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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  Love my Honda but.. - 2009 Honda Civic
  By kiralee1 - July 14 - 9:01 pm

  I got this car used with about 25,000 miles on it and its at 62,000 miles now. Really fun to drive, nice handling, and exceptionally reliable. Ive never had any mechanical problems, just regular service. It does really good in the snow if you put beefy snow tires on. The biggest problem is the paint. Its peeling everywhere and rusting. Honda said they dont cover the paint because of where I live. Ive had a few older Hondas and they have all had paint issues. They are a more expensive economy car and I think they should have higher quality paint. If you get a lower end civic get better wheels put on. One pothole and the wheel will bend. Overall a really great car.

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  Dont Buy - 2010 Honda Civic
  By dabatangelo - July 14 - 1:17 pm

  Ive had my hybrid for 4 years. It gets about 26 mpg in the city and 32 highway. It is even worse in winter I had to replace the battery after just over two years and 27,000 miles. Im at 49,000 now and it feels like I need to do it again. The tire gauge is constantly going on even though the tires have full pressure. I recently bought new tires and they said that the gauge inside the tire was broken but a month later the tire light was going on again even with full pressure. I wanted to keep this car for ten years but dont look forward to having to buy a new battery every two years or so. I had better mileage on my gas Civic.

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  Frugal on gas, exceptional on versatility. - 2015 Honda Fit
  By mazdafun - July 13 - 7:13 pm

  I got the 2015 Fit LX for its efficiency and cargo handling versatility. So far, Ive been very happy with its performance in both aspects. There is a lot of headroom in the front. I am 6 standing but sit as tall as the average 63" man. There is sufficient legroom in front and rear for adults. The steering wheel could extend a bit more, but its acceptable. Outward visibility is very good, which is a rarity these days. Acceleration is good for its class, though the engine doesnt sound happy when pushed. It handles nimbly, though not as well as my 99 Protege or my wifes Mazda P5. The stereo speakers are OK for talk radio but are too flat and muddy for pretty much any music.

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  Enjoying New Fit - 2015 Honda Fit
  By zkeith2 - July 13 - 7:00 pm

  Among the best cars in its class and 2015 redesign keeps it in that position.

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  This car feels like home now - 2003 Honda Element
  By chasitye - July 13 - 9:25 am

  When i first saw this car I thought it was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. Upon further driving and testing, it was PERFECT! The roominess has spoiled me. I cant even tell you how many times Ive hauled things inside the car with the seats up and peoples jaws drop because they "had no idea". Countless times I have used the suicide doors to get the kids out and people come up to my car to check it out. Its a 2003!!! Dont act like youve never seen one. With two kids under 10 the rubber floors have been a Godsend! I cant tell you how many ice creams and food disasters have been avoided. Not to mention that after beach trips I just take my leaf blower and blow ALL the sand out of the car

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  Good value for the price - 2012 Honda CR-V
  By atobz - July 12 - 10:21 am

  I am halfway through my 2012 CR-V LX AWD lease my commute is ~7m RT and I rarely travel long distance for work. I live in hilly NE where AWD is a must for us. As this is the primary commuter car (second car is an around-town minivan) I wanted the safety and all-purpose features of an SUV with the mileage and comfort of a sedan. On the whole I am impressed given what I see is a lack of strong competitors in this price range. As a former Honda/Subaru/Saab owner, I preferred the build of Honda over Kia and Hyundai, find the fit/finish/layout of the RAV-4 (and most Toyotas in general) a bit wonky, dont trust the reliability or build quality of Ford quite yet, and dont have the $ for an MDX.

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  Terrible ride - no suspension system - DO NOT BUY! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By carguy199 - July 12 - 10:13 am

  Traded in a 99 Chevy Malibu for this (leased) car, and I wish I had the Chevy back. Terribly rough ride, extremely shaky and loud over the tiniest bumps. Potholes literally shake you to the point where you think the car will far apart! Even the AC in the 99 Chevy was better. Any car Ive ever driven or rode in has a smoother ride. Its because with the 2013 models they dropped the wishbone suspension to save money. I dont believe they tested the suspension, its terrible, extremely unpleasant. Not what youd expect from a high-end Accord. Also, the car has started making shaking noises when I hit bumps, its pretty disturbing for a new car. AVOID THIS CAR !

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  I love my Fit! - 2015 Honda Fit
  By hondafangirl - July 12 - 3:11 am

  Ive wanted a Fit since they hit the US in 2006. Ive been driving Accords for many years, and with this 3rd generation Fit redesign, I finally decided it was time to own my first Fit. I opted for the fully loaded EX-L w/Navi. Ive had the car for two weeks now, and I do not regret my purchase one bit. I do not feel like I am in a small subcompact in this car. It handles really well on the highway, and city driving is the most fun! I have gotten above average returns on mileage with a mix of hwy/city. Honda got it right with the Fit in my opinion. If you remember Honda from the 70s-80s, the Fit reminds me of that era. Small, economical and a blast to drive. I love my Fit!

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  Awesome Car - 2014 Honda CR-Z
  By ridgevilleguy - July 11 - 7:38 am

  Test drove the CR-Z and fell in love with it. Great handling, smooth stable ride, plenty of power, rear visibility not really an issue just need to get use to it( a good driver will not have a problem). Interior looks like driving a spaceship, exterior modern style gets looks at every stop light. Much nicer looking than the ugly Prius. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a small commuter car. Press hard to get a good discount, dealer will give in to move inventory.

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  The King of the economy crowd - 2015 Honda Fit
  By 6sptl - July 10 - 9:19 am

  The new Fit is so far ahead of the class that its the a the stereotypical Asian child in the classroom. Good driving dynamics, check, unbelievable packaging, check, refined drive, check powerful engine, check, check, check, check. This car is as good or much better in all parameters than any car in its category period. It irritates me to no end when the only criticism someone can level at a car is that they object to the styling, it goes a long way to establish the commenters lack of intelligence. BTW, to my eye it looks pretty darned good.The EX without leather is the best deal, add a Garmin and go.