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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  honda 2006 - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By network0 - September 19 - 7:53 pm

  got a good deal on the car (i think). Fun to drive. great control at corners. nice interiors, good looks. on the down side honda civic, accord and CRV on civic chaisis is that on uneven road (cracks) on freeway it gives some sound that is not there in toyotas. there is not any mechanical problem but the suspension of these cars is not same as toyotas. Apart from this hondas are great cars.

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  best Ive ever owned - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By frank - September 19 - 5:24 pm

  This car/truck is the most comfortable, versatile, and stable vehicle Ive owned. It replaces an F- 150 and a Honda Pilot. Well satified with both, neither is as much fun to drive nor as pracitcal. It hauls and tows willingly, has a cavernous interior, yet, its easier to park and handles better than the Pilot and its more stable on the road than the F-150 or the Pilot. My wife drives it around town, and I on the road to work. Were we to replace it, it would be with a comparable model 2007 Ridgeline.

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  Gas Guzzler - Excessive Wind Noise - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By LOU CAPIZZO - September 19 - 5:20 pm

  We turned in our 2004 Odyssey LX expecting to get better performance from the re-designed 2007 LX. *It turned out to be one of the worst vehicles Ive ever owned over the last 43 years behind the wheel!It seems like we visit the gas stations every time we take it out! And as you can see,we only travel an average of 7500 miles per year!I would estimate the true MPG to be around 10 MPG CITY and about 18 MPG highway! Pathetic! I should have opted to keep the 2004 LX! Another factor to stay with the Odyssey was the convenience of the side door windows that can be opened. We hardly use them because of the excessive pounding, thumping wind noise that occurs when youre going over 15 MPH!

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  CRV - 2006 Honda CR-V
  By Joe - September 19 - 12:45 pm

  The CR-V is a perfict vehicle if you need something that is car like in everyway but has alot more space for cargo and people. The power the engine has is more then enuff in the city and highway. The ride is comfortable and quiet even at high speeds.

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  Love this car! - 2006 Honda Civic
  By smy0514 - September 19 - 10:33 am

  I am very happy with my new 06 Honda Civic EX coupe! I traded in my 98 Civic DX for this car and am very pleased so far. It is fun to drive; handles very smooth and quiet. I was a little hesistant about Hondas changes to the civic when I first saw the pictures. But seeing it in person and driving it made up my mind this was the car I wanted. Honda also has a strong reputation for quality and long lasting, dependable cars. I liked my 98 Civic and decided I wanted to stay with a Honda for my next vehicle. In my opinion, the new dash design is ok and looks cool all lit up in the dark; but I would just as soon have a traditional speedometer instead of the digital.

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  Smooth as Glass - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Mr.Winner - September 19 - 7:53 am

  This has been the ultimate family vehicle. We have already taken day trips with the wife and 3 kids plus the dog and its been great for all. From the room inside to the versitility of the bed/trunk. Theres room for everything even when you go grocery shopping you can fit all of your grocerys in the trunk.

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  Very Noisy Car - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Josh - September 19 - 2:35 am

  Something almost none of the car reviewers out there will tell you is how loud this car is on the highway. The sound dampening material on this car is very poor making for a very loud cabin at highway speeds. The rest of the car is pretty good its comfortable to drive for long trips (except for the noise), the power is good, cargo capacity is good and it looks pretty good except Honda continues to out do itself with ugly wheels. The engine is okay, it is very fuel efficient averaging roughly 32 mpg @ 76 mph on road trips fully loaded with 4 passengers. The turbo lag takes some getting used to and eco mode makes it almost undrivable in a city setting but shifting to sport mode keeps the motor in the powerband and it is a fun car to drive. The infotainment center leaves a lot to be desired while it does a good job if you mostly just leave it in one mode switching between connected device and a conventional radio/satellite radio source takes a lot of button pushes and is very distracting. Apple CarPlay is great but again switching to another source should be a easier. Also a play/pause button on the steering wheel would be nice. Overall it is a pretty good car except for the road noise. It is the first thing new passengers comment on when the go for a ride and it has me contemplating trading it in for a different car.

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  2005 Honda Accord with Nav. - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Punch - September 18 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned Mb, BMW, Acura, Cad ,etc. This Accord Hybrid is one outstanding car. I traded my 2004 Acura TL for the 2005 Accord Hybrid. Great decision. Burns regular fuel as opposed to premium for the TL. Had to replace all 4 tires on the TL after 18,000 miles. Although I am a BMW lover for all around driving the Accord Hybrid cant be beat.

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  It was a great run...Until it wasnt! - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Howard - September 18 - 9:13 pm

  We bought our Odyssey new and have loved it and had no problems with it...until three weeks ago. We have maintained it very regularly in necessary ways. Other than the excessive road noise (so much noise!), we have been exceedingly happy with it. Until three weeks ago when an odd noise started happening. After ruling out the transmission and engine problems, it has been determined that we have an internal problem with a rod. The only answer is total engine overhaul or a total engine replacement. We were told by Honda "Tough Luck!" with no further explanation. I called Honda Americas service line and was essentially told the same thing. I have sworn by Honda...Until now. The service guy at the dealership said that he had never seen this on a car this well maintained. Great...I guess I won the lottery where I loss $6,000 of my money instead of winning.

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  Loving our CRV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By 3evans - September 18 - 3:07 pm

  We have about 3100 miles on our new 2015 crv in pearl white. Getting about 27.5 MPG in city. Its so comfy and I love that heated seats are in the ex model and the back air vents are a real plus! we researched for a very long time and I wouldnt have any other suv in this class. WE have noticed the vibration, but its only noticeable if there is nothing or little turned on (lights, a/c, heater etcÂ…)