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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  Love my Fit - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Connie Gray - August 10 - 2:36 pm

  This is the perfect car for my needs - gas mileage plus interior space and flexibility. Very fun to drive

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  Basic features missing for a loaded car - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By Boilerace - August 10 - 11:34 am

  Previously owned a Toyota Sienna Van. Liked the car, but went to buy a new one and they did not want to deal. Price for Honda EX-L with Nav and RES was amazing right out of the gate. So we bought it. The van is good, but disappointed in Honda. They seem stuck in the past with basic styling. The van is built well, but the exterior is boring. The van is loaded, BUT I am so upset that with all the great features that there are basics missing. Automatic lights are not on the van. We leave the lights on once a week. Basics of "Miles to empty". It has a nav system but I cant tell me how many miles until empty. The van is good.....dont love it, but its good.

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  Happy with the new addition to my family! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By Corissa Dill - August 10 - 10:55 am

  Nothing to know other than youll be happy with this one! Honda has always done a great job and this car is no exception. Im so glad to continue supporting them as a company.

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  Perfect, save the drivers seat - 2009 Honda Fit
  By YatYas1833 - August 10 - 12:56 am

  This vehicle is wonderful. I traded in my 96 explorer sport (thanks cash for clunkers) for the fit and its been great so far. I do have 2 problems with the fit so far however. The drivers seat needs to be able to adjust up and down in front to help out the taller folks. Second the center console for the manual trans should be figured out so I dont have to install it my self. Otherwise I am extremely happy.

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  Fits with Me - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Dan H. - August 9 - 10:58 pm

  When I was looking for a small compact car, the Fit kept coming on my radar. However, I wasnt that interested because I thought the exterior look of the car was too futuristic and mini-vanish. I preferred the look of the Subaru Impreza and Hyundai Accent. After looking at similar cars in its class, it seemed to stand out on things important to me safety, reliability, and gas mileage. I gave in and accepted that it might not be the best looking car. I am extremely impressed with the gas mileage and interior space/comfort the car provides. I am a very calm driver and am averaging well over 40mpg on the highway. Im only at 450 miles, but everything is great so far.

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  Love owning this car - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By AMR - August 9 - 5:16 pm

  I have loved this car from the very beginning. I have driven it for 10 1/2 years and still love it for the most part. There is plenty of room for the four of us and our vacation gear. It drives like a car. There have been a few electrical problems to crop up in its older age like the clock light no longer works and drivers door lock motor fried, but what do you expect its old?

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  Comfy SUV That Can be Put to Work - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By le hayes - August 9 - 3:54 pm

  I bought my Pilot last winter to replace a Chevy diesel work truck and an aging Chrysler family van. The Pilot does double duty as a business vehicle that regularly tows a 5,000 pound utility trailer and a weekend family cruiser. Very impressed with how well it does both, and Im very surprised to see the engine occasionally described as underpowered as Ive experience nothing of the kind and am very impressed with both the towing ability and quickness from a stop, as well as the highway climbing torque. Id suggest others try locking out the overdrive for most local driving/climbing if they want to see brisker performance. I have 13K trouble free miles to date and am averaging 18-19 mpg.

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  True SUV - 2008 Honda Element
  By criticaliron - August 9 - 1:36 pm

  So many "want to be SUVs" dont hold a candle to the Element. With urethane floors, water/stain proof seats, huge storage capabilities, AWD and good low end torque this vehicle runs circles around the competition. There really is nothing like it. If you bike (we can get two road bikes with aero bars in the BACK), camp, scuba dive (just toss your gear in and hose out later) this is the winner hands down. Most SUVs are all image, but no substance (carpet and leather seats are not advantageous to an active lifestyle). The Element delivers with Honda reliability. After years of Jeeps and their mechanical issues I am hooked on this Hondas sewing machine perfect (and simple) four cylinder.

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  Decent Car - 2009 Honda Fit
  By CasualFitOwner - August 9 - 7:44 am

  Sufficient room inside for a sub-compact. Good fit for 3 adults, tight fit for 4. Decent fuel economy: 36 mpg avg on suburban/highway driving. Auto trans on Sport lacks power once it engages 5th gear. To get some power, I had to frequently force downshift using paddle shifter or pushing down on gas. You have to semi-floor it to match the speed with other cars from standing start. Ride quality is way too bone-jarring-BOUNCY on concrete surface highway, but okay on asphalt surface. I almost got sick first time I took it out on the concrete highway. Using "S" mode, its fun to drive. It handles curves and corners great, but the paddle shifter sometimes makes harsh shift to next gear up/down.

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  Honda, good job. - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Andrew Moise - August 8 - 11:44 pm

  Well let me tell you that Honda did a fabulous job at making a nice truck. My parents bought me it lightly used for my sixteenth birthday. Easily better than any of my friends cars. Has never done me wrong and its the most innovative truck I have ever seen. My favorite thing about it is its looks. It looks better than any truck and is only rivaled by the Avalanche in my opinion in the looks category. I love how its not one of those super duty trucks that is all about work. It actually looks civilized, not like it has to haul very large things all the time. The engine disappoints me but Ill just put an air intake and exhaust system to get more HP. Its just a little slow. Great truck!