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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  A fun good loking ride - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Mike - August 3 - 12:03 am

  My choices were CR-V 4wd or Forester awd. Some difference in features, rides about the same, but the styling on the CR-V is more forward looking versus Forester simple lines. Price difference was the hook. CR-V about 1500 less then the Forester locally. Just 125 miles driven and if the repair history is any indication of the quality. Ill have care free driving.

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  Good on gas bad on ride - 2007 Honda Civic
  By ex-civic owner - August 2 - 9:12 pm

  I loved the mileage I got out of a tank of gas. The tires wear quickly, the ride gets shaky and there is vibration at highway speeds. The Road noise is horrific, but radio was good enough to drown out that noise. The car looked great but rode horrible. The tires wore poorly even on a brand new car. The rear arms replaced at 1 year, the car was cool looking and fun to drive in town, on the highway this was a nightmare.

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  2010 CR-V EX-L - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By kencom - August 2 - 6:37 pm

  Purchased a CR-V due to reading the high ratings of this vehicle and liked its looks. Very disappointed with the road noise, and the door misalignment. I was willing to trade in the vehicle at a loss for one without trim and door misalignment. Every car the dealer located had similar issues. The dealership scheduled me an appointment with a Honda customer service rep who stated that this door misalignment was "within tolerance". I took it to a body shop and they said that to correct it the front fender would need to be removed, and the door may not seal correctly. I traded it in with 900 miles on it for a loss.

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  Love my CR-V - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Jan - August 2 - 4:30 pm

  This is the best car Ive every owned. My only complaint is that I like the style of the 2001 and that is not the style they are making now. I live in Alaska and drive in all sorts of weather. I will buy another one when this one wears out.

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  Best Compromise Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By sts_pa - August 2 - 3:31 pm

  The Civic Si Sedan is probably the best combination of sport and practicality available. It combines a race-worthy 2.0L with the best shifter/clutch Ive ever used. This car feels more upscale than my 2003 RSX-S was and performs at least as well. I get 27-33 mpg depending on city/hwy mix and am almost always speeding. Nice interior layout and materials.

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  Still going strong - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Paul Vdp - August 2 - 2:08 pm

  Bought this CRV used in 2001 and have been driving it ever since. Great reliable vehicle. Doesnt get any better. Some what under powered but that is really the only major thing I would want changed. Would like to get something else to drive as after 9 years, Im getting bored of it .. but it just wont die and it not worth trading, so Ill just drive it till she quits or my 16 year old smashes it. AWD is great in the snow and have had no major problems. Great job Honda, put in a small six cylinder so I can pull a camping trailer and I will buy another one tomorrow.

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  I <3 my Fit - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Lit Teacher - August 2 - 1:33 pm

  For the price of this car, you cant find a better deal. We looked at Mazda 3 and Toyota Yaris when shopping, and the Honda Fit offered more for less, including the priceless reputation of reliability associated with Hondas. I was looking for an economical 4-door hatchback with plenty of room for me and my 3-yr-old, and the Fit fits the bill! Tons of interior space and between 28 and 35 mpg for me so far (no road trips yet). Also, I found the driver seat/positioning to be quite comfortable after simply adjusting the telescopic/tilt steering wheel - this coming from a female with chronic lower back pain.

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  Good value but a few faults - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Steve - August 2 - 10:59 am

  This Honda Accord showed that the Honda line came a long way. The standard features in the car are what you would expect from a luxury car. This vehicle takes the bumps well and has tight handling. Pick-up is adequate. The seats are supportive and comfortable and leg room is not an issue. Trunk room is decent, and the stereo system is A+ considering its standard. The heated seats are also a plus. The biggest negative about the car is its weight. Its way to light and you can easily feel the smallest breeze when driving above 65 MPH.

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  So far so good - 2010 Honda Insight
  By WJS - August 2 - 8:16 am

  Consistent 40 mpg in the city. Leaving the econ button on helps dramatically with mileage. A/C is cold cold cold. When you put the back seats down there is a lot of room. Only real issue is that its not very torquey, imagine that, and its somewhat sensitive to road contour. Handles well otherwise though. Brakes are great.

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  Love My Ody! - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By shadowfax5113 - August 2 - 7:46 am

  We bought our 2000 Odyssey in 2004 with 93,000 miles. We just replaced the original transmission with a nicely rebuilt one. I love this van! Drives nicely, looks great, gets good mileage (avg. 21 mpg) for a van. For the wear and tear we have put on it, 3 kids, 6 dogs, numerous road trips, it has performed admirably.