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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  thanks to rex - 2005 Honda Civic
  By kathy and john - September 9 - 4:43 pm

  we were not impressed at first with the automatic transmission civic. it had no pep when trying to get on the highway. The service advisor told us to try one with manual. We are glad he did as we now have one thanks to him.

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  Great SUV! - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By wolfie57 - September 9 - 2:34 am

  This 2015 Touring AWD is a joy to drive. Traded a 2014 EXL to add AWD and better electronics, and it feels great. Having read of the vibration and whines bothering others, I watched for them. Once there was a audible whine and at stops an almost imperceptible wheel vibration. With radio and AC fan on neither was noticeable. If a fix comes along, good and if not, I am still enjoying a great new CRV. It does everything I need and a little more.

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  The 2017 EX-T Manual is a fun to drive car! - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Roger W. - September 8 - 10:34 pm

  This is a great car! I prefer a manual transmission, and I was happy to see that it was available in a middle of the line vehicle. I test drove a CVT version of EX-T and I liked it. I told the dealer Id prefer a manual and they located one for me. When I got to drive the manual version, it felt much lighter, and felt like it had a lot more power than the CVT version! It snowed in my area the day after I purchased the vehicle and this car did great in the snow and ice without traction devices! I think that the manual transmission gives me a lot more control and that with front wheel drive really helps in snow/ice conditions. I am impressed with the interior of the car, the controls, and the information/entertainment display. I use Andriod Auto and that allows me to use Google Maps on the cars display, use Pandora or other apps, take/make phone calls, get weather reports, and other information through my phone on the cars display, or with automated voice! I really like the camera mounted on the passenger side mirror, when I turn on the right turn signal the camera shows me whats on that side of the car eliminating any blind spot! I highly recommend this car, I think the EX-T is the best value in the Civic line, and I would buy it again! Accessories I got include All season floor mats, 2 cargo hooks, trunk tray, body side molding, wheel locks, illuminated interior, and rear bumper applique.

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  2012 Honda Pilot 1 month Ownership Review - 2012 Honda Pilot
  By Richard Prigge - September 8 - 8:53 pm

  This vehicle has to be one of the most practical vehicles made today. While some midsized SUVs like the Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer may have comparable or even more cargo space on paper, the Pilot uses the space much better. A full 4x8 sheet of plywood can lay flat in the Pilot when all back seats are folded down. All the other midsized SUVs have wheel wells that limit the cargo width. The designers have really thought out the interior well. There are cargo areas all over the place. There are tie-down hooks scattered around the cabin. The rear window opens separate from the hatch, which comes in handy from time to time. If you are looking for a family hauler that is packed full of practicality, just the right amount of technology, decent towing capacity STANDARD, and ability to get through the snow and mud, you should definitely consider this vehicle.

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  Shes our "Hissy" Fit - 2009 Honda Fit
  By Lacy - September 8 - 8:26 pm

  Weve had "Hissy" for 3 weeks and shes our favorite little girl. Averaged 43 MPG on her 1st tankful with small town SC driving. Love everything about "Hissy" including the mileage, great little stereo sound for a 4 speaker base, fun to drive 5 speed MT, rock solid handling and feel, all of the safety air bags surrounding both front and back seat occupants, the 10 cup holders (8 in the front, 2 in the back), the voluminous cavern for hauling with the rear seats in the "magic" down mode, and best of all, knowing that Honda has built a fantastic hatchback with big time reliability. Love!

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  Love my CRV - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By moomoosmama - September 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought our 97 CRV in November of 97 and its coming up on 5 years that wed had it. Its been perfect. Not a single flaw. The only thing weve replaced on it are the tires and just this past summer when we hit 100,000km. Even Hubby who isnt a SUV fan loves it. I especially love all the rear legroom because when my kids kick their legs they arent kicking my seat.

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  Great set of wheels - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Bill - September 7 - 1:20 am

  Love this car but owners manual is not clear on oil change miles. This is a well tuned machine.

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  Best SUV for Family - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Brian - September 7 - 12:10 am

  The Honda Pilot is the best all around SUV for the average family. Decent fuel economy, good performance, nice features, terrific handling, and Honda Quality at an affordable price.

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Honda Civic
  By manhhhh - September 6 - 8:30 am

  Bought the car on Dec 20, 2007. I was actually planning on purchasing the galaxy grey one but, for some reason the black just completely caught my eyes. Ive had the car for a couple of months now and can honestly tell you guys that there are no problems whatsoever to report. This is my very first car and the experience by far has been absolutely wonderful. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Nice ride - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By bob - September 6 - 3:13 am

  I traded my 2001 for this, and the change is like night and day; the new model is much less truck-y looking and feeling, and has a much quieter more car-like ride. The gas mileage over my old 5 speed standard is better; with not quite a month of very mixed driving, the mpg is around 27, and an early highway trip hit 29 mpg. The CR-V hugs the road better and feels less skittish than the old model in sharp turns; there is a fair amount of thump and bump over uneven pavement, but still a big improvement. I was waiting for the new model to come out before trading, and it was well worth the wait.