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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  1998 Honda EX Coupe - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Viking9950 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought new. Vehicle is better than what we expected. No troubles what so ever. The 4 cyl. engine has plenty of power, is an excellent preformer, great fuel mileage. Vehicle has been lowered, rear spoiler added. Still gets plenty of looks. The leather interior is great with the sunroof. Radio needs to be upgraded (only bad feature on car). All else is wounderful.

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  sweet car for a 17 year old - 1999 Honda Civic
  By fbpcivicsi - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my third car in less than two years (after 92 S10 and 91 Celica GT) and i know that is pathetic. this is the car i will be keeping. This car revs into the stratoshpere, which i do and still get 26 mpg in city driving. i will eventually get an intake, exhaust, and new wheels and tires. only a few rattles (wierd sunroof rattle) with 53k on the clock from the previous owner. great car.

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  CR-V The Perfect Car - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By fdopk - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The CR-V is a versital ergonomically designed vehicle. If you are worried about saftey, it is the first SUV to get a quadruple 5 star crash test rating by the U.S. government. Price, anywere from 19k- 25k. Gas milege is anywere from 20- 23 mpg.

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  Ups and downs - 2003 Honda Odyssey
  By Ray D - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After long debate over the Kia Sedona and the Honda I finally went with Honda. So far, bad choice. Car pulls to the left in all conditions and while five weeks and tons of letters and phone calls yielded a Honda field technician to "make some adjustments" the car is still not right. Now getting clunks in transmission randomly at start up and Ive read about some transmission issues. I will not keep car past warranty. Wish I took a chance on the Kia. Still think the Honda is the best designed, but no longer am awed by Honda reliabilty or service repuation--at least I did not experience it!

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  Honda accord - 2003 Honda Accord
  By chio-1 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my Accord! It looks great drives even better and its awesome on gas. I have owned Accords and civics and this baby has it all and more. All I can say is go test drive one and be ready to get blown away.

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  Great ride and value - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Very satisfied crv owner - November 19 - 12:29 am

  Honda has stepped up the crv with its styling, features and safety. One test drive and the explanation of all the standard features and we were sold. The EX with the turbo is all you need unless you really need leather seats,navigation or roof racks.Your phones navigation can be connected and it works great. The adaptive cruise control and lane centering features make driving relaxing(it practically drives itself). Drove from Ct to Florida and back with a loaded vehicle at 70-75mph and averaged about 37mpg. Touch screen is easy to see and use. Traded in a 2014 Toyota Camry se and my auto insurance actually dropped in price. Only negative Honda had no incentives or financing specials, but it is still a great value. No other SUV in this price range or higher can compete with this crv, I checked them all out.

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  The Family Mans Coupe! - 2010 Honda Accord
  By shaymasdaddy - November 18 - 9:56 am

  Just trade-in a Civic EX-L for a 2010 Accord EX-L V6 coupe. It handles great and my kids (5 and 9) fit in the back sit with no problem. Now that the 2010s have the tan leather with the contrasting black floor mats, the interior looks awesome. I got the taffeta white with no pinstripe which gives it a more upscale look. If you have a family of 4 and thought having a coupe was impractical, check out the Accord V6 coupe, youll be in for a surprise.

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  Wow What A Lemon - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By rcpquote - November 18 - 1:36 am

  This vehicle is the worst I ever owned (mechanically). Shortly after buying this used with 42,000 miles, the transmission went bad. Was not covered under warranty but later warranty was extended to 100,000 on this (because so many were going bad). 2nd Transmission failed at 67,000 miles. 3rd Transmission failed at 105,000 miles (no longer under warranty). Electric doors have regular problems. 2 sets of motor mounts from transmission putting too much stress when shifting. Otherwise, powerful enough and comfortable for an entire family of 6.

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  bad tramissions in 2002 - 2002 Honda Odyssey
  By Debbie - November 18 - 12:49 am

  The first transmission went out at 36,600 miles. Honda installed a new Honda remanufacturered transmission with another 36,000 mile warranty. Approximately 3000 miles later the transmission went out again. Now my lease is almost up and the 3rd transmission is starting to slip again. The dealer said that Honda is aware that they have problems with the transmissions for this year so I was shocked it was in the top 10 used car list. Prior to this van I had a Toyota Sienna van and I liked that van way more than this one. It had a much better ride by alot and I never had any mechanical problems. The Honda has a very tight feel and every bump jars you. I was very dissatisfied.

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  My 2nd VX and better than the 1st !!! - 1992 Honda Civic
  By Ken was IL now MI - November 17 - 11:41 pm

  I owned my 1st VX for 10 years - see my 5/2002 review in this section. I was very sad when I sold it but I did because it started to rust badly in several areas. While looking at the bargain section of the car classifieds of the Detroit newspaper I found another 92 VX! for only $1500! Whats great about this one? NO SERIOUS RUST!! Three years later????? Anyway the new one (14 years young next month) is really fantastic. It has only 128,000 miles, doesnt leak/burn/use oil, the engine runs like new and the interior is in better shape than my 1st VX - seats and carpeting are mint. Still has the same advantages and disadvantages as the old one but if I could find another 92 Id buy it!!