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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  ctp - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By ctp - July 2 - 11:36 am

  The truck performed well on the beach, the deep sand was handled easily. I have not taken any long trips, but it is comfortable around town. The general handling is good. The fuel mileage is a big letdown. I average 13.7 MPG over all. My sport trac got better mileage.

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  Thats Why its a Honda - 1995 Honda Accord
  By dsw mich - July 2 - 10:48 am

  I purchased my 95 accord in 2001, with about 70,000 miles on it. It is still going strong at this point 08, past 200,000 miles, allowing me to be car- payment free for several years. Its been a commuting work horse. Have there been repairs? Sure a few (including a strange gas tank crack, radiator, SRS light for no reason), but nothing outrageous and its never left me stranded. It was the best car purchase I couldve made. I briefly owned a ford contour, during which time had to replace a transmission at only 55k miles and traded it in for this great Honda! I had similar good experience with a 1991 Camry.

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  Love this car! - 2003 Honda Civic
  By Sam - July 2 - 7:49 am

  My husband and I bought this car back in 2002. It has been terrific and has had no problems! We are so glad we had foresight to buy a hybrid. Its really fun to drive because you can see how your driving effects your MPG (although it can be a bit stressful at times, too). We will probably never buy a non-hybrid/non-alternative energy car again.

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  Love My Hondas - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Jen - July 1 - 10:13 pm

  Our van blew up this month. DH inherited my 2000 Accord, and I got the 2006 Civic. I am thrilled because I have loved the design ever since its debut in 2006. So far it has been a blast to drive and great on gas. I actually like the dash layout. However, my car is black and the interior is beige (ew). Who puts beige interior in cars these days? There are a few scuffs from the previous owner in the plastic moldings that will not come out. Grey would have been MUCH more welcome. Also, its an ordeal to change the headlights if you ever need to (involving a screwdriver and the fender). I wish it didnt come with cheesy hubcaps on an LX. But otherwise its a pretty, sporty coupe!

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  Honda is Still Going Strong! - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Sheryl Lewis - July 1 - 5:54 pm

  I had shopped around for an SUV for six months. First, I looked at the 2008 Toyota Highlander and test drive it. Second, I checked out the 2008 Honda Pilot and test drive it. I was very pleased with the Value Package and the way the 2008 Honda Pilot handles the road. It is very smooth and quiet ride. I have always owned an Ford vehicle. My last vehicle was an 1998 Ford Explorer. There were several recalls with the tires, etc. However,I love my Ford. I am happy with my 2008 Pilot. I would recommend an Honda Pilot. It is an great SUV for your money. It holds value, and cost less on repairs. I wish it would offer 100,000 miles on extended warranty. Try it and you will love it.

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  The Fit fits every need - 2007 Honda Fit
  By georgia - July 1 - 3:13 pm

  We get 30-32 mpg city & 37-38 hwy. Fast, sporty, cute. Good going up mts. & narrow roads. Lots of room in front & back seats. We weigh 290 lbs. & 195 lbs. & have no problem getting in/out of the car. Love the headrests turning backwards. Put new brake pads & rotors on after 65,000 miles. Great car! Uncomfortable on long drive. Stop every 2-3 hrs. To rest our backs. We stopped in our caddy, too. No regrets.

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  Want a "Truck" - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Sooners71 - July 1 - 2:48 pm

  Drives like a car and has many useful functions like trailering, hauling,and the built in ice chest. I have no issues with the driving view at all. Im 6 feet tall. The seats adjust back and forth and up and down. Theres plenty of storage and it is going to be GREAT for a newborn. It has been on the sandy beaches in Florida with no problems. It laughs at soft sand. The VTM4 works great. I had not notice any issue trailing a 18 ft Sea Ray Bowrider. This is the perfect "truck" for the urbanites. People should not be comparing the mpg versus the former Honda cars (Accord). Comparing apples to oranges. For a TRUCK, it gets above average mpg.

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  Great car - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ben - July 1 - 8:36 am

  I think this is a great car. I got a Thule fit kit right after I got it so I can haul bikes. Can carry 3 bikes on top and 4 people inside comfortably. Has enough power in mountains even with 3 bikes on top, but just barely. Few issues I have are with the low carrying capacity. Also, no interior lock switch reachable from hatch. Illuminated interior makes it difficult to realize you dont have lights on at night. Magic seats are amazingly useful. I actually do use all the modes quite frequently.

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  264K miles and counting...... - 1994 Honda Accord
  By NCSouthernGirl - July 1 - 7:48 am

  I bought my 1994 Accord EX in April 1997 with around 40K miles. Today it has 264K miles. It has the same engine. I have not spent a lot of money in repairs on my car. Just your usual stuff, brakes, tires, oil changes every 3K-5K miles, one timing belt and pump, speedometer sensor about 2 weeks ago, new radiator. It is a 14 yr old car that has been good to me. I will keep this car as long as it runs. I hate a car payment and Id rather fix this car than have a ridiculous monthly car payment, higher insurance and property taxes. This is my 2nd Honda Accord and it is the only car I will ever buy for the rest of my life and I will be 49 on July 10.

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  An objective owners viewpoint... - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By pbear - July 1 - 5:00 am

  From the buying experience to ownership, I have had nothing but a great experience with my Ridgeline. No trouble, no drama, except for the folks out there that are all "experts" on this truck (talk about subjective), its been a great ride. And thanks to the Ridgeline Owners Club. You folks are terrific, just like my truck!