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 Delightful Little Bug Smasher - 2010 Honda Fit
  By steveb - May 29 - 7:28 am

  This car replaces my 99 Civic, which came off 6th best in a 6-car collision back in January. Overall I am quite pleased with my purchase. The Fit delivers about 40 mpg on my daily 70 mile commute (even better on road trips), offers punchy acceleration when necessary, and has a much better road feel than my old Civic. It has a teensy turning circle and is easy to park. As many others have noted,the cargo capacity of this diminutive vehicle borders on an optical illusion.

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  Great two person car - 2003 Honda Insight
  By catmwarrior - May 29 - 1:10 am

  I am the original owner of the 2003 Insight I have. Easy to maintain. I have the four speaker, six disk change, and tape player for a radio. Sounds really good. The car does have a lot of road noise, but dependable, great on gas, and easy to use. I am 6-2" and I have plenty of room in it for me. I drove mine from Mojave California to Pennsylvania on only four tanks of gas. I only drove it at 55 MPH the whole why though. I usually spend less than $600 dollars on gas for the whole year!

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  Fun-Factor - 2003 Honda S2000
  By rich - May 28 - 11:58 pm

  This car is an absolute pleasure to drive everyday. The handling is razor- sharp and predictable. The engine is great, not a lot of torque but the gearing is great so its not as noticeable. I personally think it is a very comfortable ride. Ive driven tuned s13s and supras and this car is every bit as fun. If youre looking for balance this is the car to own. Almost perfect from the factory, and the car is absolutely beautiful.

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  Impressed - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Kelley Hannah - May 28 - 7:18 pm

  This is my husbands car and I used it to travel about 2000 miles recently. What a fun car. The seat and leg room were much more comfortable than I thought they would be. Turns corners tightly and goes like the wind. I love the fact that the door swings open really wide. Great car and a vast improvement in interior room than the older models. Had plenty of storage space and people had good leg room in the second row. Would certainly recommend this car.

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  Tire Wear, Water Pump Bolts 2X, Brakes - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cathy - May 28 - 1:20 pm

  Have enjoyed driving car. Work done on car includes: towed twice to dealership for defective water pump bolt working into belts. Excessive tire wear. Replaced rear brakes. Droopy sun visors-what a pain-even though replaced once. Other than that regular oil change and tire rotation is all had to do. Get approximately 38 mpg in winter, 30 in summertime in Texas.

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  Emergency Brake - 2010 Honda Civic
  By Dan - May 28 - 12:56 pm

  This is a wonderful car with one major exception. The Emergency brake placement and design in this car runs into my leg. The brake hurts my leg so badly that I am doing everything I can to get into another car in year or less. Please make sure the brake does not bother you before buying this car.

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  Purpose Built Vehicle DELIVERS! - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Lyon[Nightroad] - May 27 - 9:02 pm

  What a great car. The design is sharp and sporty. Handling is superb and road feel is good. The high steering ratio increases its fun-to-drive appeal. I have driven faster cars, bigger cars, and more luxurious cars, but in the end the Honda Fit is a true purpose built vehicle that makes me want to drive to work. Road noise is typically Honda-like but the great audio system makes up for it. The negative consumer reviews thus far are absurd, It sounds like some drivers are let down that it is not a luxury- sport-utility-hybrid super vehicle. It merely takes aspects from each and puts it a great price point. No other vehicle in its class will make you compromise less.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Honda Element
  By Lacey - May 27 - 3:20 pm

  I went to Honda to buy an accord. Some how the sales dude got me to test drive the Element and from then on I was hooked. So many cars make you feel cramped, not with this car. More than enough head room (my husband is 64"), great stereo. Love the iPod hookup. Fun to drive. A little more hp would be nice but its not slow. The amount of stuff that you can fit in this thing is absolutely amazing. 900 sq ft of wood floors. Baseboards. 2 bikes. Patio table (not taken apart) the list goes on and on. Its like having a truck with the stuff I have crammed in there. Very cold a/c. Ive had it now for 2 years and besides oil changes, new tire and brakes, it has been a dream car.

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  Love this car - 2007 Honda S2000
  By j.sternberg - May 27 - 11:12 am

  What a terrific car. If you are looking for comfort this may not be the car for you, at least if you are a tall or large person. Otherwise it is one of the best.

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  6th and last Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Disgusted - May 27 - 8:40 am

  Piece of junk since day one. The brakes have squeaked. Heard all of the Honda excuses. Entire dashboard has illuminated 3x after a car wash. Warranty covered the first two times and had to pay $50 the third time. Really? For taking it through a car wash. I was told the drying system is too powerful. Im not kidding. The check engine light has gone on numerous times and the cause of the last one was due to a poor air filter. Paid $115 and drove off the lot. Re-appeared within 5 miles. Told dealer that a mechanic tested it and said it was the oxygen sensors. Dealer says no way. Honda Cus. Svc. told me today it cant be that bad because I had 60K on it. Thanks for caring. Bye