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 the Ridgeline - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By Deron Bender - October 27 - 12:22 pm

  Never consider myself a "truck-guy" but now I dont think I could consider driving something other than the Ridgeline type truck/SUV/car. I consider the outside looks a blend of a truck and SUV but it really drives like a car. I use the truck bed way more than I could have imagined but it still never feels like Im driving a truck. It feels better than my wifes Lexus 470 and thats no knock on the 470. The bottom line is the inside feels like an SUV, the back is enough of a truck for what 90% of us need when hauling things and it drives like a solid car...couldnt be happier!

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  What Noisy Ride? - 2010 Honda Insight
  By David Moore - October 27 - 12:46 am

  I was looking for an "adult" ride to replace my 05 Vibe. This is less expensive than the Vibe was, and is a delightful, crisp handling, and (compared to the Vibe) quiet. I love this thing. All in all a really classy vehicle for the price.

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  Best value for money plus gr8 ride&handling - 2012 Honda Civic
  By hondaowner12 - October 26 - 9:23 pm

  We have been honda customers for a while..own a 99 accord (has crossed 225000 miles) which stills runs nicely and gives 35mileage..had leased 2007 accord which we loved. I recently bought 2012 civic and I love it. Moving from accord to civic may seem like a downgrade, but the priorities have changed, mileage and monthly cost being the top. The other option we considered was prius..But $7-8K additional price gives me -ve NPV over 5years..also I got 0.9 APR from honda financial My new civic gives me avg 42+mileage (I am mostly on freeway)..comfortable and spacious seats (for my 61" hubby too)..smooth ride&handling..

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  Long Term Test - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By GUH - October 26 - 8:49 pm

  The CRV replaced a 2000 Lexus RX 300. I wanted a car that would haul a lot of stuff, be driven around town without guzzling gas, be good on long hauls, behave reliably, yet able to be driven aggressively. The CRV fulfills all the above except the long haul issue. After 38,000 miles and not a bit of trouble, it confirms Hondas reputation in building reliable, very drivable, affordable vehicles. The engine and transmission shine. Although a 4 cylinder, it really behaves like a small 6. Once you start taking drives longer than 1 to 3 hours though, lookout, its not very comfortable. And the noise! Thats always been Hondas Achilles heel. In summary, local yes, long drives no.

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  its wide! Wider than my Tacoma - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By chris - October 26 - 5:49 pm

  Its really wide compared to Tacoma. I needed a truck to be more compact for historic city driving and parking and I was more focused on the length than thinking of the width when I bought it. Now that I have it, I realize that the extra few inches make a big difference. While it adds to comfort, it makes driving narrow streets and parking more difficult. Also with all that width it would seem like honda could have fit more storage nooks into the rear door panels. Overall its a nice truck and has a great ride and I was suprised at how fast it accelerates compared to tacoma. While I got the highest trim level, Im disappointed in some of the material quality (although I also own 2 BMWs and an Acura - so i may be a little spoiled by them). Another complaint is the arm rest set up - I miss a full size console.

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  Honda Fit 2007 - 2007 Honda Fit
  By jmg - October 26 - 3:43 pm

  Best mini compact car by honda. Nice ride on the curves, accelerates fast, fun to drive on the sport mode. I love it.

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  A truck that keeps you man-hood in tact - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By Baltimore Driver - October 26 - 3:22 pm

  With a family of 5 and a house to take care of, this truck does it all. 3 kids (all under 12) fit in the back with plenty of room to spare. The trunk can fit a bag of soccer balls and lawn chairs, or a full trips worth of bags from the grocery store. The bed is perfect for runs to the dump. You sit up high and feel safe. The wifes Odyssey will always be the go-to family vehicle, but having something I can tow the family and all of our bikes with, is a great thing indeed.

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  Dont Buy! - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Shail - October 26 - 3:23 am

  I wrote the following letter to Honda Motor Company (HMC). HMC does not accept email so I had to mail it to them. Dear Customer Service, Re: Our new Honda Odyssey On March 17, 2016 we took the delivery of new Honda Odyssey van. The details of the van are as follows: Dealer: DCH Honda of Nanuet, NY Purchase date: 03/17/2016 Model: Odyssey LX, 2016 year VIN: xxxxxx We are very disappointed with the van interior. The floor carpet in the third row seat is stapled and the break in the carpet is disconcerting. You can clearly see this in the following photograph (not able to post in this review) The front row floor matting is misfit. The middle part of the matting ridges up even though the matting locks are properly secured. Please see following picture. In the back cargo bay on two sides two small hills pop up. Overall the Odyssey interior gives a feeling of cheapness (there are no armrest on both sides of the second row seats). This is our forth Honda purchase - we bought two Civics and one Accord in past. We always assumed great quality from Honda. We never worried about the stylishness and interior quality of Honda craftsmanship. We were not disappointed in the first three purchases. But the Odyssey experience teaches us that when we are in the market for two more cars in 2017 for our twins we better look around to other manufacturer. Thank you for reading this opinion. Regards,

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  A pretty cool box - 2007 Honda Element
  By New Honda owner - October 25 - 11:58 pm

  Traded in 07 Nissan Frontier CC with 39,000 miles. Needed more space for kids. Element fits the bill. Rear seats with surprising amount of space, front seats ok. Cargo capacity just right. Engine performance pretty good, but a bit noisy. A/C nice and cold in So Cal desert. Made a good choice.

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  Some Issues - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Honda owner - October 25 - 3:28 pm

  Two big problems with the 2000 Odyssey. First, the transmission tends to break and has design issues. Second, the automatic sliding doors tend to break also. Both of them on my Odyssey have had issues, and are expensive to fix. Other than those, it is comfortable and handles well for a minivan.