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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  This van is ...... - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Handsomepig - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is my second minivan, the first one was a Caravan,I think that was bad, but I never think Honda makes one even.....

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  Fraud - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By disapointed - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased a Honda Odyssey and driving it home from the dealer it began to shake consideralby. Turns out the Axle is bent on the Car. The car had 8 miles on it. Of course Honda wont exchange the vehicle for one that is not damaged. My new goal is to make people aware of these types of issues. I am screwed. Make sure you drive the car YOU are going to buy not one "just like it."

• 

  Great Car.... - 2003 Honda Civic
  By DaveInBoston - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car... Compared to my 99 Pontiac Sunfire GT, this car is worlds apart. Much smoother engine, transmission, quieter and a build quality that makes anything GM built look like a Yugo. She is a quick car once you know that the power is at a higher rpm... This is a car I would recommend to anyone. A pleasure/fun to drive and a great value.

• 

  Honda Succeeds - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By snark - December 24 - 12:30 am

  The redesigned model is excellent. I owned an 03, and find this superior in virtually every respect. Rear visibility is improved; gas mileage is excellent; seats offer solid lumbar support and are comfortable; handling is better than previous, although turning radius is not. Interior is complemented wonderfully by updated materials and thoughtful design, no longer utilitarian. Shifter moved below controls. Space in rear is smaller than previous model. A pleasure for commuting any distance. Undercarriage is also improved with greater ground clearance. The ride is secure with little sway when pushed in tight turns at good speed. Acceleration is good, but needs increased power to be flawless.

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  Bluetooth disaster - 2017 Honda Pilot
  By Levi - December 24 - 12:25 am

  Everytime i place a call with either my Iphone 7plus / Iphone 6 Plus / Samsung Galaxy Note 5 / Google Pixel the phone connects to bluetooth and immediately switches to private mode unless you force it manually back to bluetooth. on some of the phones it never even connects. I went to 2 separate dealers and no help. They tried telling me its a issue with my phone / phones and or my carrier. This issue is on all EX-L and above models. None of these phones have a issue with my 2016 Honda Civic touring or any other car. This issue is known to 2016 Pilots and the new pickup truck which is based on a pilot chasis. I called Honda link and no help other then telling me that i should call once every 6 months to see if there is a update.

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  Happy with my purchase - 2009 Honda Accord
  By OC - December 23 - 7:36 pm

  Initially wanted to buy a VW, looked around for one, sent a few e-mails to dealers and got no responses. NONE! I have had a number or far less than great experiences with VW dealers so I decided to look around. Boy, am I ever glad I did! This Honda is awesome, drives great, awesome for the money. If you dont get into this deal expecting a BMW for 20-30k, then youre going to get a fantastic car with great resale value.

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  Its my 2nd Prelude! - 1997 Honda Prelude
  By Dana - December 23 - 4:48 pm

  No one believes my car is a 97! I try to keep it in great shape and definitely keep it serviced. If only I could keep those SUV folks from running me off the road since they dont see me "down here", life in my Prelude would be perfect! But what am I to do when its time to retire this one, since Honda pulled production?? Hopefully that day wont come anytime soon...

• 

  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.

• 

  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.

• 

  First car to ever exceed my expectations - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 23 - 4:45 pm

  I have high expectations when I buy vehicles and usually they are met or over time I find short comings. Overall I cant fault anything in this car. I replaced a 06 BMW 325i and other than giving up a little handling, steering feel, braking and the feel of RWD and that amazing engine sound.... Ive gained enough to offset all that. Quieter, rides a lot better. Smoothest freeway and urban pavement ride of any car Ive been in. Better than our Audi Q5. Sweet engine, cvt is well behaved and tracks effortlessly on the highway. I commute 99 miles a day round trip, so almost 400 miles per week on average with weekend trips. Its the perfect car. Averaging around 38mpg during the first few days breaking it in going 70-80mph but accelerating and coasting a lot so not efficient operation. Phone integration could be better. Touring features are worth it and will hold resale better I think. ACC and Lane assist work very well. Stereo is very good. Better than the similar 10 speaker system in our Audi Q5. First car with LED headlights and they are awesome! Worth it if you are a highway commuter. I drive in the dark about 60% of the time during the year so it was a big deal.