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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  Great commuter car - 2000 Honda Civic
  By Jimbo - October 30 - 10:46 am

  Bought this car new and have put 230,000 trouble free miles on it. Seriously I have only done oil changes, tires, brakes, and the timing belt. Although I am still getting 36 mpg in mostly highway driving, it is getting a little long in the tooth and am looking for a new car. Want to by domestic, but cannot bring myself to not buy a Honda.

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  Best of Class - 2007 Honda Odyssey
  By Only one bad thing - October 30 - 7:50 am

  I have put 12,000 miles on our 2007 EX- L and so far its been a very reliable and enjoyable car. The car drives smoother and has better performance than the Sienna. Interior features are well done and laid out. They went cheap on a few interior parts being made of cheap plastic. Overall interior comfort is really nice and its a great car to take on long road trips. The floor storage is also a nice feature, but the the thing that got me to buy the Honda over Toyota, was the way the seats folded and set up some much easier than the Toyota. I also notice the steering rack is not as smooth as the Toyota, but I just got it replaced and its much smoother.

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  Do Not Buy A Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Tanya - October 28 - 7:27 am

  I am on my 4th Honda. Where did the quality go? My back brakes went out at 16,000 miles (and I am not hard on brakes!). I called Honda and they said they KNOW there is an issue with their back brakes, and they are "investigating" it and dont know when that will be completed-and that I am out of luck. They MAY at some point reimburse me for the expense of getting them fixed. It used to be that Honda offered great customer service and reliability, but apparently not anymore. I will buy a Toyota for next car. They know there is a brake issue and are not fixing it? A big NO-NO in my book!

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  Honda Pilot LX - 2003 Honda Pilot
  By pmdurbin - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The LX has all the features a family needs for comfort including rear AC standard. When you compare the Honda Pilot LX to similar vehicles (Explorer, Trailblazer, Highlander) you cant beat the price for what you get. This vehicle feels very heavy in that the ride feels secure in contact with the road. The Explorer just doesnt have the same weight and feel to it that tha Pilot does. All this and a Honda too...

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  LOVING MY 07 CRV - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By JEM - October 27 - 10:03 pm

  IÂ’ve only owned my 07 CRV for 4 full days and so far I am loving it. With 166 hp, itÂ’s not a car for speedsters, so if youÂ’re hoping to buy a fast car, stick to vehicles with V6 engines. What the CRV lacks in power, it more than makes up with its standard safety features such as ABS, VSA with traction control, EBD, TPMS to name a few. Many have written that the ride is very rough. When driving on uneven roads full of potholes or covered with rough surface, any car will feel the same way. I am not too crazy about the manually operated driverÂ’s seat height adjustment and the limited choice of colors. Overall though, it was sure worth the wait and the price wasnt that bad.

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  Second Odyssey - 2010 Honda Odyssey
  By Third Honda - October 27 - 3:16 pm

  Traded a 2003 for 2010. Had 200K on 2003 - excellent car, extremely reliable and great for family transportation. 2010 has nice options like automatic tailgate, navigation, and split rear seat. Miss compartment below passenger side seat. Could use second TV screen for rear seat (view is difficult from there as screen is small). Like moving the spare tire to the rear and getting the extra space in the floor. Especially like the mid seat windows that lower!

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  Gold Wing of midsize pickups - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By wyowilly - October 27 - 10:26 am

  After owning a 91 Ranger since 91, the 2006 "Ridge" is about everything I needed and wanted in a replacement. I have the RTL for the leather - and didnt want the extras of moon roof and nav. So far, Ive driven 975 miles since purchase and experience with 4 adults on a 200+ mile trip. Not one - all seniors - was unhappy with either front or rear seats. Conversation at normal levels while cruising @ 75mph - a quiet ride. Learning curve is steeper than other new vehicles Ive owned since 1959. Avg mpg after 2 fills is 18.2+ mpg. A little sensitive to Wyoming winds - not nearly as bad as 05 Tacoma doublecab. Power & brakes both feel good. It is a excellent luxury vehicle with lot of work potential.

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  Brakes & radio - 2008 Honda Pilot
  By patricia logsdon - October 27 - 5:48 am

  I like my Honda pilot but at 25,000 miles my radio went shot, had to be replaced, and then I was told my back brakes had to be replaced at 25,000 miles. Thats pretty bad when you cant even get at least 75,000 miles out of a new car. Not really happy right now.

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  2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6sp Manual - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Carrion - October 26 - 10:58 pm

  So far I have put on 1100 plus miles and I do not have any complaints. The car handles well and is roomy (Im 62") with plenty of space for passengers. I think the price I paid was fair and I would do business with my dealer again. Lots of cargo room too. The 6sp manual transmission is quick and responsive and fun to drive.

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  2017 Honda Civic LX Sedan 6sp Manual - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Paul Carrion - October 26 - 10:58 pm

  So far I have put on 1100 plus miles and I do not have any complaints. The car handles well and is roomy (Im 62") with plenty of space for passengers. I think the price I paid was fair and I would do business with my dealer again. Lots of cargo room too. The 6sp manual transmission is quick and responsive and fun to drive.