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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  Best truck on the market - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By GGolds5 - July 21 - 6:46 pm

  As usual Honda thinks about every detail when they design a vehicle. Ive had Chevy, Ford, Mazda, even Toyota pickups and this truck is far superior in every way. Drives like a sports sedan and works like a truck. In freezing winter temperatures heater heats up instantly, easy to park, feels like im driving a truck half its size. Steering, breaking, excellent. Transmission feels as though it knows exactly what im thinking.Incredibly responsive. Ive had 14 new trucks in my life and this one is superior to them all. GM should be ashamed after seeing what Honda can do. Chevy trucks might be tuff but they are crude, trucky, and have many thoughless design features. Nothing better then this Honda.

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  Shoddy Job - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By Robcat - July 21 - 1:26 pm

  Honda wont stand behind workmanship. I owned a 1995 Honda Odessey and LOVED it. The 2005 design w/removable seats is a laugh. Where are you going to put the 2nd row seats when you take them out? Only have room to put the small in hidden area.The carpets are installed very poorly and w/in hours of buying it was already coming out from undertucked areas. Is CUT drastically where the seat are design to go. HUGE pieces of material that flip up and leaves a gapping hole. Brakes actually started to dragging (They did fix them), Sliding door defaulted causing damage but Honda wont fix the door nor the repair. Attempted to hide w/different color. Paint peeling on body!

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  not what they used to be, expected more. - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Brent Jones - July 21 - 8:03 am

  I have owned many makes and models and this is not one i recomend. I own a 2004 chevrolet silverado and a 2003 dodge ram as well currently. my son drives the ram which has 43000 and my wife has 19500 on her chevy and they have been far better on quality and simular on gas with large V8s. i bought this due to the old rep for reliability that honda has. I had my instrument panel replaced due to failure and my axle is having some trouble. and on an 06 with 5500 miles this is not good.

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  About Time! - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Aaron_trader - July 21 - 7:03 am

  Been looking for a mid-size truck with all-purpose capabilities. Almost went with Tacoma just about the time the Ridgeline hit the market, and even though its a first year model, I went with the Honda. Im counting on Honda reliability and the fact the much of the technology was taken from the Pilot and MDX. Overall, the vehicle is just want I wanted and meets or exceeds all my expectations. I would highly recommend a few accessories that help turn an otherwise unattractive vehicle into a looker: custom Honda grill, chrome bumper kit, side body moldings, custom wheels and tires. Also take off the front license plate and youll have a great looking truck with all the fantastic features.

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  The van - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Big dog - July 21 - 2:36 am

  This is a pretty good van. It is very reliable (60k miles and no problems). I like the sleek look of it and its power for passing. It is much more reliable than vans made by Chrysler, but lacks the nice bells and whistles (although they break anyway). It also has high resale and the power doors are fun to mess with. Mileage is awful!

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  Honda Hit This One Out of the Park - 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour
  By 007 - July 21 - 1:00 am

  Only had CT for 2 days but LOVING IT! First Honda weve owned (prev Nissan/Toyota owners). After test driving the small Mercedes, Audi Q5, Lexus RX350, Venza, talked my husband in to looking at the CT. Sure glad we did, best decision we ever made. NO buyers remorse we love the car. If you are in the market for a new car. This one is a must to drive.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Honda Accord
  By Cheri - July 21 - 12:01 am

  Before my Honda I had two Chevy Berettas. They were money guzzlers (over $8000 not including purchase cost!). The only money Ive put into my Accord was for sway bar link and bearings (about $60 total) and a starter (about $150). Ill be spending about $500 more in a few weeks when the 105,000 maintainance comes up, but to me its well worth it. My Accord has always been reliable (I bought it used 3.5 years ago), cost efficient, and great on gas! (I laugh at those pulling up to the filling station in Suburbans and pickups :D). Im completely sold in imports thanks to this car. Thanks Honda!

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  Great car - 2005 Honda Accord
  By Honda Owner - July 20 - 8:23 pm

  Particularly impressed by the super smooth transmission. Never missed any forward gear. Gives good gas mileage with aggressive city driving ~25 mpg. Has a well designed interior - everything seems to be in place where you would want it to be. I like the sound system a lot. The center console display gives the car a good interior look. Has some noticeable road noise on the highway, but not enough to decide against buying this car. Except some trouble shifting into reverse gear at times (this is a manual), I have had no problems with this car. It is a year old and has 19K miles on it.

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  WOW,WHAT A VAN!!!!!!!! - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By James B - July 20 - 3:26 pm

  Drives like a Dream. Great 0 to 70 for entering the Highway. Handles really good @ 80 even when it is windy. MPG around 16 city 24 Hw. Could be better but, MPG is @ the bottom of my list. Safety, build quality and quickness are more important. Truly the odyssey is the best all around Van/Car for the money. You can not go wrong with this van.

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  Replacement Vehicle - 1999 Honda Accord
  By Debbi - July 20 - 11:48 am

  Havent owned the car all that long but needed a replacement after an accident. The price was right and the maintenance was well recorded. I was impressed with the condition and how well it ran. I was concerned with the mileage but everyone and my research told me I would be fine. So far Im very happy. I find it to be reliable, its gone on road trips and gets great gas mileage. The tranny slips when cold but was also told thats a Honda thing, so u will be keeping an eye on it. For the year it was pretty fancy with extras back in its day. I am happy to be driving it around and feel really good about my purchase.