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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  2014 Honda CR-V 5DR 2WD LX - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By miamidave61 - December 18 - 7:24 pm

  I leased my vehicle on October 11, 2013. My vehicle has almost 2000 miles. I have been leasing Honda vehicles for over 10 years and this is my first SUV. The ride is smooth and the road noise is low. When you need that extra pick up when entering a highway it responds well. The fabric seats are comfortable and my family say the back seats are comfortable too. The interior menu display screen is small. The trunk space is good. Overall I am very happy with my Honda CR-V.

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  ROLLAWAY! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By unhappywithcrv - December 15 - 10:16 pm

  We parked my 2013 Honda CR-V on a < 30 degree incline, put it in park and turned off the engine. After going behind it, opening the hatch and taking out 2 bags it began to roll backward. I had the car for only 3 months and have had no warning of any problem. I have reported this to NHTSA and am waiting for a resolution but will not drive this car again. As a side note: even though I drive with ECO on, I have never gotten close to 30mpg. The best is around 25.

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  Its a Honda....Need I say more...?!! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By gulfwalker62 - December 15 - 3:11 pm

  This is my 2nd Honda Civic, and what a huge improvement over 10-yrs. Its larger, safer, just as reliable, better fuel economy & this time I went for the EX Trim vs the LX last time. The EX sedan is a very nice sedan and offers many great features as standard. The only option I wished I would have gotten was remote start. That is my only regret, so in other words, you can NOT go wrong with a New/CPO/Used Honda Civic EX sedan.

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  quality, fun and value - 2014 Honda Accord
  By zimboy - December 14 - 6:20 pm

  Did extensive review research for a sporty mid-sized sedan for around $25k. 3 made the short list Mazda 6 Touring, Subaru Legacy Sport and Honda Accord Sport. 3 quality cars. Legacy AWD makes it super-handler but less roomy and new model coming next year (worth a serious look im sure). Mazda 6 great looking, solid perfromance and excellent quality cabin. Accord Sport just pipped the 6 for its understated but sporty trim, perfect balance & agility and sport mode gearing. It lacks a few creature comforts but for sheer driving experience and outstanding value its the winner.

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  Hurray Pilot - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By runeye - December 14 - 9:05 am

  The Pilot is a decent SUV. The acceleration is pretty good for an SUV though you really have to rev it if you want the full power of the startup torque. Highway driving is fun with this vehicle as the gear changes are smooth. Spacious interior with quality leather and the foldable backseat help since I carry heavy equipment with the work I do. I dont really use the entertainment much unless I have friedns with me. The Nav system works well and efficiently. My only issue with the vehicle was for a while, the Hold button on my key wasnt opening the trunk and I had to do it manually. Then a week later, it would work, and then stop working. But now it seems that problem is gone.

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  Wish They Still Made Them Like This! - 1999 Honda Accord
  By momofboys3 - December 13 - 12:58 pm

  In the summer of 2013, we purchased our 99 Honda Accord V6 Coupe for our teenage sons primarily to drive. I drive it every chance I get. The fit and finish of this car is superb: Sunroof, leather upholstery, nice radio, leather wrapped steering wheel, upholstered door panels, very roomy backseat. The condition of the interior and exterior is unbelievable....almost like new. The car has 82,000 miles on it and drives like a sports car to a Mom used to driving minivans and stodgy sedans. We plan to replace the timing belt soon and keep up on the maintenance. Really hope to get another 82,000 miles on this, maybe more......

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  Supple Ride??? - 2014 Honda Accord
  By dawnsxtc - December 11 - 6:01 pm

  My recent purchase of a 2014 Honda Accord EXL-V6 was my first for this make and probably my last. The car has the most value per dollar of any others we looked at including Avalon, Lexus 350kRX, Altima, Chevy Impala, Ford models, Infiniti G-37 and Q50. Interior and exterior design is first class, controls are easy to use, very roomy interior and comfortable seating, large trunk space, etc. And the ride is like a dream...a very, very, bad dream. Whoever decided that family sedans should have a sport or firm suspension system need to have his head examined. Unless the streets and highways are new and exceptionally smooth, the ride almost shakes the fillings out of my teeth.

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  Good value horrible ride - 2013 Honda Civic
  By jac2007 - December 9 - 8:00 pm

  Great car, love the test drive. I now regret the purchase. I have NEVER experience such an uncomfortable ride. It hurts to drive the care, Im now debating to lose $2K and trade the car in for something else. I was a true Honda fan, I have owned Honda vehicles for over 20 years. Im very disappointed "Honda you should be ashamed".

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  Beautiful Car - 2013 Honda Civic
  By allentx - December 9 - 4:39 pm

  2013 Civic is a Beautiful vehicle.

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  Accord EX - 2013 Honda Accord
  By raj75 - December 9 - 4:09 pm

  Nice car. I did test drive all other cars Camry, altima,passat,fusion but this car stood out number 1 and i bought it. My point of view most valuable car..interms of real value. Perfect balance.I drove to airport with 3 guys(me not included) with 3 big size lugauage bags, as the driver I felt like 2 people going in the car. Unbelivable!