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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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By fiddlefit - November 15 - 2:00 pm

  The Fit really meets my needs and has been more fun to drive than I expected. It handles like a sports car, has unexpected power high in the rev range (for its weight), and gets good enough gas mileage (avg 36mpg overall) to make the 10gal tank livable. The configurable interior space is amazing and has meant I can carry all kinds of gear I didnt necessarily expect to be able to travel with.

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  My new Civic Rocks - 2007 Honda Civic
  By SycoDuck - November 15 - 3:46 am

  Great fuel economy, only been thru one tank of gas, and average was 33.5 MPG. Handles well. Wish the LX had better wheels, but not at the $2000 price for the EX. My kids think it is the greatest, they like riding in it much more than in the minivan (me too). The interior is great, I love the fact that the CD player will also play MP3s and WMAs. Takes some getting used to the speedometer display, it can be too bright at times, and if adjusted not bright enough at other times, but it is very easy to adjust. I am tall, and on the first day I owned it, I hit my knee on the emergency brake handle while getting in, it took part of the paint off of the button, but no big deal.

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By 7milehi - November 14 - 8:43 pm

  Though Ive only had it a week we really enjoy this vehicle. We replaced our Volvo XC90 with the Honda Pilot due to high maintainance on the Volvo. The safety features and 5 star crash test for both front and side on the Pilot was a big selling point. In my opinion the Pilot has less wind noise, is more comfortable, has more room and much better visibility than the XC90.

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  2007 Touring model different from EX - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By scat - November 14 - 7:43 pm

  The Touring model is vastly different in ride, handling, and drivability than EX. Took home an EX-L w/dvd on Saturday and the van had a shimmy in it and front end groaned on slight bumps. The tires were noisy and the radio was the pits. Not too hot for $35K. Back to the dealership on Monday and drove the Touring - light years ahead. Was able to "upgrade" for more money and am very happy execpt for the so-so speakers. It drives as well as my S420 Mercedes. If you can afford the Touring, drive it last and youll take one home. Dont be fooled by the run flat sticker shock. $190 if you have to buy one from the dealer. Michelin will warrant them for 2 years @ no cost if + 50% tread left.

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  good but needs some work - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By kevin - November 14 - 11:44 am

  horrid entertainment system - sound quality goes up and down randomly. Occasional crackling sound can be heard in the speakers. No known fix. Brakes squeak. After refueling, smell of gasoline in the cabin for several miles before dissipating. Drafty for front passenger. Cabin control doesnt fine tune - heat is on it is hot. No ability to reduce slightly. Seat heaters are on/off also (no such thing as low/hi) Very disappointed with Honda service - unable to troubleshoot or fix any of the problems. Despite all this issues, it is still a good vehicle and fun to drive. I also own an Accord and Odyssey. Odyssey still better for family (3 kids) but Pilot has much better turn radius and has done well in snow/ice this winter. Overall, great vehicle to drive - much better than the previous SUV I had (97 Explorer). I just expected more from Honda than what I get in service.

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  Third Accord and Im Still in Love - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Knox Tenor - November 14 - 3:50 am

  Much quieter than my 93 Accord (or the previous 85, for that matter), and the ride is more refined, though not as nimble as either the 85 or 93. (Like most of its American drivers, Accords have gotten bigger and cushier over the years.;) ) I do think the I-4 is just slightly underpowered for the weight of the car. The 5-speed automatic shifts a lot more than Im used to. (Previous Accords were 5-speed manuals.) But that makes sense: heavier car + similar-size engine + more gears. Should be roughly comparable to my 93 manual 5-spd, mpg-wise. I love the tighter turning radius on my new Accord. It really gets around. Heres to another 13 years of trouble-free driving!

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  Mediocre mpg and incurable airbag warning - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Doug - November 13 - 4:39 pm

  Car is uncomfortable to get in and out of with a floating feeling with steering...loud with acceleration. Warning lights intermittently come on for the airbags.....the dealership says it is not able to be fixed and is normal....backup camera is a joke...wish I would have purchased another brand....first and last Honda...not impressed

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  Awesome Downgrade - 2009 Honda Fit
  By MOATES - November 13 - 3:03 pm

  I have been in an Acura TL-Type S for 3 years and debated downsizing to something less expensive and fuel efficient. I saw the 08 Fit and was waiting for honda to make improvements like VSA and Nav. I decided to order the 09 Fit Sport and have NEVER regretted this decision! I have researched hybrids & know that the environmental impact of the battery system is massive--so will wait for some new tech. BUT I was shocked when taking a road trip in the Fit and saw that I was getting 46 mpg going 65 mph on hilly, curvy highways!

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  New 2005 Odyssey - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Allen Sanford - November 13 - 11:30 am

  Two weeks after taking delivery in Ohio we headed south 1200 miles to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Everything about this vehicle has been superb. Its quiet operation and powerful response is amazing. It has every amenity we could imagine. The seats are plush and much more comfortable than our 2000 Odyssey. The sound system is a delight and the voice commend system is very easy to use. The ride is one of a luxury car. The handling is a joy. As senior citizens, we particularly like the attention to safety, such as the rearview camera, the parking sensors and the updated navigation system which is much more friendly than our old one. Dropping and raising the rear 40/60 seats is now a breeze.

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  Honda Mini Van - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Barbara Crane - November 13 - 11:16 am

  2 complaints...noisier ride than 3 previous Odysseys. Wind tunnel effect produced when rear windows are down unless front windows are also open