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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  Love my Honda - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By Patti Matthews - December 9 - 3:35 pm

  Best Choice!!!! Most reliable. Outlasts any car with beat resale!!!!

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  We love Honda - still - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By sonhdad - December 9 - 3:16 am

  So, the van is a bit over a year old and yes weve had some issues - auto doors that open inconsistently, replaced power steering pump, honda wind noise. But we LOVE this car - mileage is averaging in the low to mid 20s combo of highway and city driving -excellent handling. My wife is tiny and the car fits her well - the kids get in and out on their own. This van can lug stuff and holds up well.

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  great car, love it - 2004 Honda Accord
  By hokiehigh - December 8 - 8:03 pm

  I put on 9k miles in 6 month, not a single problem. I got around 30 mpg with combined city/highway driving, very good mileage for a mid-size sedan. Great power and very comfortable. You wont go wrong with the accord.

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  Make it again & Ill buy it! - 1990 Honda Accord
  By Armes - December 8 - 6:16 pm

  I have never had a more reliable car. The first owner svcd car well, and that matters. I am sad that Honda doesnt own or prevent common problems (like an $8 O-ring hold down bracket that could have saved my oil draining and getting all over my new timing belt) until too late. Private mechs had been adding the bracket when changing the belt for yrs! I asked about common problems at my last svc, and they mentioned radiators, but wouldnt let me spend the money that day. Sure enough, it started to leak, and I have a new one. Those are the ONLY 2 major repairs I have had in 6.5 year

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  Honda Hits a Home Run! - 2015 Honda Civic
  By Dr Civic - December 8 - 4:13 pm

  My 2001 Honda Civic LX with 268k miles finally had to go due to mounting repair costs and I ended up replacing it with this beauty. This car is solidly built for a "basic" car. The interior has a clean look and the outside looks quite sharp. I opted for a 5spd Manual since my prior car was one and admit it is quite peppy with a smooth clutch. I walked off the lot with the car brand new for $15,200 (not including tax, fees, etc). The car handles very well, with very little road noise on the freeways and is quite responsive (avg 35 MPG, 60% Freeway). My only gripe was the stock radio was not very good with a lot of static, I am not sure if its the area I live but my prior car didnt have the issue. I wanted an LX since I could swap out the center console that was better then what Honda (Honda Link) made, I ended up replacing the OEM ratio with a Pioneer 4100NEX (Android Auto/Apple Car Play, HD Radio, etc) which ran $500 out the door. For the price and what you get with the whole package you cant go wrong. I had a choice with the 2016 but the 2015 model was by far a better deal and with the new radio, brings in many features the 2016 model incorporates for a premium. Out the door for a car brand new <16k you cant go wrong, I think a comparable car with the upgrades would go for >23k. Overall a great buy and reliable so far.

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  Dont buy this first model year car - 2008 Honda Accord
  By dwest - December 7 - 9:33 pm

  The 2008 Accord was a new model year which also included a redesigned brake system. The new brake system includes a new electronic brake distribution system that is not properly designed and results in premature wear of the rear brakes. My rear brakes only lasted 19K miles. Google this issue to find out more before considering this car.

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  Great Car to Have - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Cruz - December 7 - 9:00 pm

  So far, I have nothing to say about its quality or performance. It feels very solid and confident on the road. Though I do not consider it too bad, its interior is kind of noisy at highway speeds and the engine, being plenty peppy, could be a bit more of refined to be perfect; a bit smoother revver...

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  My car is a fun game. - 2000 Honda Insight
  By bena - December 7 - 6:45 pm

  I love my Insight. I play it like a video game, trying to get the "high score" of mileage. I also hate stopping to get gas. Its really wonderful to be able to drive from San Francisco to San Diego on less than one tank of gas. Because I play the game, I drive differently than I used to. I try not to speed up or slow down suddenly. My lifetime mileage is at 58 miles per gallon. Ive found that where I drive makes the difference: hills, short trips and bad traffic are the things that reduce the mileage. Also the tires must be inflated for good mileage. I love the controls. I thought I wouldnt like the digital speedo, but I do. I found that the car is plenty big.

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  Great for Todays Mom - 2003 Honda Element
  By Coleen - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this CAR/SUV. I am a mom but never wanted a station wagon or van. I was not ready to feel that old yet, then I saw the Element and had to have it. It drives like a car, but I live where it snows so it gets through the snow just great with its all wheel drive. Best of all with 2 young boys I can wipe the whole thing down or if it gets really bad I can hose it out. With this automobile you can be a mom and still feel like you are a kid!

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  Element - 2003 Honda Element
  By fsamuel - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I am delighted with my choice. Very versatile and utilitarian. The road noise is not as bad as I was told it would be. Very tolerable. The interior does not seem to be as "scratch resistant" as I expected, especially the dashboard area.