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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  Bait and Switch - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Suzy K - December 1 - 7:23 am

  The gas mileage is lousy. I bought planning my mpg would be 24 - 25 it is 20 - 21. My 2004 I just sold got 18-19. I feel completely taken by Honda. The only way I can get my mpg up a little is to turn off my car at long red lights; use the highest octane gas, leave windows wound up and very little air conditioning, dont have weight in my car; and dont drive over 60 or 65 . Be very careful if you buy this car, many people are complaining about the mpg

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Melissa - December 1 - 1:45 am

  Ive had 3 trouble-free years with my Accord. Two accidents left me fine, and the car (repaired) is back in perfect condition. I average 32 mpg with mostly freeway driving. Beside the typical maintenance, Ive had to do nothing to it. Its roomy with high quality interior materials. In short, I love it. Its not a highly exciting car, but I knew that before I purchased it. I will continue to purchase Hondas.

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  Love That Element! - 2005 Honda Element
  By Estie - November 30 - 10:10 pm

  I actually bought mine in July, 2003 but 2003 wasnt listed on this. I get asked frequently how I like driving it, and my answer is I love it. The price, look, functionality, design, performance, comfort are excellent. Every day we drive it, my husband & I are glad we bought it. Weve done so much with it - Id recommend it to anyone. This car seemed to be marketed for college kids but I see people of all ages driving them.

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  A Sienna Killer - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Bob - November 30 - 9:50 pm

  I was ready to buy a Sienna, based on years of good experience with Toyota products. I drove the Sienna and the Odyssey, back to back, at the same dealership and found out why the Odyssey finally topped the Sienna as the best mini-van in 2005. The Sienna is in a class above the other mini-vans Ive driven, but the Odyssey is even better! It is a very well thought-out vehicle, handles like a sports car and is miserly on fuel, considering its weight. Its eerily quiet at both 70 mph 110 mph, going from one speed to the other in a flash. Howd they do that? The quality of construction is superb, all controls are intuitive and at-hand, making driving fun again. You gotta love this car!

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  Interior needs work - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By clarke - November 30 - 9:02 pm

  Me and my wife have this van for 2 yrs. Fuel economy stinks, entertainment stopped working after six months. We have the ex cloth w/entertainment. Should have gotten ex-L without entertainment. We have children and for that it is great. Comfort is good. Overall good.

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  The Good: The Room, The Bad: The Tranny - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Rolland - November 30 - 5:13 pm

  After 10,000 miles in 4 months, I was expecting the car to settle in and drive more smoothly, plus improve gas mileage. But, it didnt! There is something in the automatic transmission called "Engine Braking System." This is a horrid piece of engineering. On deceleration to an intersection, it grinds the car down to a stop by itself without touching the brake. Dont know what this feature is for, but it has been a little dangerous in city driving. I hope there is a "fix" soon from Honda. I think it may be contributing to my less-than-expected gas mileage of 26-30. That said, I am very happy with the rest of the car! Decent power, great cargo capacity! But should have waited for a 5sp manual.

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  What has happened to Hondas quality! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Emery - November 30 - 4:00 pm

  I currently own a 2015 CRV which I dislike more than any car I have ever owned. After 8 mons I have had more issues and simply tired of the service dept acting as though they see and feel nothing..I have been trying out other vehicles and this was one even though I have no intention of buying Honda again. This car is cute but the ride is so bad. I drove it while raining and it hydroplanes so bad at 40 mph..so does my CRV. I am female 120 lbs and this HRV is so tight feeling. My body is too close to the door, you have to work at it to get into the console, head rests make no sense, even getting in the way. I will never trust them again. They took my hard earned money for nice down payment, lied to my face day of purchase and then told me it was Hindas problem, not theirs. My neighbor bought the new Piot and has owned one for years but syas it has all changed..this new car is cheaper made and he is having huge issues..Dont hold out for them. They contcated me one time in all the mons I have owned crv and the conversation was scripted and cold. Im on a mission to find facts. Good Luck everyone.

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  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...

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  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...

• 

  This car is the bombbbbbb!!!!!! - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jerry - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  Ive had this 98 hx all over a year now & it has been an awesome car..And of course Ive did a lot of up grade( its a Honda).. but its all ways up for a road trip, I purchased the car with 125,xxx Im @154,xxx and Ive decided to rebuild the bottom end with high compression pistons to go with my comp-cam.. my house should end up @170-180hp by the end;which is the same hp as a Acura Integra Ls motor( which is a dohc) pretty good for a sohc...