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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  Useful SUV - 2000 Honda CR-V
  By albatem - August 1 - 11:30 am

  Although this car is sluggish and not at all sporty it is a very useful vehicle. When the rear seats are folded flat there is a great deal of space for cargo hauling. The rear mounted spare tire works well with my spare mounted bike rack. Have not been able to get this things stuck yet, even from a dead stop in 3 snow drifts. Not the best mileage for a 4cyl usually 18 in the city and low- mid 20s on the hwy, very comfortable leather seating for long trips and lots of storage and cup holders. Overall good vehicle for my current needs.

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  Excellent so far - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By RHB in PA - July 31 - 12:18 pm

  2008 EX-L. Very good long-distance hauler, love the comfort of the Honda seating. Tiny turning radius for such a big vehicle. Handling, acceleration, ride are very good. Only complaint is the lousy original tires, Michelins that were replacing next weekend after only 25,000 miles.

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  Had first oil change, still happy - 2009 Honda CR-V
  By JustChuck - July 31 - 12:12 pm

  I had my first oil change about a month ago at 6500 miles. There was still 20% oil life left, according to the indicator. Also had the tires rotated at the same time. No issues at all with the car. The build quality is excellent. Gas mileage in crowded suburbs/stop and go driving is disappointing at 14-15 MPG, but highway mileage is consistently 26- 28 MPG. Have taken day long trips with three people and everyone comments how roomy and comfortable the back seat is. Have also taken a 2400 mile round trip NY-FL with my son who is 64". No issues with his height. Good luggage capacity, accommodated three people for a two day trip with room to spare, and two people for a week long trip.

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  Hard to believe Honda is such a leader - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By M Gibson - July 31 - 9:07 am

  I hate the Odyssey touring. Certain it will run until the tires fall off, but every time I try to open a door or get in it, I am frustrated with the lack of insight the design team displayed. Fob and key should be integrated. The sliding doors and hatch buttons should be centrally located so either adult in the front can open doors. The power pedal should be movable when driving. Passenger seat should be as comfortable and 8-way like drivers. No rds, no multi dvd slots the molding at entrance points and dash is very soft and gouges easily. On the positives, seats feel nice. Husband loves the driving position & dvd monitor does not obstruct rear view

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  Poor Mpg - 2010 Honda Fit
  By Joan - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  I dont know what I am doing wrong but I cannot get more than 24-25 mpg no matter how I drive. This is frustrating. Otherwise love the way it drives, especially holds the road. I appreciate the lumbar support on drivers seat.

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  Great on gas... - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Labrynth - July 30 - 2:54 pm

  I came from an SUV and needed something with better mileage. This fit the bill. Auto stop has to be the most annoying feature, tho cup holder placement is a close second. Enough power for most merging situations, but acceleration is not fast and braking is jerky thanks to auto stop. Full of safety features. Features avail on most ex cars not available here and it annoying. Flash drive for music but boo to Honda for making it an Apple only mp3 player. Im not an Apple lemming, thanks anyway. Feedback from car is adjustable which is nice. I could do without the paddle shifters. Its now ~ 2 months old with ~ 2500 miles on it.

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  Love my Ridgeline - 2009 Honda Ridgeline
  By diesel - July 30 - 12:46 am

  We decided to trade in our old SUV and get a pickup. The only Truck I was really interested in was a Ridgeline. Good news is I have not been disappointed in the four months since our vehicle purchase. The Ridgeline definitely turns heads. It is a very stylish truck with nifty features. Driving is a pleasure as there is almost a car like feel when driven. Overall a big time winner!

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  Lovin My Pilot - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By jayceebee - July 29 - 3:26 pm

  Weve had this Pilot since the end of March 2010. So far the driving experience has been great with the exception of the poor gas mileage (14.4 in the city), some misunderstandings with voice recognition, and sunroof not closing at times. We have taken it back to to dealer with ref.to the sunroof and it was reset. (We still experience the roof not closing on occasion.) Otherwise the drive is nice & comfy, gadgets are good, exterior is strong, and interior is roomy. Weve taken road trips with the the dog and other family and you cant beat the space or comfort.

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  Early brake failure - 2009 Honda Accord
  By dorrissan - July 29 - 2:59 pm

  I am very disappointed at the brake life on this car. At 19,000 miles, driven 70% on interstates, I had to have the front rotors turned and new brake pads installed on rear. Fortunately there is some compensation via the class action suit settled by Honda to offset some expenses. In contrast the 05 Camry I traded for this car had no brake problems and had almost 50% brake pad wear at 70,000 miles. Definitely a design black mark for Honda.

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  2000 Honda Ody EX - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By Edex - July 29 - 9:27 am

  Id be very happy with this vehicle if it werent for the automatic transmission. I nursed the original transmission along for years, but it finally became too flaky to consider safe. I just had it rebuilt at 160k miles at a private shop for almost $4,000 exactly. I had my car serviced by the dealer until 4 years ago they kept telling me that they couldnt find anything wrong. Only when I took it to a private mechanic did I get the news that these transmissions are not up to par.