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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  3rd one, still keeps me happy - 2002 Honda Accord
  By leomaccord1 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Racked up 90+ thousand miles on my 98 when I was stupid enough to trade it for an SUV. Missed my car the whole time I was driving the SUV. Missed the handling, the sporty feel and most of all the 30+ mpg. I recommend this to anyone. Had a 97 that was traded for a CR-V which was also a great car (just not good in N.E. winters) so I recently bought my 02 EX. Ive got almost 10,000 miles on it now and I have no doubt Ill be seeing another 0 at the end of that number in a few years. These things need nothing but oil chgs, brakes and tires to achieve 6 figure milage. Excellent!!!

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  Counting down to trade-in - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Salesguy - June 26 - 3:03 am

  This car is full of annoyances. Front seats are very uncomfortable. V6 VCM is a joke, 270HP feel more like 200, fuel economy is terrible and I can feel the car hesitate every time the VCM turns cylinders on/off. "Premium" stereo sounds mediocre at best, the average rental car has a better sounding system. Squeaks and rattles near the rear deck, sunroof, center console, passenger seat. Driver door exterior handle sticks. Constant road noise. No memory seats, no trip computer, can only display outside temp with trip odometer. Not what I would have expected from the EX-L. This will be my last Honda.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By jmtip - June 25 - 6:00 pm

  This truck is more of a gentlemans truck where the ride and the handling are far superior to the Chevy truck and the Yukon that I had previously. The interior fit and finish are excellent and the brakes are better than most cars. I have pulled trailers and it does this with ease. If you want a heavy duty work truck, this vehicle may not be for you, but if want a great safe everyday driver this is the truck. By the way, my son is 6 3" and he can ride in comfort in the back seat. I would buy the Ridgeline again.

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  Great "truck" that isnt! - 2007 Honda Ridgeline
  By NYS traveler - June 25 - 3:22 pm

  This vehicle is great if you want the benefits of a truck without most of the drawbacks. It can hold lots of cargo and 5 people in comfort. Backseats are much better than any of the vehicles in class. Smooth ride and acceleration. Gas mileage so so. In bed trunk is brilliant and should have been developed years ago. Folding rear seats offer even more cargo. Well equipped for price paid. Really not used for towing much. Towed a small boat just under 2000 pounds and not much strain though gas mileage did suffer. Will never get anywhere near the 5000lb Max so this vehicle is great for me and my family.

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  Coming back to Honda - 2009 Honda Accord
  By Luis - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  After 17 years, I am coming back to Honda. Had a 1983 Accord for 7 years and was superb. I think that the car is great, but road noise is very disturbing, considering the prestige and class of this car. Fuel economy is great, compared to the gas guzzler Kia Amanti V6 just traded in. Do not have the opportunity to hear the XM Radio, because the satellite signal cant reach Puerto Rico, but the outside antenna gives class to the car. At the beginning had problems with the seat, but got used to them.

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  low mpg and build quality - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By scs_13 - June 25 - 11:16 am

  I am disappointed with my purchase for the following reasons: low mileage (14.5 mpg city, 24 mpg high way). The car has about a dozen different rattles depending on the outside temperature. The driver and front passenger seat are not comfortable due to the position of the (non- telescoping) steering wheel. The doors do not close well, together with the wind noise you never feel secure about properely shut doors. The doors had to be aligned, since they were chipping the paint. The car has a bumpy ride, it in no way doubles as a sedan, its a truck with 8 seats. The raised expectations were clearly not met. You should do a much more extensive test drive then me before you buy.

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  Good Car...Comfort Questionable - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Ben - June 25 - 6:33 am

  Decided to get rid of the gas guzzler and get MPG champ. I was not disappointed. I see about 36 MPG up from the 15-16 I was getting before. A few things wrong though. Back deck rattles a bit when playing music, which I didnt expect considering hondas usual build quality. And the E- Brake placement is annoying. I have to place something between my knee and the brake to stay comfortable on my 40 mile commute. Overall a good car, but comfort is not that great. The EX came with everything I wanted in a car for a pretty decent price, I do not regret the purchase.

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  Another Great Honda - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Vince - June 25 - 3:08 am

  I have only had my new Pilot for 2 weeks but love it so far. The handling and motor is very good for an SUV. I am still learning all the new gadgets but really like the lane assist feature. Wish there was a CD player, but knew it wasnt there when I purchased it. Sound system is good not great. The only real complaint I have is the arm rest ergonomics for the drivers seat. The adjustment for the right arm of the drivers seat is poor, otherwise the seats are very comfortable for trips. Overall great vehicle and would purchase it again. Plus a shout-out to the team at Rivertown Honda - Great to deal with again

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  Excellent Van - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Midline - June 25 - 12:33 am

  There are only 2 complaints I have for the Odyssey. The location of the gear shift—obtrusive. Auto sliding doors sensitivity. Let me explain: the gear shift is in a weird spot, between the steering wheel and the radio controls. Usually, it would be connected to the steering wheel or below the radio controls. Because of that difference it takes getting used to. Then the two sliding doors will not operate if vehicle is not in park or if you pull the handles the wrong way. The car system will "beep" if not handled right. Although it may be viewed as a good safety feature, it becomes annoying when others are not familiar with the van. Everything else about it is great!

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  Just right!! - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By JerseyGirl - June 24 - 9:11 pm

  Perfect vehicle for 20 yr old daughter. Stylish, Safe, Reasonably Priced & Comfortable.