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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  Fit manual - 2007 Honda Fit
  By spring04 - July 5 - 7:20 pm

  I bought the simple Fit and am very pleased with it. Wanted manual, AC, straight back so that the back passengers didnt fry under a slanted back window. The Fit has it all. Yes, fun to drive. Now to see how it handles in a N OH snow belt....

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  95 civic - 1995 Honda Civic
  By redsox88 - July 5 - 1:19 pm

  I have had this car for almost 3 years and it now has 160K miles on it. The manual transmission shifts very nicely and its very easy to drive. Gas prices keep getting higher but I can still put gas in and not break 30 dollars. The only repairs I have had to get with it have been regular maintenance. It has been a great car.

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  So Far, So Good - 2008 Honda Fit
  By rainsinvelvet - July 5 - 12:07 pm

  Ive had this car now for about 3 months and have put close to 3000 miles on it. So far, so good. It is really fun to drive. It drives like a sports car, and handles extremely well. It feels super responsive. Minor complaints: It has developed a slight rattle/squeak in the dash when on a slightly bumpy street. Also, the A/C will sometimes smell bad when first turned on (this goes away after 10 seconds or so) I need to take it to the dealer as I hear this is a common problem with newer car AC systems. Otherwise, I cant think of anything bad about it. Ive been recommending it to friends that are looking for a new car.

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  LOVE it! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By FL3 - July 5 - 10:46 am

  I bought this originally for my wife ... but now we struggle almost daily to see who will drive the Accord! Extremely agile and comfortable. Lots of fun! Very economical. We both LOVE it!

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  Great Van - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By dovinb - July 5 - 8:13 am

  This is my third Honda vehicle and all of them have been exceptional products. I have just 4,000 miles on the van so far and Im very impressed. It rides and handles very well! I just came back from a 3,200 cross-country trip and I was impressed with the gas mileage. Droving 78-82 MPH for most of the trip, loaded to the gills with luggage, my wife and 2 kids, running the A/C the entire time, I got a consistent solid 23 MPG. While driving on country back roads around 65-70 MPH, I achieved 27 MPG. In city driving I get 17-18 MPG. Everything is functional and well designed. No problems with anything so far.

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  Good at todays values - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By pmorganti - July 5 - 7:59 am

  Weve had some problems, steering pump, a pipe change out and wheel bearing noise, but all in all we are very happy with our van

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  Accord Review - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Alejandro - July 5 - 2:33 am

  One of the best cars on the road. Can not say anything bad about it. Smooth fast fun and reliable at the same time

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  So Happy With This Car!!! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By JOANIE - July 4 - 10:07 pm

  The Honda Fit is a great car for the money. You get a little bit of everything. Great interior, fun to drive, great on gas and I believe it is called a "Fit" because you can fit everything in is it feels so roomy on the inside. You have got to check out this car!!! With gas prices now I cant tell you how many people stop me in parking lots and ask me about my fit. I love it!

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  I love this car! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By caresw - July 4 - 9:36 pm

  Ive only had higher end vehicles, audi and volvos. I wanted something that was a little more suited for a commuter. At first I wasnt excited about going to a Civic. I gave it a chance, and I LOVE IT! I cant believe I didnt own one earlier. It is so zippy, and fun to drive. I love the oil life indicator, as a woman, that takes the guess work out of maintenance. The interior is HUGE! My daughters car seat has plenty of room, and my husband, a bigger guy, fits great as well. If you need a commuter car, try a civic, you will love it!

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  Got the second Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By WGE - July 4 - 5:31 pm

  I get to write another review because we got a second Fit. After such a good experience with our first Fit purchased at the end of March, we found we could hardly bear to drive our Dodge Grand Caravan too ponderous and the gas mileage was atrocious. The Dodge was a 99 with 120K miles and was beginning to need work. We got an internet deal lined up for a Milano Red base 5-sp manual for MSRP and waited a month to get it. So we are now a two Fit family. My Democrat wife gets the Tidewater Blue Fit and with my Republican leanings I get the Milano Red Fit, so we are properly color coded. Humor aside, these are truly great little cars with a wonderful combination of economy and utility.