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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  I plan to run it into the ground... - 2007 Honda Accord
  By briangrim310 - March 4 - 1:02 pm

  I bought my 2007 Honda Accord EX-L (4 cylinder, automatic, 4 door) new from a Honda dealer in April of 2007. Ive put just under 60,000 miles on it in almost 4 years. I really have no complaints so far. Ive been following the proper maintenance and oil change cycles. Took it to a Honda dealer for the first 50,000 miles and have now been using a trusted local mechanic for larger (and more costly) scheduled maintenance. Driving 84 miles round trip to and from work for the last 6 months, and its been as reliable as it always has. I have every intention of driving this car into the ground, and I have no reason to believe it will let me down.

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  Very Solid High MPG Car - 2008 Honda Civic
  By bobbichen - March 3 - 1:29 pm

  I puchased this unit used, recently in very good condition. ($13k, 44k miles). Hybrids are certainly a different breed of cat. They drive a bit differently, though I like the driving dynamics much better than the Prius. (Brakes seem "grabby" and steering doesnt fit me HCH has a telescoping and tilt wheel that allows a more aggressive steering position). I find the car to be plenty peppy as to acceleration. Handling and braking are very good in my opinion. Car feels sporty. Hybrid system is a little distracting, and does some odd things (sudden battery "dumps" at times, MPG drops on cold weather). Ride is a bit stiff, bordering on harsh on poor pavement.

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  Still going strong - 2006 Honda Civic
  By sassy1866 - March 1 - 2:30 pm

  I have 49k on my car and have never had a problem with it. I still make sure to keep up with the maintenance. The ride is ok but can be rough sometimes. Ill probably keep it another year or two as long as I dont have to sink any money into it.

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  Good but not so good - 2001 Honda Accord
  By ablack - March 1 - 11:13 am

  I bought this car used in 2001. The transmission lasted until 2009. I had another one put in and it lasted 7 months. I was not happy about this issue and did not find that the 2001 was standard for transmission failure. I feel like another consumer that Honda knew about the failure and sold the car for regular price. This does allow me to place my trust in honda very well. I wish there was someone that could make honda pay the 2001 owners back. All that money and no car, does not seem very fair. They have theirs and they are gone.

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  Back to the Future - 1990 Honda Civic
  By almprin06 - March 1 - 7:52 am

  The roomy 1990 Honda Civic Wagon had dimensions nearly identical to the current 2011 Honda Fit, except the roomy 2011 Honda Fit is much more generous in height at 60" tall. The 1990 Honda Civic Wagon weighs a bit less than the 2011 Honda Fit, but the 2011 Honda Fit achieves more power with better fuel economy.

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  Great car! I hope you got the manual - 2011 Honda Fit
  By sdcole - February 25 - 2:04 pm

  To begin my review, i am a "car guy" having owned a slew of german and high-end vehicles. I actually traded a 2003 BMW 530i for my Sport Fit! after driving the automatic, i was to say the least unimpressed in the drivetrain, but before leaving with my tail tucked, i decided to try the 5speed!! what a glorious decision!!! I now lovingly refer to it as my economy 911 now and have named her "Hisser"! I went on a 600 mile road trip the day i picked her up and with 4 male adults, and all of our luggage, i was astonished at the roominess of a "small car" and the average 32 MPG at 4000ft altitude. All around great value, and dodges the "economy car" title with style and fun factor!

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  Civic SI to a CRV - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By tnsrvfan1 - February 23 - 4:29 pm

  I recently traded my 2009 Civic SI 6 sp manual transmission for a 2011 CRV w/auto trans. So far so good. Of course it is not as much fun to drive as my Civic SI but it does have the power when you want it. This past winter with all the snow/ice and even a great set of tires made me dislike my Civic so I opted for the 4WD CRV. The ride of the CRV is very nice and smooth and the seats in the CRV are much better. The driver and front passenger seat in the Civic SI were very uncomfortable, Plus the CRV does not have the road noise that my Civic Si had.

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  Kinda Sporty, Kinda Sexy, Very Reliable Coupe - 2011 Honda Accord
  By wcascrs - February 22 - 6:46 pm

  I have the 4 cyl EX w/ AT and it does a lot of things very well. It is very reliable, the engine sounds nice and healthy. I like the AT, it is very smooth shifting. It likes to mostly maintain speed when you let foot off gas as it is trying to stay in higher gear to save fuel. Downshifts nicely when braking. Motor keeps quite low rpms cruising highway. Not amazing torque from stop, but hey, its a 4 cyl. Steers nice, wheel feels great. Feels very secure to drive on windy road. Visibility is really good out windows. I’m 6’2” and still have couple inches headroom, rare for a sporty coupe. If this is the type of car you want, it is very competitive with good build quality, reliability.

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  Hard Ride - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By ken117 - February 22 - 6:49 am

  Had a 2009 CRV EX-L 4WD. Overall it was a nice vehicle. However, there are a few things which make the vehicle difficult for longer trips. First is the road noise. By far the worst I have ever had in a vehicle. Second is the lack of power. The engine is just too timid to function will at highway speeds. Third is the excessive hard interior plastics. I also felt the leather was too much like vinyl. I found the vehicle wonderful for use around town but for any long trips the ride was far too uncomfortable.

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  2011 Honda Fit Sport AT - 2011 Honda Fit
  By ashleyk - February 18 - 10:05 am

  Ive had my Fit Sport going on three weeks now and I Love it!! I test drove the Fiesta and found it way way too small then test drove the fit and it was completely different feeling. The inside of the Fit feels positively huge, its amazing how much room there is! Ive had nothing but fun driving the car, I used to be a speedster but now I care more about gas mileage (with the current mpg scale its fun to drive to max mpg). This is not to say the car doesnt have pick up I just pay more attention to the mpg, and it makes me a safer driver! The only small gripe Ive found is that the seats arent always 100% comfortable, I have back trouble and I wish the lumbar was adjustable but its no