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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  A regretful buy - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Drew - September 18 - 11:00 am

  I bought this car thinking how great it would be to have a good commuter that was also sporty. I figured I would grow to like the interior/exterior. I could not be more wrong. I plain out despise the power delivery. Normal driving I almost never see vtec, so its just like driving around a civic ex for 90% of the time. The handling is great, but how often do I REALLY need to push it to 9/10s? After reading the reviews of the si vs gti more, I finally get it. The gti is a much better daily car for what its meant for. Every magazine did track test, things almost no drive is really going to see. Both cars are just as fast on the street, except I like power down low over vtec.

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  Going on 100K - 1997 Honda Accord
  By Bingo69 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Car has lasted for a 100K miles with any major problems. I have replace bracks, tires, and battery. The the factor scheduled maintanance can be very pricey.

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  Disappointed But Satisfied - 2005 Honda Element
  By JOSEPHPLAVIAK - September 9 - 12:20 pm

  The Element has fallen short in a few areas. The "AWD" is far from AWD. When I bought the Element, it was called REALTIME 4 WHEEL DRIVE. In essence FWD assisted by the rear wheels when the computer senses slippage. Granted, I have never been stuck. My next disappointment is the "A" post. The "A" posts cause serious blind spots when making 90 degree turns. Next, I go on to the tires. The 215/70/R16 is a unique tire size, which makes it expensive and hard to find in anything other than an all season radial. Lastly, the front end construction. DONT get in a fender bender, itll be expensive. There is literally no bumper to stop the radiator from being damaged in a minor collision.

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  Blinking Headlights - 2008 Honda Accord
  By BUBBADOG - September 6 - 10:50 pm

  Larger car than the old Accord which is nice, however the build quality is lacking from the older models

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  Not what I expected from Honda - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Alejandro - September 6 - 5:42 pm

  Terrible radio, sounds like a 1980 car Low miles per gallon on Econ. Terrible customer service and resolution to problems, after 6 months STILL no solution on radio issue.

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  Voice Controls dont work and are a waste of money - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By George Walkden - September 4 - 2:38 pm

  Do not waste your money on the Voice Recognition system, it is worse than bad. It cant understand a word my wife or I say to it, even when doing exactly as the manual says and it couldnt recognize the commands of the Honda Technician or service advisor either. . Additionally the navigation system cant find a McDonalds, or gas station closer than 500 miles away. They should fire the entire staff who designed this system or license the Ford "Sync" system which works like a charm in my Lincoln. Its such a pain that we are considering selling it, as it gives us heartburn every time we get in the car. Manual entry before starting the trip is the only way we can get the navigation system to work. This year (2017) Paid for "Map Upgrade" which proved 2 things. 1) Upgrade had a 20 minute software upgrade, showing that Honda knows about the problem but is still not willing to admit it. Cant believe I had to pay to get new software they should have provided free. This shows that Honda is just thumbing its nose at its owners. 2) Even after software "voice recognition" was upgraded from TERRIBLE to only LOUSY. At least have the guts to admit your issues, because I cant trust Honda on any issue at this point. I am now using an independent garage to service it, despite the fact that I qualify for free oil changes after buying the maintenance upgrade from the dealer at purchase.

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  03 Pilot EX leather - 2004 Honda Pilot
  By sbs4536 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  front passenger seat uncomfortable, needs more options not enough leg room. Center console is nice size for other SUV this size. 3rd row seat thankfully are not used everyday would be a pain and not much room. Paint job is very CHEAP chips easily!!!!

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  2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Problems - 2013 Honda Accord
  By nlagares - August 29 - 8:23 pm

  2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Dislikes Internal hard drive – Can only copy original music cds, you cannot copy any media files. This is terrible because most people purchase their music online so you do not have the original disc. The internal hard drive becomes useless. Navigation, when you set a destination and start driving the only way to change it is by voice command, which almost never understands what you say. You have to stop the car in order to change it manually. Imagine being on the highway and you have to get off just to set your destination. This also makes your co-pilot useless. 7” screen – Poor music information layout artist, song title and album are laid out in such a way that

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  CRV Quality - 2005 Honda CR-V
  By tom77 - August 29 - 3:50 pm

  My CRV is the first non-domestic vehicle that Ive purchased. Ive been disappointed in the quality of the big three automakers for over 35 years and my Honda CRV doesnt seem to be much better. I dont know if the fact that my CRV was built in England has anything to do with the defects that Ive encountered but it shouldnt matter anyway. This CRV was missing numerous body fasteners from the factory and the rear window glass is defective. The engine is losing coolant internally and the dealer doesnt know where its going. There is one door that seems to have a problem with the latch.

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  I have a lemon of the batch - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By Odyonwer - August 28 - 10:00 am

  zpoorly built vehicle. Dealer had to replace high-mount brake spoiler because the gasket underneath melted in hot weather. Rear light covers-cracked and peeled off. Dealer had to repaint the front bumper because of discoloration (yellow) - original paint is silver. Repaint part of roof top because of rust spot from under the paint! steering wheel cant to the left. Very loud metalic bang (like someone hits the engine w/a hammer) when the AC is engaged after engine started if the car is unused for overnight - the dealer still cant figure out!!!! I need advice!!!!