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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  RTL - Good Mid-Size Truck - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - December 29 - 5:44 pm

  Leg room if you are over 6 foot tall is a little cramped for the driver. My right leg is constantly resting against the center console when in my normal driving posture. I feel the gas and break pedals and the overall floor space of the drivers side could use another 6 inches or so forward. In my opinion the center console, while useful with ample storage and space to place things, leaves the comfort level a little to be desired. Ive owned the larger Ford F-150 and a RAM in the past along with smaller Tacoma, Frontier and Ranger. True, the larger trucks have better power and towing and the smaller vehicles have the better gas mileage, but this truck manages to land perfectly in between the two sizes. Even with my little issue with the center console I feel this is a perfect mid-sized truck. The size reminds me of the old T100 from Toyota in which I missed out on. I thought that was a perfect sized truck as well. Power of the V6 in my Ridgeline RTL AWD is good and is perfect for my driving needs. Mostly daily commuting 40 miles round trip to work. Then, lite payloads and towing for weekend projects. This truck drives like a car and has decent visibility and good road mannerisms. Overall the truck is solid. Honda name tag is solid and reliable with typical great resale values. Not that I plan on selling it. The finishes and layout for the user are solid. The technology is good and is easy to understand and use. Averaging 23.3 mpg after 2000 miles. The rear seats are comfortable and leg room is good, not great for adults. The folding rear seats are easy to engage/disengage even for smaller folks like children and with folded seats the truck offers additional flat floor space for payloads that require more security. The hidden well below the bed is a neat little feature. Im using it more than I thought I would. The other small issue I have is that the tail gate does not lock. Again, overall, this is a great mid-sized truck. You will not pull the house off its foundation with its 5000 tow rating, but you will be able to handle the majority of your weekend projects around the house and do so in style and comfort.

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Family Van - December 29 - 3:15 pm

  Purchased new in 12/05..had to wait 2 months after ordering. EX model with navigation. Has been a great vehicle and very reliable, though weve had it serviced regularly as recommended. Purchased for safety rating & reliability. Lots of room, especially with rear seat folded flat. Brakes have been okay but not strong. Power sliding door has stuck during freezing weather. In spite of others concerns, thats to be expected. Maybe Honda could make a suggestion about best way to "unfreeze" stuck door. Honda has offered extended warranty on transmission and EGR valve, but havent used it. We added leather and flip down video since they it werent options when purchased. No regrets.

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  Too Many Issues - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By mrmom - December 29 - 3:13 pm

  Im the principal driver of our new Honda, my wife has own business. This is certainly not the best new car decision Ive made. Weve been back to dealer too many times, although dealership has been great. Weve had the DVD player replaced twice and we rarely use it! The Steering has been pulling to right since day one with everything being tried. Now the power doors wont open from switches by the driver?

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  They finally got it right! - 2009 Honda Accord
  By conquerer77 - December 29 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned the following: 1994 Accord LX Coupe; 2005 Toyota Camry LE; and now, 2009 Accord LX Sedan with 5-speed manual. My new car was bought after much detailed and painstaking research. Issues with past Accords that kept me away: Road noise, stiffness of ride, high price, arrogant dealerships. I got lucky by finding a good dealer that gave me good value on 05 Camry. Camrys started to have an issue with valves rattling (70K miles!), so I may have had a lemon. It was a refined vehicle, and the ride in my new Honda is a only a touch louder and harsher, . But I get better mileage, more agile, new suspension is wonderful. Close & tough choice, but made best decision. Looks more masculine !

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  Wow - 2007 Honda Civic
  By IXbloodsimpleXI - December 29 - 6:46 am

  To start off, I usually purchase at least 1 car per year, this is my 13th in my life. With this car, I cant convince myself to get rid of it. Ive customized it to my liking and cant seem to want anything else. No problems with it, I barely have to feed it gas and its very sporty for being a base model.

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  Insight is a winner - 2005 Honda Insight
  By l Howe - December 28 - 7:14 pm

  This is one of the first cars in a long time to exceed our expectations. It is exceptionally well engineered and manufactured. The fuel economy is outstanding. Honda took their time and did this one right. They were obviously looking for every "tweak" they could find for economy. For a two person family with grown kids, this car is ideal. We have a Lexus RX 300 when we need to haul more than an average load of groceries or take another couple. The Insight is getting more than 2/3 of the use because of the economy and it is fun to drive and a joy to park. And this thing has zip. I have had to learn to keep my foot out of it and stay at 70 or a little below to go for the best mpg.

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  Hybrid Accord w/ Navigation - 2006 Honda Accord
  By wgrant94 - December 28 - 4:50 pm

  Delighted with the mileage. We got 38 mpg on a trip to Atlanta. My wife loves the mileage and I love the performance. One car magazine reviewer said that the Hybrid was like a pouring a can of nitrous in the fuel; instant torque and acceleration. While it may not be as quick as our Acura TL-S - it feels like it is. Instant response, great mileage,and reliable whats not to love?

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  Would give it a 5 but Software Update ruined every - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By Shelly Marshall - December 28 - 4:05 pm

  I bought this SUV (2015) new especially for the MPG--it was rated at 26-33. The 2016 were 25-31. So I went with the 2015 model because I travel a lot. I LOVED LOVED LOVED this vehicle--MPG were more than rated--handled great, Interior was perfect for me. What happened???? A software update ruined everything and I hate Honda now. I did the update as recommended and picked my vehicle up. As I was leaving dealership, I thought the break was on--No--so I checked the gear. It was noticeably dragging. I immediately saw that my MPG went down by 5 per gallon. FIVE! I took it back to the dealer and the techs told me (alternately) there was nothing wrong with the car or software, it was: 1. uneven tread on my tires, 2. out of alignment 3. my imagination 4. the fact I carried dogs (a 4-pound Pom and 8-pound Russell), 5. that i had books in back, 6. I had to watch my RPMs, or 7. I pulled a small 300 lb trailer. Finally one of the repair guys admitted it was the software update. He found out (Honda didnt have the integrity to let their dealerships know the problem) from his tech friend in California. In Cal they have to file a new registration for mileage if anything changes and this software update does lower the MPG--so it is filed in California--DO YOUR RESEARCH--whatever the MPG rating, it goes down by 4 or 5--they are no longer valid and Honda doesnt have the integrity to change their ads. I am surprised that most people are complaining about vibration. I hadnt noticed that. I bought the car for the gas milage and now they took that away with an update and then lied by omission. I hated listening to the techs tell me it was me...I havent talked to the dealership about it yet but I will and I am very frustrated. On the Canadian CRV forum they talked about the update a lot and most owners saw the reduction in gas milage just like me.

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  Bubba Beta-Build aint better - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By teamsc10190 - December 28 - 2:26 pm

  My expectation for a Honda vehicle was that it would be well-built and reliable. I was very disappointed to find the low gloss, poor paint filled with dirt on horizontal surfaces, body panels that dont fit and indifferent build quality. This is domestic poor build quality for premium prices. Honda obviously has high gross profit margin on these cars built in Alabama because they certainly havent invested in their process or quality control safety nets to deliver value. Im sorry that I didnt buy the Sienna. Having said this, we love the van, but feel that it delivers marginal value for money paid.

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  My crv is cool. - 2014 Honda CR-V
  By Judith - December 28 - 1:24 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that has a lot of passenger and cargo space but is still fun to drive, the crv is what youre looking for. The seats are comfortable even for a short old lady. Im sitting up higher and it has a backup camera so I have a great view of everything around me. I love the fog lights...everything is visible...even dark roads at night. And it looks hot. Im proud to drive it.