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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  Awesome coupe - 2016 Honda Accord
  By Vincent - March 30 - 6:13 pm

  Wed always been Mercedes people until we got this Honda Accord Touring Coupe and it outperforms every car Ive ever had before with its amazing technology and comfort. It integrates with iphone and android so easily and reads texts out loud! The stereo is awesome to us! It looks great, a collectible shape/outline for sure that will still be beautiful 20-30 years from now (just like other beautifully designed coupes now 25 years old, e.g. Audi coupes, Mercedes coupes and others). The children love driving it the most and couldnt care less anymore for the Benzs.

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  Cannot TOW on the ground! - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By James White - March 30 - 11:11 am

  From the original CRV thru 2014 these vehicles could be towed four wheels on the ground. NO LONGER! The new transmission will not allow the CRV to be towed with four wheels on the ground!

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  This Pilot doesnt Fly - 2009 Honda Pilot
  By R Janney - March 30 - 11:10 am

  This 2009 Honda Pilot has been a real disappointment. With approx. 5200 miles since new in August 2008 we are not pleased with the over all quality. At less than 1000 miles the rear windshield wiper assembly flew off when I turned it on. The battery has died twice while parked with everything off. This happened at approx 3200 miles and just this week with 5000 miles. The side trim panel on the drivers side door next to the window fell off. The entire vehicle rattles and squeaks as if there were 105,000 miles on it (Our 02 SAAB & 03 VW are quiet!) The right front passenger seat is jerky when you use the forward-back adjustment. The shift lever make operating or tuning the radio uncomfortable.

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  Very reliable - 1998 Honda Civic
  By Lynn - March 30 - 1:41 am

  I am the second owner of my Honda Civic. Ive had it for over 3 years and I have never had to get repairs. Very dependable and great for fuel economy.

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  Rock magnet - 2003 Honda Element
  By MsShawnPhx - March 29 - 11:11 pm

  I had my element for almost 2 years. I got a lot of comments on how ugly the exterior design was, but it wasnt nearly as boxy as Land Rover, XB or even Hummer in my opinion. The classic min-woody quality is what drew me to it. I was able to fit my 450 lb 63" husband, as well as a 65" friend in the front as well as back seats. I am 53" and had no issues with my height in the vehicle. The large windshield will attrack every rock on the road. I did have to have the drivers seat replaced, due to some of the stitching coming apart, and the track bent.

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  Great Family Van - 1999 Honda Odyssey
  By mary - March 29 - 10:19 pm

  We bought this van new and have 129,000 miles on it. Its been great transportation - comfortable, roomy, great for hauling people and stuff. Have had problems with the doors but the dealer has been very reasonable. Had to replace catalytic converter at less than 100,000 miles and now it needs a new transmission. Thats not covered by warranty but we are getting a deal ($500)plus labor. Only complaint is performance in snow - not great even with TCS. Plymouth Voyager was much better in snowy/icy conditions.

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  Looks Like a Ferrari drives like a Fiat - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By ChuckTX - March 29 - 6:17 pm

  We leased the 2016 Pilot with the expectation we were getting the same quality as the last 3 Pilots we leased. This was not the same Pilot we had come to love. This vehicle is tinny - the vibration and awful performance are staggering. We recently took it on a 10 hour road trip. It was like sitting on an airplane next to the motor. As we traveled down the highway I felt as if the hood was going to peel back like a sardine can. I am hoping the dealership will take the vehicle back as we have just exceeded our 30 day period. I should have been more aware of the fact there were 3,200 miles on the vehicle when we leased it realizing someone already knew what I was about tho find out. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Long time, first time - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By Matt From DC - March 29 - 3:44 pm

  I bought the 2010 CRV new after owning a 2004 CRV and I think it was a very prudent and practical purchase. Outside the original tires that were complete trash, everything else has held up great and no AC issues like the 2004 CRV had. It lags in the acceleration department as others have mentioned, which is disappointing given the gas mileage you get from the car which is just ok (25mpg in mixed driving). The paint is ok, much better than the 2004 CRV and otehr Hondas I have owned but I also make sure to give it a good waxing twice a year and generally keep it clean. The inside is pretty great, I have never had issues with plastics breaking like someone else mentioned, but I also try to take care of the vehicle. Cloth seating has held up great, still looks like new. The carpets are all great because I have all weather mats, and I love the captains chairs for the long rides. I drive this vehicle on long trips a few times a year and it is a comfortable and outstanding long range vehicle IMO. I too like the folding tray in the center council and am sad Honda got rid of this. It allows for additional storage and the cup holders and tray is in the exact right spot. The 2004 CRV had a ton of cubby spaces, this version has less and the ones below the radio are somewhat useless. Storage though is great, I often haul things and the rear and front headroom/legroom is great. Mechanically the car has held up extremely well, kind of the main reason you buy Hondas right? Styling is nice IMO, I like it better than the newer versions and about the same as the old boxy design. Overall this is a great value vehicle and I think Ive now had it longer than any other vehicle I have ever owned. It has retained its value well also, so if I ever decide to trade it in I know Ill get more than someone who bought another brand of mini SUV. I dont plan on getting rid of it anytime soon though, Ill keep it another five years or so most likely.

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  Almost Pefect - 2004 Honda Element
  By MEMoore - March 29 - 1:36 pm

  I havent been this excited about a new car in decades! As word gets out, this car will become the 21st centurys Beetle. A sublime mix of functionality and cost. I tote a lot of stuff every day and the suicide doors make loading it so much easier. Contrary to reports, the Element with 5 speed manual is a very peppy car. My wife cringed when I insisted on an Element to replace a 95 Civic. Admittedly, I thought her CR-V was the ideal car for the money, until I got the Element. The Element trumps it at thousands less. Although she wont admit it, shes fallen for it too!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Honda Element
  By marilyn barker - March 29 - 3:50 am

  Im very happy with my new Element. Its very comfortable to drive, I love the way it looks both inside and out. I get so many compliments from people that see me driving the car. I added roof racks and running boards which adds to its cute appearance. At first I was tripping over the running board as I got in the car but after a few days I adjusted and now it never happens. I love the worry free interior....no panic over spills that could ruin the usual carpeted floors or plush fabrics. Im tall and the seats are very comfortable for me. The waterproof upholstry is comfortable to sit on even in a bathing suit. I just couldnt be happier with my new car.