline is all about comfort and stows a TON of gear. The trunk in the bed cant be beat (even "big truck" guys agree). My wife likes driving it, which is something a few guys have asked me (hey, it stinks, but once in a while I have to give up my truck) the visibility and comfort are great for me at 61" and my wife at 52". Awesome all-around vehicle.

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  Best mpg Ive ever seen - 2007 Honda Fit
  By solarpete - August 1 - 11:17 pm

  I get 40 mpg on the hi-way! If it is cooler in the season and the a/c doesnt need to be on that little car is great. It will drop down to about 37 mpg hi-way with the a/c turned on. Im planning on driving it up to NE Georiga next month, so the truth will be known on the mpg then, but Its great to fill it up on a meer 10.00 while others are laying out 20-50 dollar per fill up

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By Lucky - August 1 - 10:37 pm

  Ive had it a month now and love it. Dont notice road noise others have mentioned. I have the AWD with the Bridgestone tires. Been getting 21-22 mpg combined driving and around 28 mpg on all highway. Im 6ft.2in. and have plenty of room. There is plenty of power for me. Its a very nice ride on the highway.