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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  Poor mans BMW - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Mindy - September 18 - 10:08 pm

  Dont believe the estimated mpg. I consistently get 26mpg city/hwy & 31 hwy. This V6 is fast, comfortable & fun to drive. It doesnt handle quite as well in the corners as my previous car, 1995 BMW 525i, but would blow the doors off it. You do notice road noise at hwy speeds & the ride is a little stiff, feeling the bumps in the road, but that could be the original tires. It handles well in snow even with original tires. The interior & dash are well designed to keep controls simple and easy to reach. Im a 62" male & have plenty of leg & head room.

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  Love it, love it, love it - 2009 Honda Fit
  By LouieLou - September 18 - 9:53 pm

  Short sweet and to the point, the car is fun fun fun to drive. Handles like a go cart and is roomy enough for the family. The one thing to worry about is the popularity of the Fit Sport Rims. Had the car not even a month when it was attacked. :-( All 4 rims and tires gone. Left on MILK CRATES. Over $4,000 in damages later, car is new again and now have 4 wheel locks on each tire. :-) Love this car.

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  Update from previous review (100K) - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Sofyan Bey - September 18 - 8:52 pm

  I am the third owner, I purchased this car from my sister in June 2009, she bought the car from the original owner in July 2007 with 66K on it for $10,300 when I bought the car from her in June of 2009 it had 95K on it. I bought it from her for $6,300 after she put on 30K in 2 years. The car is great, it just hit 100,015 today and runs like a new car. I did some maintenance over the summer, I replaced the front rotors and did the timing belt and water pump and had the rear rotors resurfaced and new pads put on. Today I just did the spark plugs bc they are original. I used to drive a 96 Camry and this car is so much nicer to drive and the V6 is smooth and powerful. Gas mileage is at 24 mpg.

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  Rear break noise since the first day - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Bin - September 18 - 6:43 pm

  Had the noise from rear brake since the first day I had it. Around 5000 miles, I visited my dealer and asked them to check it. My dealers feedback was that it was normal and my dealer had done nothing about it. Around 22000 miles, big noise from rear brake, and when I was on the road, I got a lot of attention from other drivers. This is my fourth new Honda, after Accord 2001, CRV 2004 and Odyssey 2007, and my 2001 accord also had a lot of problems on transmission. Anyway, for my next car, I wont consider Honda anymore.

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  Nice Car for the $$$ - 2008 Honda Civic
  By SteelersFan - September 18 - 1:33 pm

  Getting rid of my Tacoma due to gas prices was hard. Best truck made. As sad as it is to say , you cant go wrong with a Honda or Toyota and with gas prices soaring, the Civic is much better looking than the Corolla. Yes, they both make cars with better gas mileage, but you still have to like what you drive. Thats why I chose the Civic Si. Ive only owned it for about a week, but the engineering is second to none. Some of the interior parts are a little cheap, but what do you want for $21,500? Great car if youre looking for fuel economy and still want some performance. Just know: you have to use premium fuel, so that negates some of your fuel savings.

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  Un-Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By eddie.b - September 18 - 10:06 am

  We drove 2 new Civic manual trans for 12 yrs each with no problems. As for the Fit: Wire harness recall. Starter motor replaced at 34,000 m. Broken front axle, and manual trans. replaced at 39,000. Weve lived in the same place since 1984, same driving conditions, same avg. miles per yr. Fits a relatively new model, and its reliability hasnt really been tested until now. Well soon know if the cars Fit to be called a Honda.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By griffing - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is such a great car for the money!!! Acceleration is awesome for a 4 cylander, and the gas mileage is great too. Very roomy and queit ride. I love the fold down seat configurations.

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  CR-V is there enough driver leg room??? - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By brad shannon - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This car rides much like the Accord. I find myself thinking Im in my old Accord when driving this vehicle. Hanlding is tight and solid. Acceleration and visibility are good. Im still getting use to the positioning of the gear shift and the emergency break. I would like to see remote keyless entry standard on the LX model. I would also like Honda to put better quailty tires on all their vehicles. I tend not to get very many miles off their tires. Also the CR-V doesnt seem to like to go much over 80 miles/hr. I realize that SUVs and higher speeds are, to a certain degree, mutually exclusive. If you dont have to tow anything and your off-road demands are lite to nill - I recomend.

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  2005 Odyssey EXLoveIt!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Markrenee - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Researched the other minivans in all the magazines and online articles I could find. Most of them rated the 2004 Odyssey either the best or a close second. Based on that, I knew the 2005 rating should only get better. Although I didnt test drive the competitors, I feel that I got the most for my money with this one. I paid $1K less than MSRP. The insurance costs are lower than my other cars (Symbol 6). I am very happy with my decision and would recommend this car to others. One of the Edmunds reviewers said that Honda does their homework. I think he is right.

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  My Black Civic - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Colin Thomas - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am vary happy with my 2004 Honda Civic EX 2 DR. It is a solid car.