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 first new car & I love it - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Kmarie - February 4 - 1:06 pm

  I just recently purchase my Civic yesterday. I waited a week trying to decide over a Acura RSX or the Scion tC. The RSX insurance was insane since Im only 20 and its a sports car. Hondas are known to be excellent cars and so far for the 24 hours that Ive had mine, its great. I love how roomy it is for a civic. The silver paint is beautiful, and I love the overall design.

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  Great car, but Id go with Acura - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Chris Smith - February 4 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased this car in January of 08. The pros: Stunning good looks. People everywhere tell me it looks like a BMW 6 series coupe. Great pick up (V-6 Version) and good handling. User friendly interior design. Cons- Doors seem light and flimsy when you shut them. Some small, but annoying rattles when you drive. New brakes squeak when slowing down. The VCM (Variable cylinder management) seems to lurch forward when the Economy mode kicks in and out of operation. Overall a great car. Its a Honda. However, being a previous Acura TL owner, Id cough up the extra $3-5K and get the Acura over the Honda, especially over the sedan Honda. The Honda coupe is sharp- Get the V-6 though!

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  Element - 2005 Honda Element
  By John - February 4 - 10:23 am

  Very good suv, fun to drive and has the honda reliablity. Very good interior space and easy to drive. I am very happy with my purchase, sold a ford expedition and like the honda better.

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  Very Peppy - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Ronald Wise - February 4 - 8:39 am

  I have had the CRV for a little over a month and 1,000 miles. Great handling, amazing engine and well thought out interior. My daily commute has 6 miles of city at the start, 40 miles of highway in the middle and 4 miles of city at the end (50 combined). The CRV has been averaging 29-30 mpg between fill ups. This is far and above the average of 22 mpg I was getting with my 2005 6 cylinder Ford Escape. Because I was used to a 6 cylinder engine, I was skeptical about going to a 4 cylinder. I was absolutely floored when I discovered that the gas pedal didnt have to be floored to achieve unbelievable acceleration. The fact is, I have to be mindful of my speed so as not to accidentally get a ticket. I have felt very little vibration while idling. The sound from the sound system is fantastic, but it does have small buttons and a quirky menu system, as others have stated. I still havent figured out how to change the default time zone from Pacific to Eastern. My care came with 17" Bridgestone Dueler H/P tires, which are fantastic. So good in fact, I am dreading that day, 5 or 6 years down the road, when Ill have to replace them ($$$). I have experienced no technical problems to date. Any questions I have had regarding a function I have been able to find at the Honda website or from the CD owners manual that was provided (except how to change the freaking time zone). The back up camera is a nice standard feature and the right side camera automatically comes on when the right turn signal is engaged or can be turned on using the button a the end of the turn signal handle. Being able to manually engage the right camera is particularly useful when you want to see what is in the right lane, if you dont want to use your signal for whatever reason (no ninjas can sneak up on you in traffic). The climate control buttons/controls are large and easy to use, unlike the entertainment/information screen buttons. My model comes with heated seats, for which I have only the highest praise. My smartphone seamlessly connected to the bluetooth and the steering wheel mounted controls/voice recognition gives you true "hands free" communication. I hate telephones as a whole, but I was still impressed. I have been so happy and confident with my new vehicle, that my wife decided to check out the 2016 Honda Accord and ended up buying one because of styling and features. Up until the CRV , I had been a staunch Ford truck buyer and my wife a Toyota fanatic. We have both drank from the Honda Kool-aid cup and are happy we did.

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  Things to consider - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Lynda - February 3 - 6:36 am

  I called myself researching extensively prior to purchase and overall I am pleased with many aspects of my Odyssey. the things I am most unhappy with seem trivial but I find annoying. My 1998 Explorer had more features than my 2007 EXL. Cannot charge my phone with ignition turned off;the radio is horrible and believe me I am not one to complain about radio sounds but this is very bad. The lights do not come on or off automatically; No MP3 or bluetooth ( I just assumed most of these features would be present- purchasing the next to top of the line) would have bought the touring except did not have option on tires. the bumper is scratched & i see this with most I see on the road.

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  Great car best Ive owned - 2014 Honda Accord
  By David Younce - February 2 - 9:03 pm

  Great value

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  My second crv - 2018 Honda CR-V
  By Ohioflora - February 2 - 6:37 am

  Love this car! Have had it only three weeks, but the safety features are excellent! The electronics are logical and the car rides smoothly. A little road noise, but so far, it’s a great car!

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  My Baby - 2002 Honda Accord
  By PSU98 - February 1 - 10:07 pm

  This was my first new car bought in 2002. I could not be happier with the purchase. It seems to run as well as the first day I owned it, and it now has over 50,000 miles. I plan on owning it for at least 5-7 more years. The handling is outstanding. The power is not overly impressive, but very adequate for daily driving. Passing on the interstates is not a problem. Another strength is the resale value, which reflects the outstanding build quality of this car. I just feel smart owning this Honda. A great blend of economy and reliability.

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  nice car but buyers beware - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By Reinaldo Davila - February 1 - 8:37 pm

  This car runs great, love the interior except for the consoles. Gas mileage is horrible I feed this baby once a week. Problem with dampness/wetness on the carpeting from drivers side and passengers side. Had it serviced twice. So buyers beware, have it serviced by a mechanic before you purchase a used Pilot.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2009 Honda Civic
  By lchapp34 - February 1 - 7:36 pm

  I average about 30.5 mpg with a heavy foot in hwy and city driving. This car meets all my needs and I love my dealer added XM radio w/the display. This baby keeps up with the fast cars. A quiet ride and stylish- I like the fact that Honda re-added the silver strip to the back of the car like the old Civics had. I love Hondas and would re-purchase this one.