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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  Mikes Take - 2009 Honda Civic
  By Mikes Take - March 22 - 1:53 am

  For $24.2K I wish I had waited for a Navigation system; But so far I like the sporty feel and highway handling. It zips through traffic and I drove a whole week before the 12.3 gallon tank needed filling. Getting 40+ mpg.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2001 Honda Insight
  By SemperJoe - March 21 - 9:14 pm

  This is the coolest and best car I have ever own. I have saved thousands of dollars on gas driving this - not to mention helping the environment. I highly recommend this car to anyone considering one!!!

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  Reliable - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jat - March 21 - 5:34 pm

  Bought our CRV new. Have had it now for almost 7 years, it has 117,000 miles on it and still going. It had one major repair (Carburator) last year. Other than that, no major repairs. A good record in my opinion. It has started all winter except when it was more than -20. But my spouses new car didnt start either. Right now the engine light is on and we cant really resolve that matter. Given the age and mileage on it, it is to be expected I guess. My one negative thing is the paint finish. Ours is gold and has chipped in places since early on. We were told it was not a defect. Dont believe that. Very reliable. Have always gotten to where I needed to go.

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  Fun car, big enough for the kids! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Katy Lopez - March 21 - 3:20 pm

  What a great car! Superb handling and smooth ride. Awesome styling, interior and exterior, lots of room. My two young daughers can sit comfortably in the back with enough room inbetween them for their toys. The best part is, its a fun, young car...not a boring minivan :) Definitely the best car I have owned (and Ive had 2 other Hondas).

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By nate - March 21 - 1:19 pm

  I love the Honda. Its very luxurious and has great style inside and out. Fuel Mileage isnt great but its not too bad. Cool features inside like an ipod compatible stereo.

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  The Benchmark - there is no substitute - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Keith - March 21 - 12:41 pm

  We are in our 3rd year of ownership and this vehicle has been flawless. Excellent powertrain, great handling, comfortable seats, excellent fit and finish, versatile interior and lots of storage. Great vehicle for long trips with 2 kids, the dog and luggage. There is no substitute for these vans. We rented several other minivans prior to purchase and they do not compare. Although the consumer trend is against minivans, cross-overs just do not have enough space. With the exception of the price, I cant understand why they are not selling more of these versatile haulers.

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  Honda Civ - 1998 Honda Civic
  By George - March 21 - 2:28 am

  Great car. Very reliable and easy to take car of. By far my favorite car Ive owned.

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  turned me into a hondaphile - 1995 Honda Civic
  By Beccah - March 21 - 2:16 am

  This is my fourth car and I dont think Im ever gonna buy anything but a Honda ever again. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. Until now, I never thought I could actually LOVE a car. I actually named it! Friday, because thats when I bought it and its practical and fun just like the day of the week! This is also the first manual Ive owned and out of all the manual trans cars Ive driven, this car is by far the easiest and most fun to drive even though 3rd gear grinds a bit and the power steering is out (not like it needs it!). I probably paid about $1000 too much for this car but I will save that much in gas and parts this year alone. All in all, its worth every overpaid penny. )

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  Honest 30,000 mile review - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honest Abe - March 21 - 1:30 am

  The good news, for the money, tough to beat. Lots of features, very good engines, excellent transmission, steady handling, tons of room, and still, very reliable. My mileage, is averaging about 28.5 mpg city/hwy combined. On the highway, I got as high as 32 mpg, and I drive somewhere between 75 and 80. However, like so many reviews, I too, have had a brake problem. Had to have the rotors turned at 25,000 miles, but that was it. Also road noise. Honda shouldve, not couldve, made this more quiet, but still not as terrible as described by so many others.

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  Best economy car - 1998 Honda Civic
  By ed - March 20 - 10:59 pm

  I leased this car in 1998 and bought it out in 2002. I have never had it in the shop for a major repair. I have been able to do all routine work myself and Ive found it to be an easy vehicle to work on. I have 243000 miles (391071 kms) and its still going strong. My goal is 310,000 miles (500,000) kms.