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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  Still going strong! - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By greensuv - October 21 - 4:57 pm

  This is my second Honda CR-V and I dont have any major complaints. Ive never broken down, and have only had to replace a few parts. The added features on the Special Edition like heated seats make me feel like Im driving a luxury car.

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  I love my Oddessy - 1996 Honda Odyssey
  By luvmyoddy - October 21 - 10:20 am

  I bought this car in 2001 from a Honda car dealer in Harrisonburg,VA and still driving it! It now has 245K miles on it. Its the most reliable car I ever own, no roadside breakdowns that I can think of since I owned it. Changed timing belt twice, and it keeps going and going.

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  I am very happy with my new CRV! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By aimless123 - October 20 - 12:33 pm

  I havent bought a new car in years and I did a ton of research to find the best little SUV that would last and be the most reliable. All of my research pointed to the Honda CRV over and over again. I did drive a Rav 4 and it felt cheap and rattly even though it was new and had the highest trim. I planned to drive the Mazda CX5 but once I drove the CRV I did not feel it was necessary. I also considered the Ford Escape because it is awesome looking but reliability on Ford does not even come close to Honda. The interior of the CRV is very handsome and makes me feel like I am driving a european import. I considered the cloth interior but once I saw the leather I fell in love with it.

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  Severe Floor Board Shake - hesitation - 2013 Honda Crosstour
  By lneil06 - October 19 - 8:40 pm

  This is our second V6 AWD crosstour. We have a severe floor board shake at 22mph- 30mph. If you in stop and go traffic - the car will even hesitate along with shaking the floorboards and gas pedal. This is a major design flaw and its much worse in normal drive then in S drive - using the paddle shifters. The car also shakes real hard at 70-78mph on the highway as - tires are balanced This is a Engine and or Transmission design flaw. Had it in our 2010 and now worse in our 2013 - The put the VCM in the Acura RDX and people are complaining about the same problem. Im just waiting for something to break loose under the hood and cause a accident. HONDA FIX YOUR MAJOR DESIGN FLAW

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  love my van - 2014 Honda Odyssey
  By lovemyvan1 - October 18 - 8:56 pm

  This is the 2nd Odyssey I own. My last one was a 2002. I cant understand why they would put a camera on the right mirror for safety, but not the left. Very spacious - very comfortable.

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  Had to have Another - 2013 Honda Insight
  By gillie108 - October 18 - 7:49 am

  I bought my wife a 2011 Honda Insight. As of now she has 23746 miles and has purchased 533.715 gallons of gas(yes, we record Odom-trip-# of gal-price per gal and date). Currently getting 44.49 mpg and that is actual all driving mpg! I was so impressed I traded in my Chevy HHR for my own 2012 Insight. As of now my Insight has 13818 miles on 305.667 gallons for 45.20 actual MPG and that is city and highway combined! Yes the AC turns off when I sit at a red light. I drive from the NJ suburbs to block b4 the Holland Tunnel, so my ride isnt smooth sailings! The ride in my Insight makes this commute bearable.

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  An update. - 2013 Honda Accord
  By barkman003 - October 17 - 10:52 pm

  6 months in to my ownership, and I love this car. Have averaged 32.5 mpg since new with 70/30, highway/city driving. Minneapolis to chicago trip, averaged 38.5 mpg. you get use to the cvt, but it really does work well overall. Even a lot of regular transmissions are twitchy sometimes. The seats are comfortable for long hauls and the car is easy to drive. The Pandora app is very nice, and the car syncs with my iphone 5 quickly. The black color is still gorgeous. The paddle shifters make it easy to downshift even when the car is in drive, which is useful for some spirited driving, or slowing without braking. I recommend this car to a lot of people, and a couple of them have bought one.

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  Accord Sport the only way to go!!! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By sss39 - October 17 - 10:29 am

  Purchased the Sport back in May and have not looked back or regretted the decision. Come from a Ford Family and just had enough of Big Blue. I did test drive the Fusion as well as the Nissan Altima and for the money and the overall package, it was a no-brainer. Plus, it didnt hurt knowing the owners of my local Honda dealer. All the ratings above, basically describe the car. Wasnt sure if I was going to like the CVT but I dont have any complaints. Very smooth and precise and handles very well. Very happy with the purchase and the move to Honda.

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  Honda Accord Condenser Problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By johnd63 - October 15 - 4:30 pm

  My 2013 Honda Accord took a rock to the condenser within 3 months, it is a common issue for Honda, and they are not willing to correct it. I would not purchase a Honda again.

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  Fred 2005 CR-V - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By pahunter - October 14 - 9:39 pm

  Great design. Mediocre power. Bought with 119,000 miles on it. A/C started acting up within a week of buying it but a complete emptying of the system fixed the problem. A/C is now ice cold at 135,000 miles. At about 132,000 I developed a problem with the right axle which will have to be replaced shortly as the shaking is getting worse.