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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  my favorite car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Chuck Black - July 18 - 4:46 am

  In 31 years of owning and driving cars, including trucks, a 4wd wagon, and a sporty hatchback, this is most definitely my favorite. I am averaging 45.4 mpg overall in mostly short city driving. The electric motor gives a peppy assist on acceleration, and the frugal 1.3L engine barely sips the gasoline. It is a civic so it is a fun car to scoot around town in, and it is a honda so it is reliable. As sort of a nerd I enjoy the new technology and the instant MPG readouts. And it is satisfying to try to do something to ease our countrys dependence on foreign oil. It is a fabulous car and I look forward to the days ahead when all car models are offered with hybrid technology.

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  Honda or Hondiea - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By manny - July 17 - 11:55 pm

  Seems that Honda should resolve issues of fit and finish quickly before custumers start seriously considering moving to other makes, especially those offering 10yr 100,000m war. Had front brake problems-after several attempts there was a fix with a redesigned pad that stopped grinding noise. Replaced tires at 40000. Glove boxes cant be alligned, noise around 3 doors, electrical problem a mystery- after rainstorm, no power with doorlocks, AC, lights and Info display. Some plastic interior pieces pops out. Replaced 4 interior bulbs. Hits hard over bumbs with pax tires. Mic went on navigation. Paint peeling on roof rack, water in fog light. Starting to feel tugs when cms activates.

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  Great Car - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Chris - July 17 - 2:20 am

  I drove a 99 Civic EX before this and the difference is amazing. The acceleration is fantastic! Ive added the V2 CAI and Borla Exhaust and it just adds so much to the driving experience. Oh, the noise! I try to find the smallest excuse to go out and drive it... its that much fun! So far Ive got 27,000 miles on the car and havent had any big problems yet. The brakes are starting to shudder a little, but then again they arent this cars strong point. Everything about this car is smooth. The gear changes, the looks, the interior. This is a great car. I just wish they made more aftermarket stuff for it.

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  I HR-V! Do you? - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Henry Stought - July 16 - 11:53 am

  It is a slow car with minimal pick-up. Gets you from point A to B, thats it. Blind spot camera is cool although I havent used it much. Small, Reliably, affordable, and a great first car. Also gets good fuel economy (about 30 mpg with the car in eco mode half the time) and only takes $20 to fill up the tank when almost empty (June 2017). Heated seats are nice when cold. Ample storage for gear and groceries. Only real complaint would be that there are no LED lights on the vehicle what so ever (I know Im picky). All in all great car, perfect for kids/young adults and easy to park.

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  Had to have one - 2008 Honda Accord
  By RoyalMc - July 16 - 11:30 am

  This is my first Honda, and I love it. The 190 hp 4cyl is much more responsive than the 177 hp. The tranny is also geared differently, as well as improved exhaust flow, and suspension over the LX(P). Torque and HP builds from Mid RPMs & up. I am averaging 28 MPG 50% highway, not broken in yet. It does have more road noise than I would expect, but other than that the car handles very well, and is fun to drive. At first the seats seemed stiffer than Id like, but after making a 2 1/2 hour trip, It felt very comfortable once I got the seat and lumbar adjusted to my liking. I really like the overall appearance silver/gray, especially with the wing spoiler and tinted windows.

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  view from the drivers seat - 2003 Honda S2000
  By Jim LaRosa - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ever since I saw this in 2000 I knew I wanted it. THen In 2002 when I purcased it I didnt know what was in store for me! I had only seen the outside of this car but this a lot more to it. I think the dashboard is coolest thing. And when your shyifting through the gears and get up to max hp it is so cool!! And can you believe it only has a 2 liter engine. All in all The Honda S 2000 is the best car. Vroom vroom

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  Virtually Perfection - 2003 Honda Element
  By E4me - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The manual transmission makes driving around town as much or more fun as in my 2-seater 320 HP beast. The 5 speed makes the E peppy and responsive, and in close traffic you cant go fast anyway! It really surprised me as a spunky and responsive little car which is fun to drive - as well as perfect for loading and unloading for shows (trade shows and art shows). The diminutive size makes it perfect for getting in and out for loading and unloading at shows. A 10 on all counts!

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  2003 Honda Pilot! - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By kiminca - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I initially test drove the Pilot and then test drove the (new) Lexus RX SUV. With that said, I ended up buying the Pilot! Had the same luxury feel, performance, space, etc as the Lexus for $20,000 less!

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  Third Honda - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By David and Donna - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle! Would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a small SUV. Very quiet and gets pretty good gas mileage (25 MPG). Reasonably peppy but would like a little more horsepower. Real-time FWD works very well. Love the 6-disc CD changer. Air conditioner works extremely well, cooling the car in seconds.

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  A Crash Survivor - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyssey Crash Surviv - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Just wanted to let everyone know that the 5 point Crash Rating is absolutely correct. I had an accident in my Odyssey last week and walked away from the crash even though my van was totaled. Unfortunately, the person in the other vehicle was not so lucky. My husband is an auto body repairman and he agrees that he doesnt see autos in the condition mine was in and hear that the person survived. I have nothing but good to say about my Odyssey. I will be shopping around for a new one as soon as the accident is settled. I had my van for 14 months when the accident happened, and havent had any problems with it.