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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  War wagon just keeps going! - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By Eszti - April 28 - 12:17 pm

  I bought my 97 Oddy in 2000 with 27,000 miles on it. Now the odometer is at 242,000, and it just keeps going! I havent done anything but brake work! There is now a little rust around the rear wheel well, front passenger door bottom, and under the rear bumper guard. Also the steering is getting a little loose, but heck! I love this car, and would buy another in a heart beat! There are still plenty of them out there, and their price is still way up there for a really old car. Honda made a huge mistake when they "upgraded" to the new Oddy. Nowhere near as good as the old one. I understand the Honda Stream, available in Japan and maybe Europe, is very similar. Why cant we get that here?

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  Complete Wreck - 2010 Honda Fit
  By David Caines - April 28 - 10:37 am

  Hi all, For anyone considering buying a Honda FIT, I must warn you to expect zero support from Honda should anything go wrong. We were driving home from NY City sunday in heavy traffic and the clutch plate disinterated without any warning. I managed to get the car off the highway without blowing the eninge, only to find out that Honda Inc. finds this near death experience perfectly acceptable and dosent cover the clutch plate under warranty under any circumstances. Saddly this ends a twenty five year habit of buying Hondas and of course we will never buy a Honda again. So, FIT owners consider a trade in at your earliest opportunity. Believe me we are,

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  The car has been okay so far. - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Hush Mohai - April 27 - 5:51 pm

  Everything seems to work fine so far with about 21,000 miles. Except the automatic window button is broken very easily and now just need replacement of the broken hinge that holds the plastic button. Also, the brake squeals at times which has become more frequent and annoying since last week. I am not recommending friends to buy this sedan after I have learned that more newer models will be able to match and outperform this Honda. For example, Sonata will out mpg this Honda. Mazda6 will out corner and out accelerate this Honda. I wish I knew more about mid- size (or more correctly full-size) sedans before buying this Honda. However, so far it is okay.

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  Great Purchase....again - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By alliekat80 - April 27 - 4:20 pm

  We traded our 2006 Odyssey for the 2010 Odyssey just recently. We absolutley loved our 2006 and decided to upgrade to the slightly new 2010 while taking advantage of year end offers and prices. The Odyssey is the by far greatest vehicle we have ever purchased or driven! My family loves being in the van, and long trips are seemingly short due to the comfort features that come standard with the Odyssey. We decided to lease the 2010 just so we can keep getting new Odysseys every so often! The van drives like a car, and comes equipped with so many features that come in handy with families! I cant say enough about the Odyssey...I will definatley buy more!

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  Awesome Car and Dealership - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Pamela J Beckett - April 27 - 4:01 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It hugs the road very well. No inside noise at all. The navigation system works great. Only negative comment is that the cup holders by the hand break are in a bad place hard to get the coffee cup in and out. Love the car. Getting 37+ miles a gallon on the highway. Very safe car for my daughter to drive. Lots of room in the back seat for two passengers. You are getting a lot for your money. Buy Honda.

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  scared. - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By tom sampson - April 27 - 12:25 pm

  I am getting this car as a teen from my parents and after reading reviews i am scared. the last thing i need is my dad giving me an earful for blowing out the transmission which is bound to happen. after reading other reviews i am surprised it has gone 120k with the stock transmission the service light will NOT turn off. i just found out the bumper is nothing more than plastic. this thing is a hog at an SUV like 15 mpg. pickup trucks get more than that. although having bad mileage, it does have a lot of kick to it. but once again, scared to blow out the transmissiion

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  Owned for 7 years and still love it - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Mom in Minnesota - April 27 - 12:19 pm

  I went to the dealer and after viewing new Pilots, and knowing how great the one I already own is, I decided to wait 2-3 more years to trade it in on a new one. My Pilot has been great to own, I have not had any problems except to replace the brakes and tires. It always starts, and runs great. I would buy another exactly if I did not want to upgrade to leather and change colors!

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  Best Civic Ever! - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Chance - April 27 - 10:44 am

  Definitely, the best car I have ever owned. No complaints here-nothing but accolades! This model is much larger with a lot more style than the usual civic.

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  2010 Honda Civic EX- Great car! - 2010 Honda Civic
  By ruthie - April 27 - 10:15 am

  Out of all the compact autos Ive owned this gets my #1 favorite car vote. Comfortable buckets seats with nice fabric, lots of room. The engine is so quiet you can hardly tell it is running. Smooth transition between gears. Great power steering and antilock brakes.Super easy operation of moon roof. Im getting close to 40mpg and this is an automatic.!

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  2007 Element - 2007 Honda Element
  By James - April 27 - 1:32 am

  Fell in love with this vehicle at the showroom and still enjoy driving it but alot of the features may not be right for everyone so do your homework if you want to buy one.