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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  2016 CRV Touring, Nice ride and it has a CD player - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By L. Hurt - June 14 - 11:26 am

  It is more roomy than several that i looked at, including RAV4. The navagation is more complicated in the 2016 than the 2017 CRV. The 2016 CRV has a CD player which I definitely wanted and many of the newer models do not. It has a quality sound when you shut the doors. Im not sure if I will use all the tech features but many seem to be helpful to have. It just may take me a while to learn how to use them safely.

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  The best - 2006 Honda Element
  By alicia - June 14 - 11:08 am

  My parents got the element this year and despite the fact that it costs a lot it was well worth the money. Weve owned subarus for 5 years before and none of them have better performed than this car. I love this car with all the space and the clean up is a breeze. It takes me a quarter of the time to clean this car out than it does our other car.

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  Great Car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Joe - June 14 - 10:25 am

  I chose the ex because it comes with a v-tech engine and just about power everything. This car drives great. The suspension is tight and gives you confidence around sharp corners because it keeps you firmly planted to the ground (yet it still has a smooth ride). The cars steering is tight and responsive. The engine could use a little more power although it has more than enough power for every-day driving. The v-tech engine is amazing when the v-tech kicks in at 4500 rpm until it redlines at 7000 rpm. This car also has excellent visibility. The air conditioning is ice-cold, and the controls are nicely placed. With a big trunk and fold-down back seats, this makes a great car for everybody.

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  Style great but poor quality - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Fran - June 14 - 5:16 am

  Love the styling and handling of my Accord but the road noise is certainly more than the Toyota Camry is used to own. The biggest problem with this car is the brakes. At 18,500 miles I had to replace the rear brakes (half my miles are long distance so this should not have happened). Turns out in 2008 Honda went to a smaller rear brake system and therefore they wear out sooner. I complained to Honda of America and they refunded 50% of my brake replacement cost. They also asked for the old brake pads back to check the problem.

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  Good car, but a couple major problems - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Jman - June 14 - 12:02 am

  The 2003 CR-V is the first new car my wife and I have owned. Value, and design were what made us decide on the CR-V over the Toyota Rav-4. All in all, we are pretty happy with our purchase. Only 2 major problems have occured in the past 3 years. The first one was the air conditioning system self destructing. Metal shavings went through the system and the entire thing had to be ripped out and replaced. The second one was the rear differential. The 2003 manual says every 60,000 miles the fluid needs to be replaced - under severe conditions. Buyer beware, it is more like every 15,000 to 20,000. Our rear diff was fried at 37,000. They replaced it under warranty though. $3000 worth.

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  Tall drivers beware ! - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By rollodo - June 13 - 2:30 pm

  After about a week of driving the car my right leg began to ache where the thigh and hip come together and it eventually became excruciating. I am tall, about 6 3" and noticed that my thighs were not resting on the seat cushion like they do in every other car I have owned or driven. Instead, they are sticking slightly off of the seat so my leg weight is on the pedals and hip joint. The problem is the seat cushion is nearly flat and not distinctly sloped backward as in other cars - a very poor ergonomic design by Honda. I have to drive the car with a folded towel under my leg to support it.

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  A Great Car - 1997 Honda Accord
  By MMF of Baton Rouge - June 13 - 1:38 pm

  A great car for town and long distance driving. Driven in U.S. and Canada. Carried 3 adults and full camping gear in comfort. Engine purrs like a cat on the road. Almost no repairs needed outside scheduled preventive maintanence. Has 100,000 in nine years and ready for ten years more driving.

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  Martys Honda Accord - 1994 Honda Accord
  By M. Prezette - June 13 - 11:54 am

  Over a doz. years of low maintenance and low cost driving. Very few problems at all. Was repainted several yrs. ago. Ride getting a bit bumpy but still a good over-all maneuverable car with body style still similar to current models.

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  no more CVT - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Jake - June 13 - 10:58 am

  have this car for a while. if youre planning on buying an used HX, DO NOT buy one with CVT transmission. its like the worst tranny ive ever seen. it gives you no performance, car is slow, tranny belt slips and weird noise from the tranny as it ages. it also makes the car idle like crap especially when its cold. other than the transmission, its a very good car. engine still runs smooth (my car has 140k miles already), AC still blows cold, quiet interior, very good gas mileage (33mpg, all i do is city driving).

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  Another Terrific Honda - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By Todd Perry - June 12 - 9:17 pm

  Reliable, good fuel economy, excellent overall value