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 Car - 2016 Honda HR-V
  By Joseph - January 23 - 9:27 pm

  I have had my HRV - EXL for a week now and I absolutely love it. After reading reviews and articles about the HRV for over six months, I finally found a Black EXL for sale and purchased it. Buying a car is a very personal thing, but here is my experience with my HRV so far. I was looking for a car with good gas mileage and lots of storage, as I am a musician and gig out quite a bit. The HRV had more space than any other car in its class, and if you test drive it and compare it to other cars, this quickly becomes apparent. It also means the back seat ride is way more comfortable for passengers than the Nissan Juke or Mazda 3, which might matter if you have kids. Acceleration. Every review seems to mention its poor acceleration. My experience is its not bad. This is not a race car, so I didnt have the expectation that it would drive like one. Around town you have plenty of power, and even merging on the highway you have all you need. Dont worry about this. If Honda wanted to give it a few more horses I wouldnt complain, but had reviews not mentioned acceleration I wouldnt have thought twice about it when test driving it. The overall handling of the car I think is amazing, especially for its price tag. It responds well to turning and its turning radius is very good. Personally, I enjoy that it drives more like a car than an SUV. I find the car extremely comfortable to sit in and drive. Full disclosure I am not a big person. 58" and average build, I weigh 148lbs. I think if you were 6 tall this car might start getting snug, but so would most cars in this class. You might just want to look at the CRV. Another area that the HRV seems to get complaints is in the touch control climate/entertainment console. When I first got the car, it did bother me a bit. Not knowing where everything was meant looking down and trying to figure it all out. However, after a week with it, using the touchscreen climate and radio controls becomes second nature and I enjoy the tech look of it. Admittedly I am a technophile. Reading other reviews, it seems many of those purchasing this car might have been older, so figuring this all out might have been more of a nuisance for them. I have two minor complaints though. First, you cant use apple CarPlay with the this car, which lets you use Apple maps for navigation instead of Hondas Nav. Its not that big a deal because I can Bluetooth my phone and have my phone give me directions still. But it would be nice to mirror it on the big Honda display. Honda nav is sufficient, but not great. Truth be told though, I did not buy the EXl for the Navigation. I bought it for the leather seats, and let me tell you that in my opinion it was worth every penny. The interior EXL just feels high class, and looks it too. I have a feeling it will withstand the test of time much better, and is much easier to clean than the fabric. I also find the firmer leather seats to be more comfortable than the fabric seats. Since I wil be road tripping in this car a lot that is very important. So far I have been averaging 32mpg under mixed highway/city driving. Personally I have grown to really like the lane watch camera. It is very helpful in changing lanes in high traffic atlanta, and you can turn it on even if your turn signal isnt on, which can be helpful during high traffic times. A small feature that I personally love is the brake hold. Turn it on and when the car stops you dont have to keep your foot on the break. This is also amazing in rush hour traffic and in some other instances. All in all I truly love this car. As I drive it more I will update this review, but Honda hit a home run in my opinion. Ive had a 2002 Civix EX, a 2006 Element EX, a Nissan 350z Convertible, and so far this is my favors car overall, hands down. If you can afford it upgrade to the leather, its so worth it. Even fully loaded its not an expensive car. I look forward to getting up and driving this car every day. I cant wait to go on some camping / road trip adventures in this wonderful car.

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  I love my Honda - 2007 Honda Accord
  By Brenda - January 23 - 10:03 am

  My Accord has great maneuverability, is quiet, comfortable and sleek in design. I love it!

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  Look no further - 2008 Honda Civic
  By Eric - January 23 - 12:33 am

  We now own 2 Civics. I am getting 36 mpg combined city and highway Love everything about the car except the hollow sound when shutting the doors. The navi is great and the sound system cranks. Would definitely buy again if given the chance. People looking for a great car at a great price, look no further. I get comments all the time from people that like the shape and interior design.

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Ruben - January 21 - 12:03 am

  This a great car for every day needs. Good relibility and build quality.

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  Sold my MDX - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By sold my mdx - January 20 - 4:46 pm

  Had a 2001 Acura MDX which I decided to sell. Looked at the Honda Pilot and the mix. Bought the pilot because I could not justify the diff in price of around $9000. Rides as well or better than the Acura and mileage is about the same. Am very satisfied with the Pilot so far.

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  Glad to be a Civic owner again. - 2007 Honda Civic
  By Damian - January 20 - 12:40 pm

  This is my third Civic with other cars between. The car handles better then my Passat and my Mustang. The steering is very light and precise. I noticed a good 34 mpg with a mixed hwy/ city driving. And the best part is no more high grade fuel as with my VW.

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  Just as Advertised - 2008 Honda Civic
  By OldRockr1 - January 19 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this a few weeks back and so far so great! The fuel economy is great, the ride is tight and at 63" plenty of room for a small car. The engine is small but peppy. The feel is tight and responsive although not overly smooth. Only complaint is the sound system which, as written about previously, is lacking. I upgraded the speakers to some Pioneer three ways which broadened the spectrum quite a bit. A larger amp and sub woofer would help but is not a pressing need. Overall this is a great car for my commute and around town needs. Highly recommended.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Honda Pilot
  By Randy - January 19 - 2:16 pm

  An excellent choice in SUVs. More than adequate power, good handling and thus far exceedingly quiet on the road. Satelite radio is terrific, comfortable seats and plenty of room. All in all, a very good design, carried out extremely well. Safety scores are at the head of the class.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2006 Honda Accord
  By tulip1924 - January 19 - 1:36 pm

  I absolutely love this car. It is reliable, runs so smoothly and looks fantastic. The only thing I really do not like is the fabric used on the seats. Everything sticks to it, and they can be hard to clean. But other than that, this is one of the best cars out there for your dollar.

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  beautiful full controlling style car #1 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Chris - January 19 - 10:16 am

  Hits corners better than the older 88- 91 civic and looks better than any car on the road right noW!