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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  Research pays off... - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By attolev - November 5 - 9:04 pm

  I did it all -- Edmunds, Consumer Reports, NHTSA, other buyers, Toyota, Chrysler/Dodge, Nissan, Ford Flex -- NONE compared to the Odyssey EX-L. Add the RES (DVD system) for $1400 more and it becomes a no brainer. Odysessy rides better than the rest. It is quieter, best gas mileage, and Honda plastic is superior to all others, even nudges out the Toyota. You must test drive each, look at the features/cost, resale value, trade-in values, financing options, and hands-on inspection. I chose the Odyessy over the Toyota as costs were similar. I chose it over the Chrysler because of the difference in features, quality of materials, road noise, looks, reliability, resale, etc.

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  Honda doesnt get "tall" - 2009 Honda Fit
  By liza9 - November 5 - 11:23 am

  Bought 2009 fit in 2011, have put on 45K miles. Am 63", visibility is difficult, due to rear view mirror, door frame in field of vision when making turns, reflection of dashboard on window. I have a piece of black carpet on dashboard to compensate. Uncomfortable due to non-telescoping steering wheel, head rest too far forward, back rest concave in the wrong place--need to use back support. Have to tilt steering down in order to see upper part of speedometer. After 45 minutes, seat is very,very uncomfortable. Hard to steer, always over correcting on winding roads, especially at 45 mph+, maybe due to placement of engine on front axis? Needed steering wheel cover to ease grip.

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  Great ride, needs more standard options - 2013 Honda Accord
  By k_rock - November 4 - 7:08 am

  This is my 2nd Honda, but first Accord, I had an 02 CRV that I loved but needed an upgrade and better mpg. I feel in love with the Accord exterior and really like the pick up that it has for a 4 cylinder. I decided to stay with the Honda brand as I had over 220K miles on mine and the only maintenance that I did was tune ups and standard oil changes, brakes, etc. I may be spent 2K on mechanical issues over the 10 years that I owned it. I love how the controls are easily, much better than in my 02 crv, I kept having to reach way forward to change radio stations. I was a little disappointed with the features that we not on the passenger side with the seat.

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  One small problem! - 2012 Honda Odyssey
  By arby49 - November 2 - 9:30 pm

  On two different occasions I have had a problem with accidentally leaving the windows and sun roof open. Apparently this happens if you do a certain combination (one that I havent figured out yet) on the remote lock. As a result my vehicle has been flooded when it has rained. It seems to me there is a better way.

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  Love My Honda Crosstour - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By pnpretired - November 1 - 7:58 am

  I decided to downsize after driving SUVs for many years. The hatchback makes for an easier transition. I owned a Honda Accord Coupe many years ago, but did not like the new style. I am so glad I found the Crosstour. This car looks great, sporty but still a four door. I am shocked at the reviews criticizing the look. I looked at the Lexus and the Infiniti, but didnt really want to purchase high octane fuel. I dont drive my personal vehicle to work. Its so fun to drive, I cant wait for the weekend so I can get in my Crosstour and go! I love that there are not very many of them on the road right now. I absolutely love this car.

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  Failed Transmission - 2003 Honda Accord
  By willm3 - October 30 - 3:28 am

  Great car but transmission is not dependable. I would not buy this car unless you are a transmission mechanic.

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  I love my Honda - 2001 Honda Accord
  By planegeek614 - October 28 - 1:10 pm

  I recently bought my Accord from a dealer. While I have had to replace the clutch hydraulics and two coolant hoses, this car has been incredible. I drove 750 miles to Oregon and I got 32 mpg with the A/C on, driving 75 mph, with a ton of stuff in the trunk! The interior is a little dated, but this is a fantastic car. If you buy one of these, check that the timing belt and water pump have been replace, and stay away from the automatic transmissions, Ive heard horror stories. But the great thing is that the manual transmission is better suited to the 2.3 liter engine anyway.

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  radio reception bad - 2013 Honda Ridgeline
  By blackdd - October 26 - 6:45 pm

  I just bought a 2013 ridgeline truck with the nav system. The truck is fine except for the radio. Anytime I am around a telephone pole I lose reception. It has been at the dealers for a week now and they have replaced the antenna cable, amplifier, and antenna. I still lose all reception. On one of the road trials they hooked up a temporary outside antenna and the reception was great. But Honda told them to replace the parts. I realize that the truck looks good without the antenna sticking out of the roof but it seems there is a problem with it.

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  Sexy Beast - 2010 Honda Accord
  By nairad - October 24 - 11:57 pm

  I love this car. This is the first car I have even owned and it has so far been a perfect match for me. It is sleek and stylish with a very fierce look to it. I bought her used and have so far had no problems. She drive like a champion, and I dare say, quite like a mustang (drove one a lot in drivers ed) . This baby is able to take some fast corners without loosing any traction! Great breaks and the dash is very well organized. I can reach out and instantly know where the button Im looking for is. I cant wait to test her out in some snow.

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  Exactly the car I wanted - 2013 Honda Civic
  By fronteeer - October 22 - 6:36 pm

  When I bought my 2011 Civic, Id test driven the 2012 and loved the way it drove but hated how cheap, plain and conservative the car had become, focusing on fuel economy above all else. So I bought the 2011 even though I found the transmission to be really unforgiving, because it was a much better made and more attractive car. The 2013 I just bought is a perfect compromise. Great transmission, sufficient power, excellent fuel economy, superb interior and exterior styling and quality. I dont like the seat fabric much, but the nylon mesh and faux suede seats in my 2011 were uncommonly high-end for this class of car. The 2013 Civic is a sincere apology for the poorly-executed 2012.