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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  Mainstreaming Easy Driving - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By thdave - February 7 - 6:30 pm

  The nice steering of this vehicle sets it apart a bit from the RAV4 and Outback, the other two vehicles I shopped. It feels small when driving due to its ease of maneuvering and parking yet it is large inside the vehicle. It has great tire grip and traction in the snow. I really like using the electronic brake next to the transmission, as it allows you to take your foot off the brake pedal after you have stopped. Most significantly, the adaptive cruise control works great on the road and in city traffic. It smoothly follows other vehicles to keep the same space between cars, it brakes smoothly and appropriately when the car in front brakes, it "resumes" (you tap "resume" if you have come to a complete stop for longer than 2 sec) or accelerates and follows after the car in front very nicely, too. This reduces driving frustrations and I instead feel like I just cooperate with traffic. This brings us closer to self-driving cars. Note I have less than 500 miles on the car so I answered OK-N/A to many questions (I have not filled up the gas tank yet).

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  Solid transportation - 2003 Honda Accord
  By RCH - February 7 - 2:03 pm

  This replaced a 2002 PT Cruiser stick.It weighs 600 lb more, has a 5 speed silky smooth automatic and gets 31 MPGon the highway compared to 26 for the Cruiser! Ive had no problems mechanically. The heater has heat a mile down the road. The 6 CD stereo system sounds great. The 16 inch rim with Michelin tires give good traction and clearance for snow country. Controls are laid out well and speedometer lighting with large numerals are easy to see without those reading glasses. The center consol has shallow and deeper storage with a handy 12V tap for laptops. Im 6 2" and the seat doesnt go back enough and is too low. There is room enough above my head. The power seat only goes up.

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  Made my wife like Minivans - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Happy Dad - February 7 - 12:55 am

  My wife went from a 2 door Honda Civic EX, to a 4 door Honda Accord LX to the Honda Odyssey EXL with Rear Entertainment System. Before this van she swore she would never drive a minivan. But, with 3 kids now it is a necessity. We both love this van. It rides very smoothly. Has lots of room and the DVD player keeps the kids occupied on long trips. The horse power is great too. We drove a 2004 Toyota Sienna when we shopped and a Chrysler Town and Country. The Sienna had a couple more bells and whistles (second row power windows, more power outlets, power lift gate) and I really like the Town and Countrys stow and go seats. But I am very glad we bought an Odyssey.

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  What is there to say? Its a Honda! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Ben - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  This is a sweet little car that feels, sounds and rides more like a larger one does. The instrument cluster is simple and attractive. All the information you need is easily available. Five-star crash safety ratings, an extraordinary amount of room inside, a surprisingly quiet ride even at freeway speeds, plenty of performance (due in large part to a very smooth 5-speed automatic transmission), great gas mileage - and it is really fun to drive. The Sport model also has an excellent sound system. This is a typical Honda product: good-looking, smooth-riding, well-performing, well-built - a terrific value even at the window sticker price.

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  My first new vehicle - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By 4x4 - February 6 - 7:03 pm

  Love it , very roomy, I dont like the seatbelt, hard to manuever over the thin armrest, but she is a sweet vehicle

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  Excellent choice - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By H West - February 6 - 6:58 pm

  Very dependable vehicle.

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  The right thing to buy - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Yousfi - February 5 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had this car for two months and it is just getting better and better. Its really fun to drive. I like the its stability on the road and inside design that makes you feel comfortable. I think there is some exaggeration on the gas mileage. The average is around 31 mpg instead of the 38 mpg ( talking high way )

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  Extremely Pleased - 02 EX - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Anthony Jocius - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I understand why Honda rates excellent on its mini-vans. I recently took my brand new 02 EX up to Chicago and its a runner. Gas mileage was about 25mpg. Bountiful amounts of room. Ample room in the engine compartment when compared with other mini-vans.

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  Awesome - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Martin - February 5 - 8:50 am

  I bought this car in December. So amazing. Great interior, good fuel efficiency, and its awesome how a civic can turn heads. The 350 watt system with a sub sounds great, and the car is very comfortable to drive. I love honda. The only problem I had is that the dealer was kind of rude to me, and there was a manufacturers defect with a piece in the transmission, that could have been easily found out before I drove it. It took them 10 days to fix supposedly, but the car is amazing and the wait was well worth it.

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  I love my element - 2003 Honda Element
  By Catwoman - February 5 - 1:16 am

  I love my Element. I have had a lot of people stop me at the gas station, restaurant parking lots to admire it. It is comfortable, roomy and easy to keep clean if you spill a lot of coffee or soda. No worries about soiling carpet. It has a lot of room for moving furniture, boxes, etc. The only thing I am not thrilled with is the stereo. It is ok but nothing to write home about.