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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  First Orange Honda Fit on Long Island - 2007 Honda Fit
  By madog54 - May 8 - 11:56 am

  I bought my Fit for MSRP, sight unseen in April after reading everything I could on Fit, Scion, Versa. I average 34 mpg in my daily 1/2 hour commute, shuffle family around, and 40 mpg on the highway. It really is roomy and comfortable, even on long trips. I hate Honda dealers, and this is my third Honda. Definitely recommended for the commuter who needs to haul stuff occasionally.

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  YOU HAVE TO GET ONE - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Kit-Kat - May 8 - 10:03 am

  the amazing price, supurb ride, and the convenience, the Odyssey. Its the best mini van. the 3rd row seat is more than convenient. There is a ton of space when it is down, and I dont know how I fit anything in my other trunk with the room there is when the seat is up. safety right after we got it someone rear ended us at 50 m/p/h and the breaks held great, and the back glass fell strait down w/o hurting anyone, and I was amazed at how well the car held up after it was repaired.

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  Third Honda in Charlotte - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Tony Stempy - May 7 - 3:16 pm

  overall great suv, previously owned, a expedition, pathfinder, and 8 explorers, this vehicle far supasses all of my expectations, in comparison to the others. Bought vehicle with optional tow hitch and fender flares for $32,000.This is our 3rd honda 03 civic 04 accord now 05 Pilot will keep on going. shopped 2 dealers in charlotte nc drove them crazy on price and it worked out. looking to put a set of rims and tires on it.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By dave hoffman - May 6 - 5:11 pm

  This is our primary family vehicle. We use this whenever the whole family goes somewhere. I love how well this vehcile rides, performs and handles at highway speeds. Very easy to handle in parking lot manuvers. Love this vehicle and will buy another one when ready.

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  Great car - 2001 Honda Accord
  By Mike - May 6 - 11:45 am

  Purchased the EX V6 with dual front and side airbags, ABS and traction control because we wanted a safe car for our teenage drivers. Car runs exceptionally well - nearly as smooth as my 5 series BMW. Good mileage around town and on the road. Strong A/C (important since we live in FL).

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  Its my Tardis!! - 2016 Honda Fit
  By Cindy Demets - May 6 - 1:52 am

  This is a great car!! I call it my Tardis because it is a lot bigger inside than it looks! My son has no trouble sitting in the back and hes 6 and the size of a linebacker! It handles great in the snow!! No regrets what so ever.

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  I Love My 2001 Honda CR-V! - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Alinda Uzel - May 5 - 7:17 pm

  This has been a joy to own. I drive in 6 rural counties with my work, it handles curves and all kinds of roads/weather perfectly. It gets good gas mileage, but in mountainous areas it would be nice to have a little more "zip" to the doo-dah! The next years model had a larger engine. This is a neat looking, spiffy little reliable vehicle that makes me happy to drive it. It looks more expensive than it was and maintains its good looks. Ill probably buy another one, I like it that much - and Im over 60!

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  Perky new Honda Accord V6 Touring - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Nikijone - May 5 - 4:01 pm

  I love my new Honda Accord V6 Touring. It is quite large in the interior & exterior. So far the gas mileage has been ok; Honda stated it will take about 5,000 miles before I will see an improvement in the MPG. I love that it takes regular gasoline. I miss that there is not a good driver arm rest, but that is a small thing. All of the cameras are very helpful. I did not think I would like the Sensing package but they have been very helpful in backing-up and parallel parking. The steering ratio is excellent. The Honda Accord V6 Touring is a classy sedan, it is not like a “regular Accord”, therefore I hope that Honda creates a new upscale car-name to match the wonderful reality of this car.

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  So Far So Great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By TPEBAMA - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 04 Pilot EX for a yr. now and just love it. Have 10,000 miles on it. The ride and comfort is great. I feel like Im in a luxury car. Ive had absolutely no problems with it. Only the recall on the transmission. My dealer took care of the recall and they have been great to me with all the regular maintenance that has been done so far. My kids love the Pilot, the interior room and plenty of cup holders. Exterior fit and finish has been great. Ive kept it washed and waxed, the Nighthawk Black Pearl finish is impecable when clean and waxed. Looks like wet glass. This Pilot is the best vehicle i have ever owned. Just ask me bamatpe@aol.com

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  Amazing SUV - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By Rabih - May 5 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. Honda build quality, performance, comfort, ergonomics, and low cost of ownership. My wife and kids also just love it. It is really hard to believe that this "midsize" SUV can carry all this cargo and 8 passengers!! I have shopped for so many other SUVs and find it the best overall value.