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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  Flashy Odyssey! - 2015 Honda Odyssey
  By Jon Kolas - October 14 - 4:43 pm

  So easy to drive after a big old truck! Great visibility - no blind spot. Extremely versatile configuration. So much better looking than other mini-vans.

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  love it! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Emilie - October 14 - 3:48 pm

  I love this car!

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  Like the Energizer Bunny! - 1994 Honda Civic
  By David McDonald - October 14 - 6:11 am

  I bought my Civic LX with 30,000 miles back in early 1998 while I was still in college. I sold it in December 2007 with 157,000 miles the engine was as strong and dependable as when I bought it. Major maintenance costs were as follows: 80,000 mi: slave clutch cylinder died ($120) 100,000 mi: replaced timing belt ($400) 130,000 mi: master clutch cylinder died ($200) 130,000 mi: radiator cracked on plastic head ($350) 130,000 mi: replaced both front axles due to cracked boots ($400) 150,000 mi: replaced steering cracking rack boot ($300) 155,000 mi: ignition switch started to go bad While I went through about 3 pairs of front brake pads, the rear brake shoes were still the originals. Brake pads cost me as little as $9, and with a single bolt holding each front caliper in place, they were a snap (30 minutes) to replace. At around 100,000, the car just wouldnt start up one day I replaced the spark plugs (~$15), and it started right back up. At 155,000, the car just shut off on the road on the way to work, and all the instrumentation shut off. It started up again, but did the same to me a couple of additional times throughout the week. I traced the issue to a bad ignition switch, common in high-mileage Hondas. Cost is about $200. While this car is extremely dependable, its most certainly not a luxury car (even with the "LX" moniker). Road noise is quite noticeable, and the rear plastic bumper panel keeps trying to pry loose from its attach point on the quarter panel. The engine vibrates going through 4000 rpm while accelerating, and the whole vehicle shutters in response. The original sound system leaves much to be desired, and the paper speakers will most certainly die well before the car. Despite its shortcomings, I most heartily recommend this car. Its 30-40 mpg gas mileage, its extreme reliability, and its inexpensive maintenance make up for its shortcomings in spades.

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  Time to treat myself - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Charlotte - October 13 - 7:03 pm

  This vehicle is a delight to drive worth every penny!

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  Nice to be back in a Honda - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Rick S. - October 13 - 5:15 am

  After 25 Years of driving mostly Toyotas, I thought I would give a Honda a try again. Our "weekend " car is a very nice Lexus ES 350, so I drive my new Civic Coupe almost every day. I am very pleased with the fit and finish on this car, and like most Hondas, it is mostly fun to drive. I found the CVT to be a pleasant surprise, as my experience with them on rental cars was not good. They always seemed to be sluggish, but not so with this little Honda. Looks like they got it right with this car. My only gripe with the car is with the infotainment system. Being a very tech savvy person, I thought it would be easy to figure out, but I have found myself going to the owners manual more than I would like. That said, this a great little car, and I look forward to many pleasant years of ownership.

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  Best car ever - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By teresa - October 12 - 6:37 pm

  This has been the best car ever. I bought mine new many years ago, and have always loved this car. It has needed extraordinarily little maintenance over all these years, and still runs beautifully - I am even on the original clutch. Great Car!!!!!

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  I absolutely love this car. - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Kathy Blough - October 12 - 7:33 am

  I traded in a 2009 Toyota Sienna for the 2015 Honda Civic EX 4-door sedan. I didnt need the mom van anymore, and was looking for a fun little car at an affordable price that had "bells and whistles". I researched new cars for 3-4 months, and felt pretty sure the Honda Civic was my best fit, although I admit I was hesitant to go from a van with a v6 engine with great pickup-and-go to a 1.8 cyl CVT. I shouldnt have worried. The Civic has no problem with acceleration, even starting uphill after standing still. The ride is very comfortable, and I commute an hour and a half every day. The interior is very attractive. I love the sunroof. It has auto air, so I set it to one temperature and hardly ever have to mess with the air control. Its sporty and fun to drive. The price cant be beat. Its a terrific car at a great price with great features. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  will buy another if i live long enough. doubt it. - 2000 Honda Civic
  By george - October 9 - 11:41 pm

  too bad. i missed out on buying a new one. mine is used. a poor sap sold it to me. i have put 120k on mine in past 10 years. i am working on restoring mine now. cosmetically, NOT mechanically. i wish i could upload a pic. even with just the new wheels/tires, it looks fantastic.

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  For the Boy - 1996 Honda Accord
  By Regina Wilson - October 9 - 9:39 am

  This was the best used car I ever purchased! I helped my son buy this car for himself after he graduated from high school in 2011. Everybody in the family drove the car to and fro before he even started to drive it, and we had a ball! This car was great on gas. My son and husband even put a new radio in the car with help from YouTube. That made a big difference in the sound quality. The only thing he didnt like about the car that this was an anniversary edition, and the windows were manual (exercise for those biceps). In October 2014, my son was cut off by another driver and hit someone. The car was totaled with 176,000. I wish that we still had that car the way gas prices are. I would recommend this car to new drivers and folks who do not drive a lot. It is worth it. You can get your maintenance done at a neighborhood shop or DIY.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2011 Honda Accord
  By steve may - October 9 - 4:50 am

  This car is great. It drives nicely, handles great and gets great mileage. The SE trim is perfect - just the few bells and whistles we wanted and nothing else.