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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  Who needs a "3" series? - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Diamond Doug - July 4 - 1:36 pm

  Ive driven quite a few sports sedans (BMW, Subare WRX, Acura, etc), but there is nothing that compares to the Civic Si. This car is a "Pocket Rocket" that revs like a 65 Mustang. It grabs the road like it has claws. Superb handling aided by the leather wrapped telescoping steering wheel. Super low center of gravity and road grip makes it feel like youll be able to handle any turn at any speed. The seats have a wrap around quality that simulate a race car. Black interior with bright red intrument panel is striking. Six speed manual trans is a dream, and tremendously entertaining. The body styling will turn heads. The Si is quick, fun, well built and way cool!

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  Not a CHEAP car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By Ross - July 4 - 1:19 pm

  Bought the Fit to replace a Mazda5 (destroyed in a crash) And I was worried about "downgrading" I shouldnt have as the Fit is a fabulous little car to drive. I put LOTS of miles on my cars every year so interior design and comfort are very important to me. The Fits seats are actually some of the best I have sat in ever, much to my surprise coming from the Mazda which had chair height seats. This car is NOT underpowered for every day driving, I live in the mountains of WV and so far the Fit has zero problems climbing hills in fifth gear. Best of all is an average fuel economy of 40 honest to god MPG for my 70 mile one way commute, it doesnt get any better than that.

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  2006 Accord EX. L - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Todd King - July 4 - 12:26 pm

  2006 Honda Accord great car, no issues, biggest issue has been replacement of both airbags. Dealer is backed up and waiting 9 hours for repair is not good. Engine is great switched to synthetic oil at 100k and it runs like a top

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  Great car! - 2008 Honda Fit
  By wptinker2000 - July 4 - 11:23 am

  After reading up on the fit for a year or so, I decided to buy one in Apr 08. The gas mileage is great, averaging 35 mostly city. I average 33- 35 and when driving mostly freeway I avg 35-38 so a little better than expected and the main reason I purchased the fit.It is very smooth compared to my Nissan Truck-it will depend on what you are used to. I take long trips to DC and Philly-about 500 miles and my right leg cramps up so long trips can be tough if you dont take a lot of breaks (I usually only stop twice and for very short periods of time.) The 2009 has a arm rest and other improved features, recommend waiting, supposedly will get over 40 but love the 2008, no regrets.

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  For 33K, Pilot lacks in quality - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By friedrich - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Honda owner since 1985... prices have increased significantly but Honda has lost ground in quality category. We sold a Odyssey to purchase a Pilot and are happy with its performance, drive, interior design and versatility. Noticed on our Pilot that the 3rd row seatbelt retainers were installed incorrectly and within 6 weeks we had our first recall (tensioner belt). After 10 months of operating the vehicle weve noticed that the leather on the seats is wrinkling (confirmed by other owners). For 33K shame on Honda for skimping! This is the BEST way to loose long-term customers. Our Odyssey also had leather but never showed the wear this leather has in 10 months.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Q - July 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, So good. We love it!!!

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  why drive anything else? - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Richard P - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. In fact everytime I drive it I can only wonder why every car is not a hybrid. The switch from electric to gas power is seemless. The acceleration has not disapointed me. The car has more interior room then my old 1990 Honda Accord EX and better acceleration too. I am totally amazed at how smart the computer is. The car switches from charge to assist with no need for driver input. On the highway the car is very comfortable and cruises at 75 mph without a problem. I highly recommend this car with no hesitation.

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  misleading gas mileage... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By sdciviclx - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I primarily bought this Civic for the great gas mileage. I expected to get at least 350-400 miles per tank and am only getting up to 300 miles per tank. Edmunds says this vehicle is capable of up to 501 miles per tank...and after purchasing the car I was very disappointed. I thought it must be the way I drive, since I use premium gas, but several people with the same exact vehicle have the same exact problem. Other than that though, Its a nice, dependable car, and I bought it at a great price $14,700 so I cant complain too much.

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  just what I expected - 2003 Honda Civic
  By RyanT - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Having owned civics in the past we knew what we were getting... plus the extra gas mileage!

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  EX-V6 Accord approaches Luxury class - 2003 Honda Accord
  By dnayoung - July 4 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Acura, Infinity, and Lincoln LS. Even though the honda isnt considered in the class of "luxury cars" that those cars are-we couldnt find a feature in the other cars that made it worth the 5k higher price tag. While it lacks exterior appeal, the Accord EX V6 looks better on the inside than the the Camry or any other car we test drove. Feels good to drive, I know its reliable and I didnt feel the need to spend thousands more just for a name.