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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  2005 Honda Pilot: SUV for larger familes - 2005 Honda Pilot
  By Colleen - December 6 - 7:30 am

  This is my 6th Honda, and favorite Honda to date. I needed an 8 seater and did not want an enormous vehicle. The dealership where I purchased this SUV (Largo Honda-where I purchased/leased 4 of the vehicles) makes buying/leasing a "breeze". Bottom line: great vehicle-superior to Honda Passport (last vehicle.

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  Plenty of room! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Eicherts4 - December 6 - 1:33 am

  Im a little over 61" and my Accord has tons of room! Very comfortable drive, holds the road very nicely and a blast to drive. Like every car there are things I would like to see changed but overall you cant beat the quality of a Honda. It has a lot of pep, really moves for a 4cylinder! You wont find a better car for the price.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Frank - December 5 - 7:23 pm

  This really is the best bargain out there in its arena. Honda keeps it simple and reliable. Ride and handling are excellent. They have improved the noise level and the punch from 180 hp four banger is remarkable. Mileage is in the 20s and wife loves the car. So practical.....

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  Glad I choose CR-V over Rav - 2008 Honda CR-V
  By adam74 - December 5 - 6:10 pm

  My CR-V is almost a month old. Just loving it so far. Very smooth to drive.

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  Best Engineering Ever - 2001 Honda S2000
  By S2kTarga - December 5 - 3:17 am

  9000 Rpms dump the clutch!!! And redline again, i have driven this car like this for 56,000 miles and had no problems. I also track my car (scca) all stock i can keep up with an bmw m3.

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  No Better Value - 1994 Honda Accord
  By OnlyHondas - December 5 - 2:02 am

  EX bought new in 1993, just crossed 144K. Replaced radiator and distributor cap in the last 3 years. An ABS part went bad under warranty, and AC compressor went out just out of warranty, dealer replaced for labor only. Otherwise over 11 years this car has been incredibly reliable. It has never ever leaked a drop of oil and has always done 22-25 mpg in town and just under 30mpg on the highway. Fit and finish is typical Honda quality. Its a fun car to drive, the VTEC motor lively, strong and responsive. Only real issue is the AC cant keep up on hot days, and the shocks/bushings tend to get noisy in the cold now. No rust anywhere yet, wax twice/year.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Hotchie2 - December 4 - 10:32 pm

  I bought a 5 speed manual brand new. Had some hassles negotiating the price, but it was worth it. I commute about 100 miles a day, and I didnt baby it. About half of the commute was highway, which I regularly drove at 80+ mph, and the other half was stop & go. By the time I gave it to my brother in 2002, it had about 236K miles. The only real problem I had was the original tires had to be replaced around 20K miles. Over 8 years, I replaced the muffler, timing belt (2-3 times) and the drive axles, all considered normal wear and tear or better. I washed it maybe once a year. Now that my brother babys it and cleaned it up, it looks brand new. It still has the original paint!

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  Honda S2000 - Drop Top Heaven - 2004 Honda S2000
  By James Holly - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  The Honda S2000 is an amazing vehicle. Its styling is the best of any car on the road. People yell, "Nice car, mister!" all the time when I drive past. That never happened with any other car Ive ever owned, and Im 47 years old so Ive owned a few. The interior is like the cockpit of an F-16 fighter. Its a great, snug fit, like a perfect set of driving gloves. Every control is within easy reach, and every instrument is easily read. The 6 speed shifter has short throws that scream precision! The cars reflexes are razor sharp, and there is no lag time when you want to accelerate. You do it NOW! Ripping off 8 grand shifts is such a blast! And all with the top down. What a car!

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  from Civic to HRV - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Valerie - December 3 - 7:42 am

  I ABSOLUTELY love this car. I was very hesitant at first because I just wanted to replace my civic that was totaled in a car accident. My husband kept saying just test drive it and see. I mean I loved the look but said no. Well when I started to look at the civics and dont know if it was me or that they seemed to be lower than the one I had. So I went to look at the CRV. Still not even looking in the HRVs direction. Test drove the CRV and I was like OK I can do this. But still on the fence. I am only 4 foot 11 so I felt the CRV was a bit on the big side. I was really stuck. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so getting a civic was not out of the question. When I have flares it would be hard for me to get in and out of the car because it was just to low. The CRV seemed to be the better fit but finally the salesman was like lets just take a look at the HRV. I think its what you are looking for. When I went to sit in the HRV let me tell you. It fit like a glove. The ease of getting in and out of the car was so easy. My kids have plenty of room in the back seat. I have great space in my cargo area. I mean this car is perfect. It drives great. I did read about the speed and it drives great. Now let me get to the few thinks I dont really care for but deal with because like I said I love this car. The cup holder is not that great. If you have a medium drink or larger you are good. but if you have a small drink the lift for that size is not very promising. I find myself holding the cup because I feel it will fall out of the cup holder. The middle console armrest is pretty small. maybe a few pens. Where they have put the charging plugs in the front is OK but i would much rather have easier access. Now this is one think I dont understand. The passenger can usually lock the car if the driver happens to step out when parked. But you cant in this car. They have to lean over to the drivers side to lock the car. (If someone knows how it can be done please let me know) The problems I see are so minor that I tell everyone that asks me about my HRV to go and test drive it and they will see for themselves this is a great car.

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  Great Minivan - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By FentonMD - December 3 - 12:08 am

  Excellent engine/transmission. Very smooth ride. Drives like a car. Interior room huge and versatile. We have the DVD system with wireless headphones which works flawlessly. Build quality is very good and the van feels solid. Will definitely consider buying a 3rd generation ody in a few years.