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 Call Her "Olivia" :) - 1997 Honda Odyssey
  By nanamcal - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  I purchased my Odyssey in 1999 w/ 29K on her. She now has 154K on the engine. She is like a trusted old friend. She even survived a flood in 2005 at 127K with water in the engine. I had to wait a month for the carpet to be cut for her back then. She survived! When the water was blown out of the engine by my Ace mechanic I was told it was one tough little engine. Timing belt change new rear shocks from all the loads she carried. Brakes last forever on this little dynamo!. I dread the day I have to give her up. Great resale value still. Would buy another in a heartbeat! They dont make them like her anymore!! Built in Japan to LAST! Hope to keep her for another 150K

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  Best car Ive owned (long term) - 2003 Honda Accord
  By randomao - July 16 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car in late 05 with approx 34,000 on it. 120,000 miles later, and no major issues at all. The CD changer shorted out @ 75k, but it was covered under the extended warranty. Like others mentioned, the paint isnt holding up the best, theres a lot of chips, and the clear coat is starting to peel in a couple places. The drivers window comes off the track once in while, making a loud squealing noise, and the leather, where the back of youre upper left arm contacts the seat is cracking, Insignificant cons. Ive been thinking about getting a newer car, but its hard to find one that offers more that doesnt cost 25k. Its paid for, and I wouldnt hesitate a 2000 mi trip.

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  Great truck - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By mcruzen - July 16 - 2:22 pm

  Traded a lexus suv for the RTL in October of last year. Both of us truly enjoy the ride and drive, plus the flexibility. Mileage has been reasonable and the truck has proven to be extremely useful.

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  Very versatile vehicle - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By mackereljoe - July 15 - 5:31 pm

  Bougth this car 6.5 years ago and now have 170,000 trouble free miles. Daughter has been driving this car for awhile and with this much mileage, i still have confidence in it to go cross country and back. Not all is good in the beginning since the dealer charged me over $1000 for some kind of paint sealant, its crap it takes along time to buff it to shine. My 9 years old Odyssey didnt have it and with over 210,000 miles still looks good. The recommended tire pressure inflation is way too low for the weight of the vehicle at 29 PSI. With 29 PSI the mileage is at 20 city and 23 Hwy and obvious underinflation tire wear. Finally got dialed in at 36 PSI all around to get the 23/26.

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  Love my "Shark" - 2011 Honda CR-Z
  By jealousbaker - July 11 - 7:05 am

  Ive had my CR-Z for a little over a week now, and I absolutely love it! I researched new cars for several months, looking at all cars in the price range. It was love at first sight with the CR-Z. Great gas mileage, in my price range (unlike other hybrids), and great looks won it for me. It was a little annoying that it didnt have a backseat (I usually drive alone anyways) and the rearward visibility (I was driving a car with no rear view mirror occasionally, so it wasnt so bad!), and I wished it would have had the option of a sunroof. However everything else about it I love!! I drive A LOT and it is great to see my gas mileage is at 42 mpg right now. And everyone loves the looks.

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  Element has Gone to the Dogs - 2011 Honda Element
  By dano100 - July 10 - 10:00 pm

  My wife hounded (no pun intended) me until we bought a new Element. I am a Honda Sales Consultant and knew the one we had in stock would be one of the last new ones we would be getting so we traded our old 4Runner in on it. The Element is a blast to drive (I also own an S2000) and is the perfect vehicle for our 2 Boxers and a Bulldog to ride in. It is also a great car to take to Lowes or Home Depot.

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  Was My Moms Car - 2000 Honda Accord
  By jeffoweho - July 8 - 12:29 pm

  I just inherited my Moms Accord in 10/10. I hand picked it for her in 07/00. I got a great deal 4 her, $22k out the door. She only drove it 60k mi. I sold my 93HondaDelSol (I bought brand new 08/15/92-that car was AWESOME)[thought since Im over 40 now, a bit more mature car will serve me (and friends) better] I am really grateful to get to drive this car - it drives just as good as the day she got it. The transmission does act a little funny when backing into my parking space she did get it repaired under recall but, I should follow up with the dealer when I get the timing belt done. Need new tires. I drive very little so it should last me another 10+yrs! I do miss my Mom though!

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  No complaints after 2 years - 2009 Honda Civic
  By bassmstr9 - July 8 - 7:32 am

  I leased this car 2 years ago because it was cheap, good on gas, has good safety ratings, and Honda is the leader in reliability. I traded in a BMW 3 series because the repairs on the BMW were AWFUL - frequent and expensive. Except for the BMW acceleration and handling, I like the Honda better in every way. It has no rattles, no check engine lights, and no problems of any sort in 2 years. On long trips I get over 40mpg (non-hybrid) on regular gas at 75mph with the air conditioning blasting. Its comfortable as long as youre not 65" tall. Im actually buying it before the lease is up and just keeping the car.

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  Original Owner - 1996 Honda Accord
  By cheeseybrie - July 5 - 11:27 am

  Grandpa bought this car off the lot, and did all routine maintainence at home. Lived at 8,000ft and saw winters of below 0F. Lives with me in summer heat of 120F+ and with 208k miles on it now, still doing all maintaining at home shop. The only problem is a failed transmission just two weeks ago. Such a great car, super reliable, has been across the country and back and on many long road trips, up mountain roads, through the woods, through rivers (literally). treated this car like a truck. NEVER broke down for any reason until now, and worth the money to rebuild the tranny. Would recommend this car to anyone. Just treat her right and shell do the same

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  2005 honda crv-82000-- - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rgv602 - June 30 - 6:33 pm

  Never had a mechanical breakdown on this car built by Honda. Only parts I changed was 2 headlight bulbs and front brake pads after 6 years of owning it. This is by far the best purchased I ever made.