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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  A Honda Accord in 2001, 2013 and 2015 - 2015 Honda Accord
  By John Houser - October 1 - 6:59 pm

  Just to give you an idea about the Honda Accord: our first car was a Mitsubishi, and it was spilling oil in the parking lot at 85K miles. The second car was a Saturn, and the engine started making horrible noises at 100K. Then I got the car that I read about: the Honda Accord. I drove that car for 235K miles with minimal maintenance and it just kept going, until the manual clutch went. It had the original shocks and muffler after 11 years. So in 2013 we got a new Honda Accord, and within a year someone skidded into the Honda on an icy road at 60 MPH, and ripped the drivers side apart, the door held fine, the airbags went off and we were fine inside the car. Just last month I just got a Honda Accord for my wife, because being safe and having a roomy, comfortable, fun and very safe car to drive is what we want. To recap: that Accord is an excellent choice for budget minded people who want the best.

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  LOVE IT - 2011 Honda Pilot
  By Brian Peters - October 1 - 4:33 pm

  I have owned my 2011 Pilot for two years now and have nothing but great things to say about it. The amount of cargo space and thought that went into this vehicle goes well beyond its truck like exterior. (Which I love) This SUV has places to store things behind every corner, and even has plenty of room when I have 8 people packed into it. IT never slips & slides in the rain or snow, and has been nothing but reliable to me since I purchased it in the summer of 2013. The only thing I have had to replace is the brake pads, but thats expected in any large 3 row crossover. Its get up and go is good, but I struggle to overtake cars on the highway without really hitting the gas pedal. Overall, I would recommend this vehicle to any family that does not want a minivan, wants a bang for there buck, and wants to ride in style. My rating for the Pilot? 10/10 best car I have ever owned.

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  Awesome car - 2012 Honda Accord
  By Raj - October 1 - 11:17 am

  I purchased a pre-owned 12 Accord EX-L coupe no Navi with about 32k miles. Ive had the car for about 7 months now and love it. I do about 24k miles a year so I spend alot of time in my car. The seats are comfortable for me and the passengers. Its got plenty of room for a coupe. My mother whose a little older has a little trouble getting in/out but once shes in there shes very comfortable. I would recommend this car to anyone. Highly reliable, comfy, and most importantly affordable!

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  Great, dependable car - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Brandon - October 1 - 12:50 am

  I purchased my 2007 Civic with 80k miles in 2012. I just traded it in with 126k miles, for a brand new Civic. I bought a new one because I didnt want to take a chance at having any mechanical issues down the road. However, while owning my 07 Civic I never had any unusual or unexpected repairs, besides my starter going out at 110k. It was a great car, no complaints.

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  Love my Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Brandon - October 1 - 12:43 am

  Great value! I recently traded in my 07 Civic for a brand new 15. I wasnt expecting anything short of spectacular, and I got what I expected. Pros: *Awesome standard tech & safety features *Ride height (not too low) and good rearward visibility *Excellent steering & acceleration, yet very quiet cabin & high mpg *large trunk, good amount of storage *EX options are well worth the extra$$ (blind spot camera, moonroof, touch screen infotainment, smart entry, & black accented alloy wheels) Cons: *the cloth seats. Previously, Honda did a good job with keeping the cloth simple yet comfortable & attractive. In Civics recent production years the cloth is patterned, shiny, thin, rough & cheap looking. Doesnt look like it can take too much wear & tear, but only time will tell. *center console arm rest has no cushion, extremely hard on elbows *lack of headroom for very tall drivers (only in models with moonroof). I chose the EX partially for the added value of a moonroof, but the moonroof also cuts down headroom by an inch or two. Im 64" though, so not your average driver. I LOVE my Civic, even with the couple minor complaints. Im looking forward to driving it the next couple years and cant wait for my next Honda purchase. Great, dependable brand.

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  Happy Owner - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Donna - September 30 - 3:05 pm

  I am all about economy and reliability. This car has both. I like that it is easy to park. It can gain speed quickly on the interstate. I feel that the car is substantially build. The cloth on the seats has held up very well and looks almost new. I have taken my car to the dealer for all recommended maintenance and have been very satisfied. I feel that my money was well spent when I purchased this vehicle.

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  Best Accord Ever! - 2015 Honda Accord
  By Ken McCoy - September 29 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased my 2015 Accord Sport in late April. I have owned several previous generation accords, 1990, 2002, 2012, and this is by far, the best one. It looks great and is very sporty. It is a classy looking car, with a sporty flair. The sport package had everything I was looking for. The comfort of the drivers seat is better than any car I have ever owned. I have seen the 2016 refresh and I can honestly say I am very glad I bought the 2015. The 2016s front end refresh is gaudy, with this huge piece of thick chrome on the grill. Also, all of the shiny surfaces in the 2016 interior are over done, and make it look a bit tacky inside. The 2015s interior is classy and sporty. The best looking dash of any car I have owned. And the alloy wheels on the 2015 are much better looking than any of the 2016 wheels. This will be a car I would consider keeping for the long term. I have also found that I can get just as good on gas mileage without the ECO button on, as I can when it is on. I just watch how I drive. But with the ECO button off, I have the power I need, when it is needed. I have gotten up to 525 miles on one tank of gas, and can always get at least 450, with about 65-85 miles left to empty. I am averaging about 30-31 MPG, per tank. On some trips, or short distances, I have gotten up to 38 MPG. This is a great car that has exceeded my expectations.

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  2015 Si sedan - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Mark Lubner - September 29 - 1:53 pm

  I bought my 2015 Si sedan after hitting a patch of black ice in my 2015 Subary Legacy and crashing it. I chose to go back to Honda because of the interior comfort ( I had a 2007 Civic Si coupe, bought new, which had 140k miles on it, all original-trans, clutch, everything ). I chose the Subaru because of its all wheel drive and hoped for a quieter ride, but what I did not know at the time, is I prefer smaller cars with a lower ride height. The Legacys high driver seats made it uncomfortable for me. My 2015 Si sedan has been an utter joy to drive. Its quick and I love revving the engine. I like how Honda took what they did good in my 2007 Civic and improved upon that formula. Im a HUGE fan of the two-tier dashboard. I missed that funky dash when I had the generic dash in the Subaru. My only gripes about the 2015 Civic are few: The center console armrest is rock hard, with absolutely NO padding on it whatsoever. I have had to resort to using a few small towels to give me some padding ( and am contemplating swapping out the Sis armrest with a 2015 EX-non Si-armrest ). My only other complaint about the car is it would be nice to see the fuel savings/ how many miles you have left in your gas tank, on the smaller screen to the right of the speedometer. Other than that, I recommend the 2015 Civic Si sedan.

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  Under Rated - 2015 Honda CR-Z
  By Pirate Forever - September 27 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car for commuting to work. Now my wife wants to take it as much or more than I do. Sporty look. Enough cargo for both of us to get away for a few days. Gas mileage is better than advertised, especially in ECON mode. The only issues I have are legroom is a bit tight for me (I am 63") and the radio does not pair without a cable. Otherwise the car is absolutely great! I see a lot of Prius on the road, but would buy 10 CRZs before Id buy one of those.

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  I bought my CRV in February 1997 - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Happy CRV Owner - September 27 - 8:54 am

  I bought my CRV with 13 miles on the odometer. Today my vehicle has approximately 264,000 miles. Maintenance costs have been minimal. I completely forgot to change the timing belt until the car had 175k miles on it. The mechanic later showed me the timing belt and said it was in incredibly good shape for having weathered that many miles. The only major repair I have had to speak of is replacing the radiator. I live in a cold weather climate and never have to worry about ice and snow. The AWD kicks in when needed and I just plow on and get to my destination. The car is 18 years old and I can honestly say it drives the same way today as when I first bought it in 97.