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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  Great SUV - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By Jack - June 7 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned 3 Explorers, 1 Blazer and 1 Yukon and this is definitely the best yet. I picked it up on a Friday and went out of town the next day. I got 25 mpg on the highway. I paid $3,000. less than I was quoted on the Toyota Highlander and this is a good bit larger vehicle. This has got to be the best SUV in this size class. Before purchasing I check the sales prices of 3 yr. old Pilots with over 50,000 miles and they were selling for only $5,000. less than I paid for thes 2007 model. Hows that for not much depreciation!

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  It does not disappoint - 2008 Honda Fit
  By alexs - June 7 - 6:20 am

  After trading in my Mercedes 300SD and my Buick LeSabre for something more fuel efficient. I found the Fit to be exactly what I was looking for in a commuter car. It has plenty of room, more so then it looks. I did have to spend an extra $500 on accessories to finish the car. Accessories such as floor mats, wheel lock, cargo cover, bumper appliqué. The gas mileage is amazing. The first tank started at 33 MPG, the 2nd tank is at 36 MPG, the 3rd tank is up to 39.5 MPG, who know what the next tank will bring. I have to confess I have not been running the A/C since the weather is still cool. I do expect the mileage to drop a couple of MPG when I fire up the A/C. I am happy with the car.

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  06 HCH is an engineering joy- a true gem - 2006 Honda Civic
  By JB - June 6 - 12:53 pm

  Ive owned numerous Civics, including two CR-Vs over the past 18 years, so I highly respect Honda reliability and engineering. Honda has never let me down. For the past year I drove a MINI Cooper S, but realized it was too small/rough/had reliability/issues (but, oh, so fun). So, after researching the 06 Civics, I took an HCH w/NAVI for a test drive. Love at first sight/first drive. You wont believe the improvement Honda has made in the Civics quietness, and handling. The cockpit is the most ergonomic Ive experienced. The driving experience is Zen like because this HCH is smooth, and stopping at red lights is a "rest period" with the Auto-Stop. Best car Ive had in 35 years of ownership.

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  Beyond Satisfaction - 2005 Honda Accord
  By D.Wiseman - June 6 - 4:03 am

  It took a total of 25 min. for me to close a deal from the time I walked in the showroom and sat down with Brad Buck at Jenkins & Wynne. The price was below TMV & they got use exactly what we wanted. Plus they threw in the mud guards for free, and gave us the mirror option for cost. I LOVE this car.

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  wow - 2002 Honda S2000
  By coyote4 - June 6 - 2:26 am

  wonderful car

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  Best SUV for the Money! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By Flipsyde39 - June 5 - 3:40 pm

  My wife and I were trying to decide between the 2010 Pilot Touring and the Buick Enclave EXL. The Enclave is nicer to look at than the Pilot but a bit too expensive (EXL w/o Nav or DVD $39k). The Pilot Touring model with Nav, DVD, Bluetooth, and HFL cost us $36k so we went with the more cost effective option. We are very glad we made this decision because it rides beautifully and the 3 kids absolutely love the new toy! It gets about the same gas mileage as our old 2000 Odyssey so were not too concerned. Ill be adding the after- market chrome running boards and chrome mesh grill next week to make it prettier. If youre gonna buy a Pilot, the Touring model is the way to go!

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  Best Little Compact - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Pulnteeth - June 5 - 3:28 pm

  If you remember the commercial about the guy that was going to live in his car of a week. I have topped that in this Civic. My mom, niece and I took a 6500 mile road trip across 18 states in 11 days. I did most of the driving and Im about 61, I was comfortable the entire time. We averaged about 37 miles to the gallon and were fully loaded (heavy enough to see how low the back was) driving through the mountians it still handled better than I ever could have asked for. We also have a 2004 Civic VP and have never had any problem with either car in any way.

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  Better than expected - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Russ - June 5 - 10:10 am

  Smooth, cormfortable and a pleasure to drive. Compared to my 04 Accord which is a great car, this one is superior by every measure. The seats are cushioned better and the side bolsters are excellent. The lumbar is inflatable as opposed to a lever and only lacks up/down adjustability for different height drivers. As was my previous Accord, the fit and finish is superb. The steering is outstanding and the brakes are superb. Wind noise is near zero and the transition from 6 to 4 to 2 cylinders is seemless. The engine is quiet and runs smoooothly as the transmission shifts through the gears.

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  My reliable friend - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Doug - June 4 - 11:53 pm

  My favorite communter car ended its days today . . . alas a jerk looking down at his cell phone rear-ended her with me in it at about 40 mph. Of course that I am typing tonight is testimony to her design and strength of unit body. The car was shortened about 18" by the impact and the DS seat broke and I ended up half in the back seat. She is gone, but I am not! Before toda,y her 168,000 miles were a pleasure. Faithful service with no problems and we fully expected another 100,000 miles in the family. She is gone but not forgotten.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Ben - June 4 - 6:03 pm

  I knew I wanted a hybrid and did a LOT of research. It came down to the new Prius or the Insight. I went with the Insight and am very happy so far. The Insight is a lot of fun to drive. It feels really light, turns tight, and feels sporty. Pickup is surprisingly good considering the engine size. Cargo area is good. Some reviewers said road noise is bothersome, which I have yet to notice. So far the cabin is very quiet. When you really do put the gas to it the engine does rev high, and gets kind of noisy, but once up to speed comes right down. Its not distracting or annoying. In our first 200 miles weve averaged about 42 mpg, almost all city driving. I really recommend this car.