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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  Larger than it looks - 2005 Honda Element
  By Jerra - December 24 - 10:43 pm

  Weve owned our Element for about a month. It is very roomy with plenty of headroom for my tall husband. Plenty of places to put things. My son loves the stadium seating in the back--now he can see out of the windows. Surprised at the good turning circle. Didnt realize how much fun XM radio could be. Looking forward to seeing how the uncarpeted flooring works during the winter.

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  Mixed review - 1994 Honda Accord
  By Mixed review - December 24 - 10:14 pm

  The car runs great at 94,000 miles but the drivers window had to be repaired 6 times the hand brake got stuck in they up position, the trans. got stuck in the drive position, each time the alarm is activated the radio asks for a security code - it is only suppose to do that when the battery dies and that happened about 5 times, the seats that fold down in the rear bounce back up, and the sunroof gets stuck periodicaly and theres nothing the dealership can do! Beware of this piece of junk!!

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  First Honda - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Mike - December 24 - 7:33 am

  Had the car 3 months. Took over a month, and 3 service visits, to finally fix drivers interior door pull handle. The fix ultimately required replacement of entire interior door panel. One of the slides for controlling air conditioning air direction on the dash came apart. Thank goodness I found it before it fell down into the air duct. There was an annoying rattle from the passenger door area. Found it to be the plastic fixture/clip which holds the visor in place. I fixed the rattle. Digital clock on the radio picks up 2-3 minutes per month. I update it about every 3 weeks. Was told me it would require replacing the entire clock/CD module. I dont want to do that, so I will live with it.

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  Odyssey = 8 passenger Accord - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By Paul Not - December 24 - 6:22 am

  Exterior looks are clean and just OK.. Interior is very nice and quite, we have the DVD system which is very nice for long trips rear passengers viewing only.. Onboard vacuum works great but I believe is a gimmick.. Rear 110 volt plug is great . The ride quality is awesome and never cramped for space. ONLY ISSUE : Honda really needs to work on second row rear seats ! If Chrysler can figure out fold flat self storing seats Honda should also..

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  Spoiled by Hondas - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Tom B. - December 23 - 9:33 pm

  I had an 98 Acura 3.0CL on which I put 175,000 miles. Since Acura no longer makes coupes, I went with the Honda because Ive been spoiled. The 3.5 in the Honda is very similar to the 3.0 I had. I loved that engine and it was easy to work on so my choice was easy. So far, I love this engine too although its different with VCM. Honda says the VCM works seamlessly but my experience is a little different. When it goes to 4 cylinders, you cant feel it. When it goes to 3, you can. When it goes back to 6, you cant feel it unless youre pulling a grade. Its not objectionable and the increase in mpg is worth it (22-23 city, 28-30 hwy). Watch out for a blind spot on the passenger side.

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  CR-V Beats Accord - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By ptb10 - December 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is a great car. My prior vehicle was an 02 Accord V6. The Accord had power but not much else.This is a really fun car. The SE in pewter pearl is beautiful. Interior is very comfortable. Controls are accessibe and easy to use.Radio & 6CD changer is a real plus. Plenty of room in rear seat for tall adults and plenty of storage. Exterior molding in body color makes the car. For a 4 cylinder car has excellent pick-up and is getting good gas mileage. I was looking to purchase an SUV; the Pilot was too big and so far I am completely satisfied w/ the CR-V.

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  Got another winner - 2006 Honda Civic
  By billbert - December 23 - 6:16 pm

  Our 14th honda since 1980. Could possibly be the most fun to drive one. We have 1200 miles since 9-17-5.High mileage 44.6 low mileage 29 mpg. It handles like slot car and performs well even in rain. The 1.8 engine is a great combination of performance/economy. An effortless high speed cruiser. Navigation is great. Im 6.2 325lbs and can sit behind myself. Body appears to be Acura tl tsx style. The new civic sedan looks great. Love the airbags and safety features. My wife loves HER new car. Rides almost as nice as our 2005 Accord sedan with leather does. It handles better. I hope its as great a car as our little 1995 Civic hatchback. It has been very quiet with sunroof open and windows cracked open

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  Dont love the car - 2004 Honda Civic
  By Ann - December 23 - 6:12 pm

  I have owned this car for 17 months. During that time, I have had to have a windshield seal reglued, the fuel sensor replaced, the cruise control unit replaced, the sunroof control unit replaced, and most recently, the gauges replaced. The gauges were replaced this week and the odometer now reads 100+ miles. Honda told me yesterday that they cannot reset it to the actual mileage--very annoying. I guess Im supposed to live with this even though the car is under warranty. Im not happy, and I still dont know yet if my low-fuel light problem has been fixed so that I actually can know when I need gas without tracking my mileage with the tripometer.

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  fast n fun - 2001 Honda Prelude
  By nateg - December 23 - 4:11 pm

  Ive had this car for a little over a year. Its a lot of fun to drive (10). Good straight line power and one the best handling cars Ive ever driven. 80,000 miles and feels very solid. It has lots of low end torque for a honda, and is amazing when in VTEC. Very good ride when considering how good it is around the twisties. However its not without its faults. My engine uses oil, makes my white bumper black. Bad timing belt tensioner design. "Get r done" interior (no frills). This car hates cold weather. The normally buttery smooth 5 speed notches into gear, and the interior and front suspension creeks when it gets below freezing. It doesnt get around in the snow very well either for a FWD.

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  2006 Souped-Up Accord Rocks - 2006 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner X - December 23 - 2:13 pm

  This car is more than I expected it would be. The transition from gear to gear is exceptionally smooth, and the car seems to float along the road. Its quick too, I was doing over 90 on the interstate without even knowing it (but a state trooper knew it when he clocked me with his radar gun). Jerk. The car has endless features too, from the XM radio, to the Navigation computer, to multitudes of voice- activated commands, and the fact that the computer tells you when you need an oil change, tire rotation, etc. by keeping track of your driving, maintiaing the car is a breeze. Plus, Im averaging over 30 miles per gallon on my way to work (which is not all highway). Sweet ride!