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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  Ridgeline is a winner - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By AbdulHakkim Samad - January 11 - 3:01 am

  Its great for guys like me who spend most of the day in the truck, need car comforts and a truck space for jobs.. Love the huge storage under the bed and the tailgate which opens both ways. Gets me 22 mpg in city! Very smooth like Im driving a car. Only minus could be the low ground clearance which some guys might need, I dont do any off road stuff so Im good..

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  Boo for the seats in Honda CRV!! - 2013 Honda CR-V
  By Rita E - January 11 - 2:59 am

  We purchased a new CRV in 2002. I was not happy with the seats then. Thought for sure Honda would have improved them by 2013. We just purchased a 2013 and they, in my opinion, are worse that the 2002! We had an Odessey and the seats are amazingly comfortable. Why cant they get it right on thr CRV?? Had it for three miserable weeks then traded it back in for another Odessey. Come on Honda!

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  Great vehicle - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By lukederosa - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5th Honda I have owned and my lease was up on the Accord EX/L. My wife like the look of the Crosstour and after we drove it we purchased it. We wanted an all-wheel drive and extra cargo space since I recently retired. The Crosstour is quiet, fun to drive, handles very well and has a great price point. The only draw back is the passenger seat is too low for my wife who is 5 2" so we purchased a seat cushion. Im 61" and feel like Im sitting in a cave. That is the only negative on this great vehicle.

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  good all around - 2002 Honda Civic
  By pacey - January 10 - 6:29 pm

  ive had my car for 2 months now and have had no issues. lots of fun to drive, very good on gas. its not the fastest car on the road but is easy to pass cars on the highway. looks are excellent, audio is great.

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  The MPG Rating is the real deal! - 2010 Honda Insight
  By Vox - January 10 - 4:13 pm

  Other reviewers have covered the vehicle design and overall performance thoroughly, so I will only say that the build quality and design have lived up to my expectations. What impressed me most is the MPG!I have driven approximately 3k miles to date, with the majority being city miles. My mileage has been consistently around 45 mpg, which is better than Honda advertises. Only in the last two weeks have I had a chance to do any serious amount of freeway mileage, and let me tell you, this is where the car shines! On a 250 mile trip in the flat central valley of California I ended up with 54 MPG! Tonight I returned from a 460 mile trip over the Sierra Nevada on one tank with gas to spare.

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  After One Year - Cant Wait to Get Rid of This SUV - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By K. P. Smith - January 10 - 1:57 pm

  The Infotainment System is the most frustrating, poorly designed, inaccurate and user "unfriendly" system on the market!

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  Low Milage, Large Turning Radius, Costs - 2009 Honda Accord
  By DBF - January 10 - 6:00 am

  Paid $19,995 for LXP package plus taxes no destination. Has door security, alloy wheels, CD/am/fm, no gps, no sunroof. Friends are getting 24mpg I avg about 20. I have never before driven a car where the mileage is lower than the advertised MPG. The unlock button sometimes needs repeated hits to work, good thing the drivers door still has a key. I think the code reset on the remote sometimes doesnt connect correctly.

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  almost all I expected! - 2004 Honda Odyssey
  By Alvaro Fernandez - January 10 - 12:45 am

  I am leasing this vehicle since may 2004 and pretty much planning to buy it! Yes, there is room to improve but so far we are 99% satisfied with everything related to it!

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  Great car for the money! - 2009 Honda Civic
  By kauaiboy - January 9 - 11:26 pm

  Had my mind set to buy a 4 door, but when I saw the 2-dr coupe, my reaction was "Wow!". Ive been driving it for less than a month, and just loving it! For the price, you cant beat it. Averaging about 32mpg, probably due to mix of city & hwy driving.

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  Windshield concerns - 2005 Honda Element
  By Vick - January 9 - 8:53 pm

  The only complaint is that in less than 18 months and more than 30,000 miles of ownership I have experienced THREE windshield cracks from pebbles hitting my windshield. I emphasize pebbles! These were not even what I would classify as small rocks. Two fractures were repairable at $50 each but the third one was a major fracture that could not be repaired and required the windshield be replaced. This has made me seriously consider trading this vehicle in for something else.