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 E - Great Dog Car - 2004 Honda Element
  By DogAddict - April 1 - 9:39 pm

  I LOVE my Element and am actually about to trade it in on a 2008! I have removed the back two seats and have turned into a "dog car" with crates for my 4 dogs, my Quik Shade tent, chairs and everything else I need for our weekend outings at agility trials or disc dog competitions. Its versatility is phenomenal and a friend and I kid that "Everything can fit in the E!". It drives great, has been 100% reliable. Gas mileage has been good for an SUV. I looked around a little before deciding on another E but couldnt find anything that suits my needs like the E does.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By Soccer3564 - April 1 - 8:49 pm

  I have been researching this SUV for a while now and it far surpasses what I expected. The interior design is more for utility not luxury.

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  What a wonderful car - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Sean - April 1 - 3:33 pm

  Second Accord. First was EX-L 4cyl, opted for the V6 this time and Im getting the same mileage as the 4cyl with loads more power and refinement. It also has stability control which the 4cyl didnt have. This is a very nice riding and handling car. I will definitely buy Honda products again.

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  Sold the CBR - 2004 Honda S2000
  By semilegal - April 1 - 3:27 pm

  Im 37, just had my 4th kid - wife said no more motorcycles. So we compromised: S2000 (I win). I have a 65 Cobra replica that doesnt get the attention that this car gets - and lemme tell you the S2000 is more fun to drive and easier on the body. I hate to use a cliche, but its a typical Honda: reliable, well- engineered, predictable (in a good way) and advanced. 240 HP out of a 4 cyl. that blows-away cars costing $15,000+ more. Its precise and road- sticky ... you can kick the back-end out when you want, but it never seems to do it absent a quick down-shift and 6,000 RPM boost. ** It would be perfect if it could re- grow some of my hair (Im in pre-mid- life crisis mode).

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  Ill never buy a Honda again - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By J Elkin - April 1 - 12:31 pm

  So were do I start? I could start with the creaky and rattling interior. Or I could talk about what a joke the gas mileage is compared to what they claim it will be. But most of all this car is just a piece of garbage. Cant wait until the lease is over and I can go and get a decent truck or SUV. Honda may do a good job with cars, but trucks and SUVs are not their thing . For what the Ridgeline cost me ($32K) I could have purchased a number of other better trucks or SUVs. Do yourself a favor and dont make my mistake.....buy something else.

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  True utility car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By hp - April 1 - 12:05 pm

  I purchased this car on October 2006, It has performed to our expectation. I have rented a U-haul trailer and pulled it from Richmond, VA to Livonia, MI (approx. 1200lbs). We love the adjustable rear seats and back rest. The all-wheel drive system performed well in the Michigan winters. I didnt have to worry about switching the system to 4x4. Lastly, the gas consumption has been good. In the city we average about 24 mpg and on the highway about 28 mpg (70 mph). Driving on the highway at 55-60 mph get me above 30 mpg.

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  Disappointed in car & dealership!!! - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By vee - April 1 - 8:23 am

  I followed consumer reports recommendation and purchased the odyssey. Overall I like the car, but am disappointed with the service I have received at the dealership and repair problems. At 74,000 the catalytic converter had to be replaced. Five days later the check engine light came on. I was told the rear converter needs replacement! Does the car really have two converters or are they giving me the run around! Im currently waiting for the new part to be installed. Thank God I dont have to pay for the repairs (covered under the federal emissions warranty)... I was overcharged for a previous repair by $300. It took over a week to straighten the problem out!

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  Economical commute csr - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Paul Swan - April 1 - 4:16 am

  This year and model Honda has a small economical engine. Makes the commute from Costa Mesa to Corona and back reliable and cost effective. Its a no frills vehicle, and does everthing I need it to do. Low cost of ownership (gas, maintenance, insurance, DMV fees, etc.)

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  Love my Odyssey!! - 2018 Honda Odyssey
  By James547 - April 1 - 1:01 am

  I owned a 2011 Toyota Sienna. It started having too many problems for me to justify keeping it, especially considering its only 6 years old. I had to replace both sliding door motors, drivers door lock, front and rear rotors, several small engine repairs ($870 worth). I test drove both the Chrysler Pacifica and Odyssey. The Odyssey won, hands down. The PacificaStinky styling was too funny for me, some of the interior materials seemed very cheaply made, and the rear seats and head room were pathetic, along with the infotainment system. I picked up my 2018 Odyssey Touring last week. So far, owning it has been an absolute joy. The features I love most is the way it drives. Its quick, very responsive, and the steering feel and control is amazing. It drives much more like a car or sporty SUV than a van, certainly tons better than the Sienna. I rides so well, too. The seats are amazing for me, a 197 lb. 6.0 ft. tall guy, and a good amount of headroom, even in the second row! The rear seats are just as comfortable as the front, unlike the new Chrysler Pacifica that we also test drove. The rear seats were unbelievably uncomfortable in the Pacifica, most likely due to less padding for the seat to fit and fold down into the floor. Id much rather have comfortable seats that dont fold into the floor. The sliding second row seats are also incredible and useful. I have 2 kids and a wife, so usually the third row seat isnt occupied. But If it is, we still have plenty of room for cargo in the trunk!! The infotainment system is very quick and lag-free, also very unlike the sluggish Pacifica infotainment. We didnt get the Elite trim because we dont need the CabinWatch or CabinTalk feature, because my kids are grown. We chose the Touring trim over the EX-L mostly for the extra safety features. We love the features, especially LaneKeep Assist which definitely adds peace of mind while driving at night or when tired. I honestly have zero complaints with my van so far! If something comes up Ill definitely update my comment. If you want a fun to drive family hauler with impressive features, the Odyssey is for you. Definitely worth a test drive!!

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  12 years and still going strong - 1996 Honda Civic
  By mark machula - April 1 - 12:52 am

  I had this car given to me as a gift it had 28,000 kms at the time I have had it 3 years and 50,000 kms later and all I have done is change the oil every 5,000 kms new front brakes and tires. I am impressed it never breaks down. It is fun to drive and it has a lot of pep for an engine and car of its size I am also impressed with its safety. I was in an accident last year with it. I hit another car head on driving 80 kmh and did not even suffer any injuries and my car was fixable. After that experience I feel very safe in my car. Over all I think Honda has built a great quality vehicle with this car.