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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  The Habanero - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Jonah P. - January 31 - 12:58 pm

  Saved up after working through high school to purchase a car. After countless test drives I came upon a one owner Habanero Red Pearl Si sedan with ~68k miles for ~10k. I couldnt be happier with the car. Initially the car had the infamous 3rd gear grind. Upon reading about the issue, I decided to change my transmission fluid to Royal Purple 75w-90 synchromesh transmission fluid (from oem Honda manual trans fluid) and the havent ground third or any other gear since. I have kept up on maintenance (oil changes every 3k-4K miles) and have had no other problems save for minor things such as a brake light going out, replacing a battery, and a passenger window that occasionally doesnt want to roll down. Car is dead reliable after putting over 20k miles on it in one year and a trip from Indiana to Florida. Good acceleration, shifts like butter, fantastic handling, gray stock cat-back exhaust, cool interior features such as digital speedometer and great sound system. Keep up with maintenance and this car will go forever. I love it and I bet you will too!

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  Honda understands the means of a use able vehicle - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Chris - January 30 - 6:33 pm

  First off this truck is amazing. So much we almost got two but could not get two so we got a new fit. But this Vehicle is great. When driving you completely forget your in a "truck". I have a 99 ford f350 diesel and a 05 jeep wrangler. I have owned a Colorado and Ranger. Nothing compares I have never bought a new vehicle till i bought this brand new and well the fit to. the truck has lived up to everything so far. We have put about 2000 miles on it since thanksgiving. I live in upstate ny and where in snow season now. I did get stuck...but wait whats this snow mode button do and insistently i was unstuck amazing great system. It makes no funny noises that a vehicle shouldnt make. It easy to clean not to many hiding pockets to catch all the salt. This radio thing people are complaining about...well it took us about 1500 miles before we got the hang of it. Its much easier to use if you use the voice or steering wheel controls. Then you never need to touch anything. Plus its a computer you need to give things a chance to "think". Compared to the fit the controls are not very driver orientated but your passenger will do just fine. Were a drive in couple and the bed speakers will rock the heck out of the drive in this summer we cant wait. Are real average for gas so far is under 21 mpg. We do a ton of mix driving plus its winter now. The vehicle just makes you want to drive it which is what a vehicle of USE ABILITY should do for you. No complaints now only time to wait for the type-r civic.......

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By 5forfighting - January 30 - 8:13 am

  Bought the LX 2-door to replace my wifes 20K-miles-per-year Explorer. I honestly thought wed never buy a NEW car again but we did the math and with the cost of fuel this thing darn near pays for itself as a replacement for the low-MPG Explorer. We had Hondas before having children and now that were "near-empty-nesters" dont need the SUV so much. After a few tankfuls weve averaged 32.7 mpg in COMBINED city/hwy driving!!! The 2-door seems roomier every time we drive it. My hockey gear didnt eat up much trunk space and hockey sticks have plenty of room with the fold-down rear seatback. It is a BLAST to drive, in traffic or on the highway. Might be more fun with a manual tranny.

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  Honda CRV. You dont need a 6 cylinder - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By Neal Golden - January 29 - 11:13 pm

  I have 2 Honda CRV. I gave my fiancee my old Honda CRV, it have 182,000 miles with the same transmission and engine. I bought the second Honda without test driving it. The new Honda have plenty of power. I dont understand why everyone want a 6 cylinder. I have no trouble getting around in the snow and it get 24 to 25 miles per gallon. I am going to keep this car until it drop. I think this is the best car for your money. Toyota is over price. I bought the new Honda with the sunroof and roofrack for $ 23,500 and that include tax.

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  What do I now buy for my daughter - 1991 Honda Prelude
  By Ron in Jersey - January 29 - 7:12 pm

  Bought this car for my son. It had only 46,000 miles and got from a fellow townie. OUTSTANDING. I had to put a timing belt, new exhaust, and a new battery over last 5 years. Shows no signs of wearing out. Classic look. Now my daughter is getting her license and it will be hard to find something comparable. Trust me I have been looking

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  Wife didnt want a van but loves it now! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Jim Brown - January 29 - 5:23 pm

  We purchased our Touring edition with DVD/Entertainment system a few weeks ago. Ive driven a Ford Explorer before this and have driven many rental Chrysler and Ford minivans over the years. I thought the Town & Country would be a good choice but was I wrong. After driving the Honda there was simply no comparison. American brands are not in the same class. My wife originally balked at the idea of a van. I wont call it a minivan because it isnt mini at all. Its as big as a Ford Expedition when parked im my garage. After getting the van she fell in love with it. Compared to a SUV its easier to enter and exit, its quieter, smooter, more refined, and gets better mileage.

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  Better gas mileage that I planned for!!! - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By agne - January 29 - 4:33 pm

  I have had the Pilot for just over a week. It is the best vehicle I have had thus far. (4th Honda we have purchased) Rides great and interior room is great. Child loves the RES. The ECO mode is great. In town mileage I am getting 18.5mpg took it on the highway this weekend for a trip averaged 24mpg on the way to our destination an 25mpg on the way home!!! Yes you read that right. That was also with regular 87 octane. If you do your part it can do its part.

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  Solid car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By rsand - January 29 - 7:36 am

  I purchased my 2007 honda accord lx 4 door 2.4 manual transmission in september 2007. Thank you honda for doing a body change in the 2007.

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  a true street legal race car - 2002 Honda S2000
  By 2002s2k - January 29 - 2:00 am

  outstanding sports car for the price. there is absolutely no worthy competitor under $45K. if you are a true sports car enthusiast, this is the one to get. the exterior is attractive and eye catching, although its a bit conservative. the engine is silky smooth even up to 9000 rpm! the transmission and shifter are the best in the world, period. what makes this car so good and received so much praise is because Honda put together an almost perfect package for a very reasonable price. if you are a non-compromising sports car lover, look no further.

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  Great Suv - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By lcarbonn - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This new suv seems to hit the area up here in the northeast. While i dont do heavy off roading,i comes in handy when i do need it. I got 25.8 miles per gallon on the first tank with a little interstate driving. Everything seems to be what we want. I have 625 miles on it and cant wait to drive it more.Our other car was a 1997 honda accord ex. So what a move!