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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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2006 Honda Accord
  By C.M. - April 22 - 4:10 am

  Pros: The 4-cylinder engine has quicker response and more pick-up than I expected (and way more than the Nissan Altima 2.5). The interior is nice, not cheap (again unlike the Nissan Altima) and very comfortable both for me (at 5 and for my husband at 64"). The ride is quiet, smooth, and hugs the road. We were in the market for a fuel- efficient mid-size car and looked at the Altima and the Toyota Camry (our other car is a Toyota 4-Runner). Honda was our last stop because we werent really interested in owning a Honda (everyone has one...), but one test drive changed our minds and we are pleasantly surprised everytime we drive somewhere!

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  Excellent Buy - 2005 Honda Element
  By Keith Cochrane - April 21 - 11:33 pm

  Must admit took me a little bit to get used to the shape of the Element when I first looked at it at the dealership, but when I took it for a test drive I fell in love with it. The element is the most practical, well though out vehicle that I have ever purchaced. I definitely recommend this vehicle for any age or lifestyle!

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  Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Honda Pilot
  By RentonResident - April 21 - 3:40 pm

  Purchased Pilot March 4, 2007. Getting between 13-16 MPG. Have 1500 miles on it. Carpool friend has a 2005 Pilot also 4WD and same engine size. They get 17 - 22 MPG (and have from day 1). We have the same commute! What has changed? I agree with other reviews - needs auto locking doors, rear door should auto lock if not closed hard enough. Temperature gauge should be on mirror not behind steering wheel.

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  Love My Van, But 3 Repairs 1 Yr - 1998 Honda Odyssey
  By 98Ody - April 21 - 2:17 pm

  I bought my van last summer. Overall I love it. Its fuel efficient, the interior is comfortable, 2.3L engine gives good acceleration, and the exterior is very practical. I bought the car with 130K miles. I have put 12K miles since purchase. Repairs have included starter motor ($300) and rebuilt transmission ($1500). Also, I am having trouble turning the key in the ignition so I might need new ignition switch ($???) or key replacement ($80). Have you noticed the 2007 Honda FIT has similar body styling? The 1998 Odyssey was definitely way beyond its time.

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  Its perfect for me - 2003 Honda Element
  By dcoopster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Since I go to the beach or car/camping nearly every weekend it is perfect. If you remove or lift the backseats you have a flat surface to sleep on and its long enough with the seats pushed forward for someone well over 6 feet to lay down no problem. Its so easy to clean out sand, dirt and dog hair. This was the vehicle I was waiting for. Also the 4wd is great in rain.

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  Great SUV except in the curves - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By LarryL - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Honda got it right with this one! The vehicle ives up to the rave reviews that it has been getting, with excellent Honda quality throughout. Just a reminder, this is a SUV and not a car; you need to slow down on the highway exit ramps!

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  CRV EX hasnt let us down - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Markus Maximus - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Put 500 miles on it in the first 3 days. We cant wipe the smile off our faces...

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  Horrible Car with worst experience ever - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Mohamed Ismail Nounou - April 21 - 2:40 am

  Dear all potential Honda Buyers and Honda Victims, I am speechless, disappointed and sad. I will tell my whole story in here, hoping to protect other customers and hopefully to seek help, not for any financial compensation, but to alert others with the kind of mistake they could do to themselves and their families buying a BRAND NEW Honda and trusting them with your money and your safety. On December 30st 2015, I bought TWO brand new Hondas from Hoffman Honda in Connecticut (40 Albany Turnpike, West Simsbury, CT 06092). The Sales guy was Alan Katz. I bought a Honda CRV EX edition and a Honda Accord Coupe Touring Edition ($37,000). The CRV was for my wife and the Accord was for me (VIN: 1HGCT2B00GA001393). I work in Southwest VA. It’s a rural area. I used my Accord there for 5 months from January 2016 till May 2016 without any problem. The closest Honda dealer to me is Bill Cole Honda (http://www.billcoleautomall.com/, Big Laruel Highway, Princeton WV 24739, UnitedStates). I did oil change there. Suddenly in May 2016 the horror started. First, the check engine lights start showing. It showed for 10-15 minutes and disappear. This kept happening for two months. In July, it showed for three full days. I drove for 3 hours to go to the Bill Cole Honda. Then it disappeared. They told me the car is perfect. Two weeks later, it happened again and it was consistent. It was on when I went to the dealership. They tried everything to figure out what is going on. Everything showed ok, oxygen sensor, Vacuum lines, etc were perfect. They finally told me It could be the engine plastic cover (As the error showed at this time “Air Flow Problem”). They told me that it could have been the loose engine cover. They reset the software and let me go. I really wondered how a brand new car has a loose engine cover, but I let it go. Then in a month, it started to show again, and it was consistent. Again, I had the three hour trip to the dealership. At this time they claimed it could be the gas, although I use premium gas (I even have a proof for this via my credit crd statements). They charged me “$700” to drain the tanks and lines (Out of pocket) as it is my fault. I told them I have no problem paying it, if they think it is my fault and it is a gas problem. They reset the software and billed me the $700. I immediately filled a claim against Food City Gas Station for this bad gas according to Honda (All claims, and bills are available as PDF files upon request). Two days later, the check engine light appeared again with NO NEW GAS at all. At this point, I filled a claim with Honda Headquarters (Case ID: 05223195, Ext. 117754, Agent: Sharon). They recommended me to go to the dealership. I went in there, and they reset the software, claiming it could be trace gas trapped in the system. Again, after two days, the engine check light showed again. Sharon from Honda Headquarters dealt with me in the most insulting and horrible way. First, she closed the case without resolving the issue and reopened it after multiple calls and many days of avoiding me and filling lots of complains against her. Finally, they answered me, claiming that the phone conversation is recorded and asked me to drop the car again to the dealership. I drove three hours again and dropped the car to the dealership, where they claimed they can not do anything except waiting for a Honda Accord expert from California to come and check. They offered me a rental car free of charge. On the second day they called me to come and pick up the car, claiming that Honda declined sending an expert and claimed the car is perfect and they have no clue what to do. The maintenance guy (27 years of experience with Honda) took me on the side and told me “a small loss now is way better than a big loss later, and he shared with me how he has never seen something like this before). I immediately went to a Chevrolet Dealership and exchanged my car with another brand new one. I lost already huge amount of money. Food City sent me a report of how good their gas was at my gas station claiming it was not the gas problem. It clearly Honda quality problem. Every one in the dealership called my car the bad lemon. Guys, be aware, this is what I got from Honda, money loss, time loss, feeling unsafe and worst treatment ever. I have all this documented in paperwork. I am here to protect all of you. I also feel so bad for my Honda next buyer, If you are buying this Honda with this VIN number “1HGCT2B00GA001393”, GO AWAY, RUN. I do not know what to do really. I just feel so bad and disappointed. As an American buyer, how this can happen? Why no one is protecting us? I have all paperwork with me upon request. Aside from the problems, the car features (Touring Edition) are practically a joke. The Honda Sensing Technology is a JOKE. First it rarely works ant totally unreliable. It detects the road hardly 10% of the time. The Moving Lights is a BIG joke. Apple CarPlay is practically a PAIN.

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  Honda Supreme - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Carole Tillett - April 21 - 12:40 am

  Ive driven mini vans for a very long time and my Honda is by far the best looking,handeling, and safest then any of the others. Its comfort is beyond reproach too. I will never buy any other brand. All others would be a downward step. As you can tell I am completely sold on Honda products. Non other compare.

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  Gauge lights bright boring white!!! - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Honda accord 2008 - April 20 - 11:36 pm

  I just traded in My Suburban 2007 LT for the Accord. The inside of the Honda is a bit disappointing to me because it is cheap looking, it reminds me of Hondas I drove in the late 80s and 90s. I previously owned a Chrysler 300 2006, so it is difficult going from a real comfortable interior, really massive dash to a bland and old fashioned interior. My husband really wanted the Accord. Of course we didnt like putting over $100.00 worth of gas into the truck. My accord doesnt run smoothly, you can feel every bump and hear it loudly. Exterior looks good. I have over 6 foot tall boys (13,15) the leg room is barely enough. If you get migraines like me the gauge lights are bright white Yuk!