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:
Showing 12371 through 12380 of 31,869.00-
Love My Ridgeline - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
By HC - August 19 - 12:06 pmWe love our Ridgeline. Everything about it is practically perfect -- only exceptions are a bit of windshield noise and a bit of a blind spot on the drivers side. It handles like a dream, it fun to drive and is unusual enough to garner attention wherever we take it. The trunk is especially fine -- very handy on roadtrips. All in all, one of the best Hondas weve ever owned.
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2010 Pilot Touring - 2010 Honda Pilot
By Paul Skjeveland - August 18 - 9:00 pmNew Pilot feels much larger than the previous model. The windshield is narrower and the hood sits much higher. The truck feels very solid and rides more quietly than our 2004 did. The center console can be a little confusing to operate until you have studied it a little while. The voice operation of items takes a little practice, but is great to use.
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Absolute Perfection - 2001 Honda S2000
By Sean - August 18 - 6:10 pmThis car is precisely in spirit of what Ferdinand Porsche had in mind when he designed the 911. Unfortunately German manufactures turned to more profitable manufacturing schemes and lost the true passion of a sports car. This car is 100% designed for drivers who are passionate about driving and wouldnt use navigation even if it was a free option. Many owners complain about low end power, although I agree with Hondas design of this engine completely. People that just want a car to look good in and occasionally drive moderately hard should buy a boxer. Very true this car rides hard and is loud but that is because it isnt over engineered for people who really dont like driving to begin with
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POOR AC! - 2005 Honda CR-V
By kstephens - August 18 - 11:35 amWe bought our CRV based on Hondas reputation. It is only 3 years old with 50,000 miles on it and the ac broke. It cost $1,800 to fix. Apparently the mechanic said this is common with the CRV. He also said he has seen many with transmission issues. Think twice about the CRV before purchasing. Investigate with a mechanic that you trust about their reliability. Up until now we really enjoyed ours but to avoid any other big ticket repairs we are considering trading it in. Its ridiculous to have to put thousands of dollars worth of repairs into a car that is not that old especially with the reputation honda has for reliability. I guess the CRV is the exception.
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It never gets old - 2005 Honda CR-V
By Russ - August 18 - 6:42 amExcept for the differential problem which Honda took care of, its been a solid vehicle that you feel youll keep till 200,000 on the odo. Lucked out, original tires lasted till 33,000 at which time Sears indicated brake pads at 50% give or take all around. Have changed oil at Honda every 5,000. Other than that, gas, wash, wax. Fuel economy respectable. Plenty of room for me in the back seat with front seat all the way back, Im 63". Currently at 34,300 miles, no rattles, everything works. Yes it does have the road noise everyone complains about.
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Great car - 2016 Honda Civic
By Luigi Borrelli - August 18 - 2:39 am -
06 Odyssey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
By Jeremy - August 17 - 11:17 pmOverall my odyssey has been pretty good.. I had to take it it for a recall for the power steering pump about 6 months of ownership. The pump was making a whining noise like Fords Ive driven in the past. This is my first Honda. My wife and I hope to keep it a long time.
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5 year old Honda review - 2002 Honda Civic
By Croismoi - August 17 - 8:44 pmMy car is 5 years old. It has 24K miles on it and makes a weird squeaking noise when I drive it slowly. Lately it has not been starting on the first try. I took it to the dealer and they could not determine what the cause was. I am now just waiting for the 2008 Nissans or Camrys to come out. My dealership now wants to charge a $99 diagnostic fee. Whether they find the problem or not. The fact that there seems to be an electrical short that might make me stranded somewhere really bothers me. Im very disappointed in Honda quality and the dealership.
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Almost perfect - 2005 Honda Civic
By Jason A - August 17 - 7:13 pmIf you want a fun reliable car this isit with no doubt. I love the car and am a huge fan of it. There are a few issues to be aware of before you buy. I have had mine for a couple of months and it doesnt like going into reverse sometimes and the driver window neededto be tightened. The cup holders are great (even the one by the drivers window). There isnt very much storage space and the little place near the drivers shin will hold CDs w/o the cases but not with them and they fall out when you accelerate. There is no armrest but you wont want to take you hand off of the shifter long enough to rest your arm. In a nutshell this car is fantastic to drive and I do not regret buying mine!
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Totally Satisfied... - 2002 Honda Accord
By Simba - August 17 - 7:10 pmI am totally satisfied with my 2002 V6 Accord! This is my 4th Honda and they have only gotten better. Its totally fun to drive...very stylish, very reliable ...and for a V6, it still gets descent gas mileage. I would recommend this vehicle to anybody!!
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