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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  Amazing Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By 00Accord - July 11 - 2:46 pm

  I have had this car for about 9 years now, and I have to say, I fell in love with it from the very beginning. Immediately when you get in, the interior feels grand. You dont get that cheap feeling at all. Start the engine up and rev it a little to get your blood pumping. It is by no means a sports car, but the V6 version is definitely sporty for a family sedan. 0-60 is about 7.9 seconds, and you can really feel the 200 horses kick when you reach 3500 rpm and Vtec kicks in. As far as ride quality goes, I have no complaints. Turns are maneuvered impressively, the cabin is amazingly quiet, even at highway speeds, and the huge seats feel great. This is an overall perfect car.

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  The best car I ever owned. - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Howard - July 11 - 2:42 pm

  This is the first car I have ever had that I have had any affection for. It is fun to drive, cheap to operate (although it uses $4.25 premium it gets 24 mpg in town) and a real head turner. I only bought it because the trunk holds my golf club bag and the caddy.

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  2nd review Honda FIT - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 11 - 2:38 pm

  2nd review now that owned a year. 40+ hwy mileage, 26-29 city. Previous mileage problems now blamed on gas pumps. Car is stylish, very comfortable-great seats but dont clean easily with very nice interior design. Car has much more storage room than one thinks with very versatile interior. Front of car is very very low and often hits. Front of car is not visible so cannot judge distance and will hit parking blocks. Car has no pick up but then gets the mileage. The ride is comfortable for such a small car and handles nicely and zips right along on long trips. Load maximum is 850 which isnt much and wasnt discussed. Paint seems to mark easily and is necessary to wash with care.

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  Dans fun car - 2008 Honda Fit
  By dan129 - July 11 - 2:15 pm

  Im 60 years old and have owned a lot of different cars, including a corvette a 240z and various full size cars. My Honda fit is fun fun to drive and Im getting without it totally broken in 32 to 37 mpg. it only has 900 hundred miles on it. mine is storm silver and looks great. you cant go wrong with the fit.

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  The Best Car ever - 2006 Honda Civic
  By alan - July 11 - 2:26 am

  I only have the car a short time and it was a lot more money than I wanted to spend but, what a great car. The driving is easy and the fuel economy is great. This is the tenth Honda product I have purchased over the years and I hope to drive it for the ten. Dont think twice about the other car companies, they cant come close to the Honda Quality and ride

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  My first Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By fetyka - July 10 - 11:50 pm

  Well, I really like this car. Runs smooth, very easy to get use to it. Even though, this is a small compact car, I still have the feeling of driving a very well built, very good quality vehicle. Before I purchased it I had visited other competitors in the same class and this car had definitely won the interior design contest for me. Gas mileage in the city is around 29/30, its not bad, but not very impressive either. I recommend this car to anyone who wants to save money on the long run, prefers good quality, not looking for something fancy and doesnt have a big family.

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  Very happy with 08 5 spd. coupe - 2008 Honda Civic
  By arcticracer - July 10 - 10:06 pm

  My wife and I were very impressed with the awesome styling, high-tech, cool interior, and handling of the Civic Coupe. I was surprised that the dealer was willing to deal on price, so we bought it. $16,936 for the LX coupe. I put a couple hundred miles on it, then topped off the tank for the trip from Anchorage to Fairbanks, 360 miles. Filled the tank again upon arrival, 46.28 MPG!!! Very conservative, economy style driving, not over 60, coasting on hills, etc. The more I drive it the more i like it.

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  Would buy another! - 1999 Honda Passport
  By Costa - July 10 - 4:05 pm

  I bought this car certified used with 32k miles. It now has 139k miles and going strong. Only major service has been a new transmission, but nothing else major. This car has great looks, roomy interior and does well on gas. There is tons of room with all the seats flat. Ive managed to move twice using this car for almost all the furniture pieces and it is a great car as a restaurant owner. Definitely better than the competition (Pathfinder, Montero Sport)in all aspects. I would definitely buy another if they still made them. Pilot is nice, but too much of a family car.

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  Fabulous Fit - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Andy - July 10 - 12:53 pm

  Were thrilled with our Fit sport. It has delivered great gas mileage, 30MPG around town, 33-38 MPG highway. Its interior is well thought out and comfortable. For an entry level car, the interior materials and quality are superb. The exterior design is excellent. The Sport trim gives the car a better look versus the standard model. While its not a rocket, the engine has some pep and good torque. The hills in our area are no problem for motor. When the A/C is on, the small displacement of the engine robs some of the power. The handling is great for this little car. Its a firm ride, the lower profile tires dont help, but the trade off is you get crisp handling and grip. I like the steering too

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  Bad choice of year - 2000 Honda S2000
  By badchoice - July 10 - 7:09 am

  This car is fun to drive but not when it is sitting in the driveway with a need of major engine repair. The reason, the early years have a bad flow of oil. Not quite sure why but apparently the Europeans caught on to this and fixed the problem early on. This car sucks oil. Honda dealerships need to tell people this when purchasing. Honda also needs to make others aware of this situation. Low oil in any engine is a bad thing. Especially when the oil light never comes on to warn the driver.