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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  The coupe should have worn an Acura badge - 2008 Honda Accord
  By GilTibo - March 5 - 2:26 pm

  OK, compared to some cars, it may seem underpowered, but the reward comes at the fuel pump. Fun is still a standard feature with the Manual Transmission. Absolutely no regrets here. Got my Acura CL without the high price...

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  Odyssey vs Caravan - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By craigty - March 5 - 3:20 am

  I had a 96 Grand Caravan ES with quad leather and 3.8 L engine. The Dodge has better acceleration from a stop. Seems the same after that but the Honda could be faster after 50 mph. Radio with the window antenna in the Odyssey sucks. Reception is very poor and dependent on direction of driving. Almost seems like Honda is trying to sell you the XM radio system and service. Stereo not as good as Dodge. Steering wheel too close to dash. Needs to be farther out. Heated seats could be hotter and faster. Leather seats much more comfortable on Odyssey. Lots of room for all 3 rows. second row seats are very comfortable even though they dont fold forward.

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  Ownership after 2 Years - 2005 Honda Accord
  By madurbs - March 4 - 7:34 pm

  Best car I have owned. The interior design is excellent. No squeaks, rattles etc. Gas mileage has averaged in the 27-30MPG range in mixed driving. Zero problems. Just regular maintenance intervals thus far. Even as newer models of competition have hit the market I have no regrets.

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  Good Stuff - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By A. Warren - March 4 - 10:13 am

  Ive had my truck for about a year and a half and its done accomplished everything Ive needed it to accomplish. I can (pretty much) keep up with my dads Mini on the corners, which is pretty decent for a truck. Its got room for 5 actual adults to ride in, which is great. An air-intake and cat-back system do wonders for the trucks perceived masculinity factor, not to mention kinda poky high-end. It sometimes gets stuck in a gear just after highway merging, but you just have to kick it into neutral and back again quickly. The trunk does a great job of storing odds and ends that would otherwise cluttering the cabin. Great stock sound system.

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  Always a smile on your face - 2002 Honda S2000
  By piman - March 3 - 10:23 pm

  This is about as perfect a sports car you can get for a relatively cheap price. Car handles amazingly (on dry roads) and is a looker. Subtle exterior design, yet always makes you turn around for a second look. If not for the dreary rainy Portland weather 6 months of the year, this car would be even more awesome. But then again, thats not the cars fault.

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  Happy Pilot Owner - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Happy Pilot Owner - March 3 - 9:48 pm

  We purchased the EX-L with Navigation. Navi is great and easy to use. Very helpful when traveling in an unfamiliar city. The ride is smooth and engine is very quiet. Back-up camera is great also (lots of little kids on our street running around). Have had some problems with the audio not having sound at times. Still working on this, but Honda did extend our warranty.

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  Fit, Right Car At The Right Time - 2009 Honda Fit
  By David - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  The Fit is the perfect vehicle to accommodate the new economic reality. Its relatively inexpensive to purchase, comfortable, versatile, reliable (its a Honda!), very fuel efficient, inexpensive to insure, good looking, safe, inexpensive to maintain, and more fun to drive than any economy car has a right to be. Its simply the right car for the times.

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  A good buy - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By bigD - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We had our pilot for 350 miles when we took a 1000 mile round trip through the mountains of Pennsylvania. We averaged 21.4 mpg. Commuting to work the average is 16.7. I am 64", the headroom enables me to wear a hat if I wish. Everyone who rides in the pilot (even in the third seat) comments on the good ride. Areally good buy that wont depreciate quickly!

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  Great Van - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By HOLA - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I was surprised at how well this van handles, its like a sedan. Its extremely roomy, even when the van is packed with people and luggage. On on the passenger front seat, the fabric on the right armrest on the door will eventually tear off because the fabric is thin and it has a hard surface under it. Overall its a great van, and I look forward to many years of driving the Honda Odyssey

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  THE NEW SI - 2003 Honda Civic
  By SIchick - March 3 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. It is great to travel in due to its compact design. It is easy to clean and keep up with also. The part that i love the most is that not to many people have them yet, so it makes you stand out some.