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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  Honda is only company making deals - 2009 Honda Odyssey
  By steve - May 2 - 11:08 am

  This is our 2nd Honda Odyssey. First had 105k miles, 6 years and we paid sticker no discounts. This time we looked at Toyota, Nissan, and Ford. Ford, Toyota, and Nissan were basically offering invoice pricing which is what they did last time, not great deals... Honda was 28% off sticker and way below invoice listed on websites. Way different than last time we bought from Honda. This van was thousands less expensive than what Nissan or Toyota would do. Ford was not that great either. Now I know why Honda has the best year over year sales figures. They know what market they are dealing in... I have a 2000 Acura RL with 115k, but cant get Acura to do a deal... strange.

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  I love my Ridgeline! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Soundman - May 2 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 07 Honda Ridgeline used with only 7K miles on it and it was 1 year old from date of purchase. I have driven all wheel drive vehicles before and this is the most all the time sure footed drive I have ever experienced. I couldnt go back to a 2 wheel drive vehicle again. I was driving a new Honda Element and hated it so I traded it for the Ridgeline. If you need a truck every once in a while but like the SUV all wheel drive handling then buy a Ridgeline.

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  Great Car - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Alex - May 2 - 10:27 am

  Good gas mileage. With K&N Oil Filter and Castrol Syntec getting 35mpg at 70mph on 87 regular gas. At 55-65mph nearly 40 or higher mpg. Like the cluster gauge comparing to the the 2002 Honda Civic Ex or older.

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  Rough Rider - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Kolef88 - May 1 - 8:17 pm

  I really like this car because it is inexpensive to buy and operate, and it never breaks down. However, the ride is very rough. Fortunately I have a short commute to work, but it is tiresome to travel long distances because of the pounding you take from road anomalies. Fair amount of road noise as well. The car handles well on straight highways but feels precarious on curves.

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  HondaLover - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By HondaLover - May 1 - 7:55 pm

  Whats not to love about this truck? When you price a Tacoma 4 door and see that you can buy a 4wd Honda, well thats a no brainer. The ride is so much better than a Ford, Toyota, Chev. Its a truck that will last almost forever. Comfortable driving, easy access/egress, transmission is very smooth. Getting groceries and just placing them in the storage container in the bed, have something leak, no problem, just pull the plug and hose it out. I love the way the back seats fold out of the way. There is tons and tons of room for for vacation. Find an antique, no problem. Love to garden, well this truck is like a best friend (never let you down). Bottom line, this is the most truck for the money.

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  Fit fits - 2007 Honda Fit
  By ron frame - May 1 - 7:26 pm

  32k miles - used LESS than 1000 gallons of gas, have a tad over 33.43 mpg on a 1000 mile trip. NO problems at all. Only complaint, tires will need replacing in the next month or two. Magic seats are great. Glad I bought one.

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  All right at first - 2003 Honda Civic
  By zach - May 1 - 2:38 pm

  This car was all right at first, just a little vibration due to a loose motor mount. The transmission went out 5 months later and its broken beyond repair is what I was told. Itll total 3 grand for a new one and I need to shell out cash for worn left and right bushings, a leaky cv boot, and a new motor mount. Dont bother buying unless you can get it from dealer under warranty.

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  166,000 miles and going - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Brian - May 1 - 2:15 pm

  I have three cars with over 120,000 miles and the Honda Odyssey has been the most expensive to maintain in the past two years however, it has been the car we have put the most miles on. We recently replaced the alternator and it seems to eat through brake pads, but no major major problems (like tranny). Many of our repairs in the past year are first time ever fixes. Very nice van still that we will continue to drive.

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  nice seats - 2003 Honda Accord
  By lmkwin - May 1 - 11:30 am

  This car has the best seats in the class. The ride is a little too firm compared to the camry. If they could put the accord seats into the camry then you would have the perfect car, imho. It has its share of rattles. Its performance is excellent. could use lighted controls on the wheel and the paint is very thin. Think that I will be switching back to the camry shortly. The seats are all that is holding me back. Overall a nice car for the younger crowd. Middle age may want more refinements.

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  My Little Blue Beast - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Coldfoot - May 1 - 10:45 am

  Vroom vroom baby!!! This little car has a lot of "get up and go" as my mother put it and it is soooo much fun to drive. I picked up a queen size, four post bed frame last week with ease all because of the 40/60 flip down back seating area. Also, the seats flip up for a different kind of space. I use that feature on a daily basis so my dogs dont get the seat furry. All my friends are jealous of my seemingly "never empty" gas tank because I get such great gas mileage. Oh and the color! People are always checking me out and asking me if its a hybrid. Thank you Honda!!! I love my car!