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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  2008 CRV LX AWD - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By Bob - March 11 - 3:00 pm

  Great car. Comfortable and fun to drive. 28.4 mpg on a recent 1200 mile trip.22 mpg in mixed driving. Really no complaints except should have bought the EX for heated outside mirrors and outside temperature gauge.

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  This vehicle was made for ME! - 2003 Honda Element
  By k3for - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Two kids, love for the beach, water and outdoors - two dogs with same. Canoe or kayak on top, four bikes on the Thule rack in the 1 1/4" hitch on back, camping gear in the $40 Pep Boys softpack, not a stitch of carpeting to get fouled or mildewed, AWD traction with a good 7" of clearance - great ventilation with the sunroof and pivot windows.

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  Good Commuter - 2001 Honda Civic
  By markr - March 11 - 10:00 am

  We bought our civic 2.5 years ago hoping for a fuel saver. It does pretty well in the gas mileage department although I must admit it seems the gas mileage has declined significantly over the past year or so. Im 61" and it is a tight squeaze, the sunroof is to blame for that. But the back seat in this little two seater is surprisingly roomy. Driver seat is not comfortable at all. It was made for a 20 minute commute at minimal comfort

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  Best Value! - 2003 Honda Accord
  By Deema - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy wih this car

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  Thanks Honda - 2004 Honda Accord
  By odarabla - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has to be the best midsized car I ever drove. Good performance combined with good styling and handling makes this car a dream of driveing.

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  Cant Take This Car Down - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By The Tank - March 10 - 10:09 pm

  I purchased this car used/certified with about 10k on. I have driven it from state to state and just love the way it drives. We have dubbed it the "TANK" because we were rear ended twice while sitting at a stand still and virtually no damage to the Honda. The cars that hit us on both occasions folded up like a slinky. Will drive this car until it falls apart. I LOVE IT.

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  First 1200 miles in my new Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By larryteck - March 10 - 7:40 pm

  I am loving this car so far. Averaging 37MPG on my daily 50 mile RT commute and over 39MPG on 250 mile road trip. I have grown to really like the paddle shifters in manual mode, and this from a "die-hard" manual shifter. For a sub- compact there is tons of room and think the rear seat flexibility is very well designed and functional. I find the highway ride a bit harsh and noisy, especially over expansion joints. But overall, this rates as one of the top 3 cars I have owned and I have owned nearly forty cars!

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  Good Buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By nukeford - March 10 - 4:44 pm

  I purchased my Honda to cut my fuel costs. I had driven pickups for 20 years but the gas savings practically made the car payment. Being 61 I was impressed with the way I felt after my regular four hour drive. The car never had any problems except for a coupe of minor recalls. The downside of this car is its weight. You have to really hold on in heavy rain or snow. There have been numerous occasions when the snow buildup in the wheel wells caused some massive front end vibration.If you live in a warm climate this is the best car to get for fuel economy and comfort. If you are a DYI person you will more than likely have to get your trans fluid from the Honda dealer.

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  Great Car - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By HA - March 10 - 12:38 pm

  I needed a new car in a reasonable price range. The CR-V is perfect for my needs. Great highway mileage plenty of space and standard features have everything I need. It is somewhat bumpy at times on rough pavement, but it is dependable and I love the style of the exterior and interior. Also, the safety ratings are great. I live in Ohio and the weather is not great and it has handled very well in the rain and snow. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a compact SUV or a new car period.

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  Excellent car - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By magnum - March 10 - 11:40 am

  We are very happy with the Crosstour. The ride is similar to our Cadillac STS. Very spacious and good power. Gas mileage average is 22 mpg so far. Fit and finish is excellent. A near luxury car.