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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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By R Day - August 1 - 2:47 pm

  Coming out of the Corporate / Company Car world Ive driven a lot of Brand New / Good Cars. This Crosstour is by far the best overall vehicle in terms of quality +reliability + safety. Im now at 66K Miles so thats a good sample size. My only complaint is the rear visibility because of the sloped rear hatchback. I bought this used with 12K Miles.

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  Tranny advice and comments - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By 126 - August 1 - 1:18 pm

  Trannies are the weak link in ALL vehicles and especially VANS and MINIVANS. Most people dont realize this and push it to the limit abusing and breaking it prematurely. Be gentle with the tranny and will last much longer than did for others. Tip - find (feel) the changing spots and take the leg off the gas just before gear change. i.e. after 20km/h, 40,80)

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  Satisfied... - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By Ben - August 1 - 3:38 am

  Since we needed more space, I traded our Acura RDX and it was well worth it. The RDX was fun but it lacked cargo space and ran only on premium gas which was expensive. I chose the Odyssey because it is rated overall the top mini van in its class. Its able to hold a baby seat, infant seat, two strollers, guitar, etc. The seats are very comfortable. Driving feels like youre riding on air.

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  Awesome MiniVan!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Khanh - August 1 - 2:23 am

  Great vehicle for the family. One issue when shifting from 2nd to 3rd shift, you can feel the gears shift under the car. This only happens when you initially turn on the car and drive. After that, shifting is smooth. I would recommend this vehicle to any family.

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  Paint Loss - 2009 Honda Fit
  By rlw6664 - August 1 - 12:07 am

  Pleased with this car so far but have only owned it since July 27,2009. I have put 225 miles on it as of today July 31. My excitement over owning my first new car is fading very quickly (havent made 1st payt. yet) as of today I am starting to see small paint chips come off the hatchback door. You can see white base/primer coat where the blue paint use to be. So far I have counted 9 different spots. They are aprox. the size of a match head. As I was washing it today a chip of paint aprox. 1/4" wide by 3/4" long came off as I was wiping the water off by the drivers side door, down by the front qtr. panel trailing edge. Also noticed a lot of water allowed between doors and bottom sills.

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  Love It - 2007 Honda Element
  By KimO - July 31 - 10:39 pm

  We just bought our Element after many hours reviewing the vehicle. So far it has been a lot of fun for our family to drive. We wish the gas mileage was better but we are looking into that. It is just a great car and everyone loves it. We did have to put two baby sun shades side by side over the skylight, works great.

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  Rollin Along - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Turner - July 31 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased my Black Honda Accord EX Leather/Navigation in late May, 2006. I love the look of the car. The seats are comfortable, and the steering feels just right. I get a lot of road noise, and the engine runs loud especially when accelerating. The ride is not as smooth as my Toyota Sienna. The dashboard dimmer light is in an akward position. The voice activation feature leaves much to be desired. Various commands not related to the a/c toggles the a/c on and off. Manual audio controls are needed. Trying to use the touch screen while driving is dangerous.

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  Most Reliable Car Ever Made!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By INVNTDTHWHL - July 31 - 5:29 pm

  I bought my 1998 Honda Civic HX brand new and have been driving it ever since. I have taken moderate care of it over the years and it doesnt matter. It just keeps going strong. Honda must have made these cars for people like me who wait a few extra thousand miles to change their oil and rarely look under the hood. I call my Honda "The Mule" because you can beat the hell out of it and it will get you to work the next day no matter what. Never had a problem and will surely buy a Honda the next time around.

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  Great car even without extra options - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Ethel - July 31 - 4:01 pm

  This is the basic automatic Fit, no options. 61" husband says it feels spacier than our minivan in the drivers seat. Fitting two kids in the back is less hassle than our minivan, and even 3 is expected to be easier (will need to buy skinny booster seats for older kids). MPG is amazing! Im getting 44 mpg round trip on my 25 mile one-way mostly-highway commute. Plenty of space in the back for most groceries and light travel, even without folding down the back seats. CD player can do MP3 and WMA - nice! A/C handled 103 degree weather without being turned up all the way. No real blind-spots. We do miss cruise control and keyless entry (options). The headrests annoy both of us.

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  Awesome car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Erawan - July 31 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this car on May 2008. It is nice car. I considered to get LX, but the salesman told me I had better get LX-P if I wanted to have security system and alloy wheel. I compared this car with Mazda6 and Camry. The Accord is better than other those car on gas mileage and reliability. I will keep this car.