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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  It will be gone - 2008 Honda Accord
  By first & last - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my first & LAST Honda. The VCM was noticeable soon after purchase and is only getting worse. Yes, I have been to the dealer multiple times and get the standard "normal" or "not noticed" response. The car surges even when on flat roads in cruise. In heavy traffic, it is dangerous. The drivablility is worse than my old cars were 30 years ago. Both front windows rattle as does the rear shelf-- which I padded myself eventually. I guess it was designed to allow even light drizzle to collect on the roof and empty on to the door panel.

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  Dissappointed in Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By townie - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought a Fit but was so disappointed I sold it. The small 1.5 liter engine had to work really hard, downshifting even on moderate grades, to get around. The gearing on the automatic is really tight on the first three gears giving it a jerky off the line start with lots of quick shifts. The car is tall and lightweight. Going around curves at speed like a freeway on-ramp I felt a slight “roll” in the car which made me uncomfortable. The finish inside the car felt cheap. There’s no doubt this is a low end econo-box from Honda. The finish of their Civic and CR-V is much better. It would probably make a good car for a freeway commuter. I’m more of an in-town driver.

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  Need More Power - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By cwp - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Great little SUV. Pleased with the ride & handling but it needs more power. Takes awhile to pass a large truck. Road noise is too much. Needs to be quieter. Great little car to take to the beach.

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  Lacking in audio technology - 2011 Honda Ridgeline
  By matt7530 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Havent had too long but love this truck my third & first Honda. Interior well laid out and very comfortable passengers say the back is comfortable too and great ride. My complaint id that Honda is so far behind in technology features: no full control or partial Ipod adaptability just an aux port no HD radio and the radio display doesnt show song and artist and no USB port (my wifes 02 vehicle is light years ahead). Gas mileage is what it says & I dont know why people complain about mileage when they know what theyre buying? Its right on the sticker!

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  Great city and highway car - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Senthil - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We were looking for a car for my wife. Her must haves were small car, good mileage, looks good and a good price. We spent a few weeks researching the used car market and the other cars in the same category. Honda Fit Sport came out head and shoulders above the rest. It has great visibility (my wife being only 5.1 loves this), great looks, comes loaded everything we want in the Sport model and gives fantastic mileage (32 city and 36 highway). I was surprised by how well it performs on the highway. I was expecting trouble merging and was thinking its not going to be very comfortable, but I was wrong. I also got a get price ($300 below invoice) by getting a quote from Edmunds.com.

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  What we expected - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Jean - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Needed a car for the 5 mile commute to work each day. Replaced a 2001 Accord LX. Husband has 2010 Accord so wanted something different with good mileage and the ability to occasionally haul stuff. Researched the car and it what we expected. Fun to drive and gets the mileage we want. Even a couple of 4-5 hour road trips have been enjoyable.

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  Love it so far! - 2010 Honda Fit
  By repancjc - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Held off purchase to drive a Fiesta, which left me disappointed after the glowing reviews. I liked the Fit better. A piece of Fiesta trim fell off during my test drive which didnt help my uneasiness of long- term "mexico-built" reliability. Ive had good luck with Honda reliability and resale. Its a fun little car, especially with the paddle shifters. Steering is tight and precise. I do mostly in-town driving and it zips around. I love the revvy engine sounds. Carried two of those extra large Costco coolers for a BBQ. People were amazed that my "little" car brought them. Utility really sealed the deal cause I do use the back quite a bit. After 3 months not a single issue. Thumbs up FIT!

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  Still satisfied - 2008 Honda Accord
  By 08Owner - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Two and a half years into ownership and still no problems. I have not had any of the maligned brake issues. I averaged ~ 27 MPG, mostly highway. Seats could go back a little farther (Im 63") and are a little uncomfortable. V6 performance is not the best, but not bad. VCM is not noticeable. Rear seat headroom is terrific. Visibility is great. The EX-Ls stock rims are strange, but not ugly. Auto-tinting rear view mirror is great. Radio and climate controls are not as cluttered as theyre made out to be. Have noticed that windshield fluid sprayers tend to freeze in winter (Cleveland winters). The car isnt perfect (what car is?), but with no repairs to speak of how can I complain?

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  A long line of owners - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Amanda - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from my brother My brother bought it from my Mom. My mom bought it from a close friend. Because Im 20, I dont know who originally bought it, but I have fond memories of riding to my first day of my new school (between elementary and middle), Camp Fire meetings and long car trips. I hope to have many more by driving. The car now has 200,000+ miles and is running as strong as can be expected for an 18 year old car.

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  Met all my expectations - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Great Vehicle - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Odyssey new in 2001. Has served us well. No Major problems. Two recalls and two warranty items. Now have 85,000. I use it mainly to haul stuff like 4x8 sheets of plywood, framing lumber and other building materials. Also, it holds a John Deere 100 series lawn tractor. Home Depot couldnt believe it. Great on vacations for carrying all the stuff we need. Plus friends. Transmission is excellent. Need to do recall on gear lubrication and change transmission oil regularly to get longevity. Considering a 2011 now.