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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  Still lovin it! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Josh - May 14 - 3:32 pm

  I bought this car two summers ago and it has been a great car! I was used to driving my 3000GT but I needed something more reliable and fuel efficient. After 2 months of research, I decided to go with the Honda Fit over the Toyota Yaris and Dodge Caliber and have been happy ever since! This car has great performance, and GREAT gas mileage on the highway(usually between 34-38 going 75). The gas mileage in town has been a bit of a disappointment however, I usually only get in the low 20s. This car has worked extremely well going through the snow in North Dakota winters. I was a bit skeptical that I would like this car when I bought it, but I am so happy I decided on the Honda Fit.

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  Honda gives us a gem - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Alex - May 14 - 11:43 am

  My initial attitude toward this car was less than enthusiastic, its EPA estimates are 10 mpg less than the Prius and only 10 more than the Fit. However, after driving the Insight a couple of thousand miles and averaging 49.7 mpg, it is apparent that the EPA estimates on the insight are much too conservative. I can easily get 60+ mpg around town if I pay close attention to the innovative fuel economy indicators on the Insights dash. Its more fun to drive than the Prius, gets much better mileage than the EPA estimates, and is around $6,000 less expensive. Undoubtedly, this is the best value new car that can be bought.

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  2009 CR-V EX-L w/nav - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By mwg - May 14 - 11:39 am

  This is not the first CR-V that I have owned. I find it very comfortable to drive. Handles well and has more than enough power. I like the interior styling but find that it is somewhat cheaply made and marks up fairly easily. Gas mileage is fairly consistent around 20-22 mpg city and 23-25 highway. Nice fun to drive vehicle. I would not recommend the navigation system. Routing is not very good and updates are very expensive (get a Garmin or Magellan instead).

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  Original Owner - 1st car & best car ever - 1992 Honda Accord
  By Sunshine - May 14 - 10:00 am

  My 92 Honda Accord is the most dependable vehicle I know. I still own my first and only vehicle. The engine still runs great! Change the oil every 3K/3 months. Stay up on routine maintenance. Change timing belt/water pump at 90K. Keep an eye on CV boots to avoid CV joint replacement. I have 240K miles on my car. Back in 1997, I drove it back and forth from Maryland to Florida numerous times. Ive place high octane gas in my vehicle. My certified Honda mechanic tells me my car runs great, because I took care of it. Rust is an issue in these models, especially on the rear quarter panels. Take care of chipped paint ASAP. Wash & wax car to protect coat. My interior still looks great. No tears.

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  Upgrade after failed engine - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By fg - May 14 - 5:30 am

  Upgraded to 2010 model after engine suddenly failed on 2007 with only 75K miles on it. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed but bought another one because I got dealer to pay off old loan. I am keeping my fingers crossed, hoping we dont have engine problems this time around. Although the dealer worked with me in the end, I had to really fight to get them to pay off my loan with the trade- in. It was especially difficult dealing with the salesperson who sold me the 2007 van. I had to negotiate with the sales manager instead because of the salespersons unwillingness to pay off my loan and give me a good price on a new van. It was very disappointing since the 2010 is my 3rd Honda.

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  Bad decisions - 2010 Honda Fit
  By csedd - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  I bought this car just 1 week ago and am instantly regretting it. It is the loudest car I have ever owned. It gives me headaches with the constant drone of the engine and road noise. I have owned a VW diesel in the past, so this is saying something. It is fun to drive and practical, but the seats are uncomfortable, the materials inside are cheap. DO yourself a favor and pass on this car. I will be selling mine this week.

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  Trying to get one more. - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Sakar - May 13 - 3:28 pm

  Bought in 1999 with 65K miles. The odometer stopped on 259K, Tried to fix it so I can drive up to 300K. Engine is still running good, but the rust killing it, Patched it, passed the inspection. The clutch is original and no sign to give up. Starter has been replace 3 times and Exhaust 5 times, radiator 2 times and timing belt 2 times. Many many times the calipers and one time the rotors. Now you figure out the durability and performance of this car. People are ready to by it for 500. Wanna ride a car for long, you need to know little work too otherwise it may not be worth of keeping over 15 years. Feel sorry not able to put 300K miles and take a pictures, because it stopped.

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  Bought several months ago - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Diane - May 13 - 2:42 pm

  with 2000 miles on it. Have driven for 4000 miles. Very bumpy plastic interior easy to scratch good room in the back. Big complaint is that the floor on the drivers side is cheap plastic and the rug keeps running up into the gas pedal! Put down heavier mat but doesnt help. Feel I need to merge into freeway traffic very carefully because of lack of power. OK gas mileage but the reader lies for sure. Our Matrix does as well or better and its a larger car with a better engine. Thinking about trading it in--big disappointment.

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  Very reliable - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Connie - May 13 - 12:28 pm

  Bought this car new in 04, have never had a problem, now has 125,000 miles and have only replaced battery and rotors. Great car!

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  500,000 and still kicking - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Robin - May 13 - 10:49 am

  I purchased this vehicle as a second vehicle from a previous owner in December 2009 with 506,000 original miles. So far the only thing that I had to do was give it a tune up, charge a/c, and a set of tires. This car is truly amazing with no leaks. Still running with the original engine and transmission like it was off the show room floor. Honda you did great with this model.