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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  Disappointed - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By GML - December 22 - 12:51 pm

  Overall the van is nice, but I miss all the creature comforts that come on domestic vehicles, like outside air temp, compass, day time running lights, automatic headlights & auto dimming rear view mirror. Road noise is also very bad. No tow package available except through dealer & they want $1000 to install. Any domestic vehicle I have ever ordered it on, was never more than $300-$400.

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  Surprisingly Great - 2016 Honda Civic
  By Alex - December 22 - 10:40 am

  Driven the first 1000 miles, time for a review. At first I was apprehensive to getting a Honda Civic, I wanted an Audi (lol). I convinced my fiancee to get the turbo trim, EX-T, and Im very happy we did so. That adds the heated seats and the bigger engine over the EX, which gives a significant bump in performance. Even with driving in NYC and highways I was averaging 36mpg in a tank (which is the EPA est). I personally dont like the CVT engine.. when you floor it from a red light theres a significant throttle delay, but its not horrible, it is a Honda and not a Ferrari after all. On a one hour highway trip doing a steady 75mph nearly the entire hour I got 40mpg, pretty amazing! 80mph on the highway feels very comfortable and throwing the car into Sport Mode to pass a car going from 60-90 is like nothing; you dont feel the car struggling at all, unlike my previous car a 2012 Corolla S. But the road noise from the tires/car in the cabin is significant, but it isnt German car obviously, but louder than my Corolla. Still the car is 1000x better, road noise is the only downside. The interior seats are very comfortable, and the dash is informative and clear. Now my biggest gripe is the center screen. Apple Car Play works great, but whenever your phone is connected/plugged in the music defaults to the phone, even if you had it on lets say FM, for example. So you have to click Source each time to switch the audio source which is annoying when youre driving. The screen overall is a bit pain in the ass I wish there were actually just real buttons instead of faux touch ones on the side for home, volume (which is also on the streeing wheel) and etc. Tuning the radio is a pain having to use the touch screen only. The first few hundred miles the screen would wig out and restart/freeze on me but that hasnt happened lately, maybe it was breaking in. The sound system is very crisp, Im impressed. Overall for the price and quality, its the best car in its class in my opinion. There are going to be gripes with any car, but I would highly recommend it. In my opinion, paying for the leather isnt worth it unless you actually want it because youre paying $1,000 more just for that without any additional features. Personally if youre interested in buying the Touring line, you might as well look at an Audi A3. The EX-T is the perfect balance for performance and features at an awesome price.

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  Mom of 4 - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Mom of 4 - December 22 - 10:37 am

  I am a mom of 4 including twin boys, the van was a gift from my husband. The kids love the van the automatic doors are great with the press of a button when moms hands are full. Leather seats with heat make it nice for mom. Also surround sound DVD with headphones for the kids while mom can still listen to her radio! AWESOME. I have owned this van for almost 3 years, still looks runs great. Another great feature with the electic doors is while putting gas in one day my youngest son attempted to open the door where I was putting gas, before I could yell, the door sounded and didnt move!Great Thinking Honda! Saved a mess and dent! I would buy another Honda any day!

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  My best van - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Marinus Vandermaas - December 22 - 9:54 am

  The Van performes flawless and is fun to drive. The 5 speed transmission was replaced and recalled one time for improvement. The only annoyance is the wind noise with side wind and driving @ 70mph when air enters through the drivers side window.

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  Great little SUV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Steven - December 22 - 8:37 am

  In January 1997 I literally drove my CRV off the showroom floor. I believe it was the first CRV sold in Tampa, Florida. Seven years and 117,000 miles later, it is the best car I have ever owned, although it is not without problems. The A/C is very noisy and too weak for the Florida summer (dark tinted windows would probably help). Needed head gasket replaced at 97,000 miles. After 85,000 miles I had to switch to mid-grade unleaded to stop engine from knocking. My mileage is about 22city/25 highway, not as high as Honda claimed but better than any other SUV. Extremely reliable, I have driven several trips of 1200+ miles. Worst problem is abysmal service from theHonda dealership.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Marty - December 22 - 6:16 am

  Just purchased new 05 Odyssey EX-L in March and thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle. Very comfortable, smooth and quiet. Engine is still in break in period (650 miles) and recently averaged 21.5 MPG on highway. Lots of usable space, cup holders galore and great seats that keep kids separated. First Honda vehicle owned but expect it to be as reliable as my Toyotas.

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  So Far, So Good - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Marty - December 22 - 6:16 am

  Just purchased new 05 Odyssey EX-L in March and thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle. Very comfortable, smooth and quiet. Engine is still in break in period (650 miles) and recently averaged 21.5 MPG on highway. Lots of usable space, cup holders galore and great seats that keep kids separated. First Honda vehicle owned but expect it to be as reliable as my Toyotas.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Honda Element
  By Sylvia - December 21 - 11:22 pm

  Gutsy, gorgeous, and gas efficient! I loved my 2003 Honda Element so much that I bought a second one in 2004 so my husband could have one as well. It is roomy, family friendly, rugged and wicked cool looking to boot. I bought one in green and one in blue, the only colours that offered matching interior trim. I also love the new sky light in back that comes out you can put in its place a screen! I also love the options, I got the running boards, roof rack, interior rubber mats, front seat covers and stearing wheel cover. It is very stylish!

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  What Took Me So Long To Buy a Honda??? - 2005 Honda Civic
  By Ex-Chevy Owner - December 21 - 9:36 pm

  Had a Cavalier because I wanted to support one of Americas Big Three automakers. Turned out to be a major disappointment. Never again! Just purchased a new Honda Civic, a car Ive long admired. I cant believe the difference...its like night & day. It runs great, is a hoot to drive and I feel like a million bucks each time in hop in. Fit & finish are excellent; my old Chevy couldnt hold a candle to this cream puff. Gas mileage is a big plus, and the car overall just feels much more expensive than it actually is. Considered the Corolla but found the exterior to be bland. Honestly, you cant go wrong with the Civic. Im just sorry it took me SO LONG to realize it! Sorry, Chevy.

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  Pliot, best bang for the buck - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Johnny Hunt - December 21 - 9:13 pm

  The 2005 Honda pliot is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have the exl with navagation. It has power, it really drives like a car. I am trading up from a 2002 isuzu trooper. I love everything about the pilot, its a great car!