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 Van - 2000 Honda Odyssey
  By waltrde - October 17 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years and 71,000 miles Ive few complaints. Other than the wheels, it looks, runs and handles like it did day one. No shakes, no rattles, no squeaks. Maybe people with problems just have bad karma. Only real complaint is with the finish on the alloy wheels, which has not held up. Moisture go in under clear coat and severe peeling on two wheels. Transmission has been solid, and other than rear brake squeal (when wet) that ended after I cleaned out the accumulated brake dust out of the drums, brakes were flawless. Front went 70K miles without service. Once I replaced the OEM Michelins with Bridgestone Turanzas, the road noise was significantly reduced.

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  very convenient - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Pete - October 17 - 12:43 am

  The 60/40 seats that fold down are convenient so you can fit approx. 6-7 feet of cargo in the combined trunk/seating cargo opposed to just storing in trunk like most cars. As of now, it has been 10 days and I have never put one drop of gas into its tank. It came with a full tank, and there is still 1/4 of a tank despite the 215 miles I have driven. The air circulates throughout the car very well with the four windows and the power/tilt moonroof. The keyless entry is handy with the trunk button, panic button, and lock/unlock buttons. The sound system is very clear with the Mp3 accessibility, and six speakers. I would type more but just ran out of crtrs.

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  Our Latest Accord - Replaced Acura TL - 2008 Honda Accord
  By Sundance - October 17 - 12:43 am

  We have been Accord owners since 1982 and ventured outside only once for a 2004 Acura TL. After 4 years of harsh ride in the TL, we traded for an 08 Accord EXL V6 and are happy. The nice ride and handling are back, but miss the compact car the Accord once was. However, the 08 Accord is well designed, handles well for its size and the comfort level is so much better than the TL. Strangely, the gas mileage is not as good as the Acura but is acceptable. We are getting 23 in town and 27 on the road. Honda missed the boat in not installing Bluetooth unless you spend $2000+ for NAV. Also, the headlights of the TL, which were HID, were far superior to the halogens on the Accord.

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  Wait for it - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By BER - October 16 - 2:32 am

  I got this 2016 model in July 2017 as they were pushing 2017s out for 2018 models. The SE was the best deal for the price that had the features of the Honda Vac and DVD player without getting a higher cost trim. For those who are military veterans - ask to see if dealer will offer a military discounts.

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  from a tuners perspective - 1997 Honda Accord
  By kevin murphy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Ok, if you are interested in adding performance parts to this car you are in luck, there are tons of them available. The car handles well stock but adding a new set of swaybars, lowering springs, struts, and tires will litterly make this handle better than 95% of the cars on the road today. The car has the makings of a great handler. If power is your thing, the stock engine is not what you are looking for. i have the non-vtec so i cant comment but mine is sufficent but by no means fast. You may want to add an H22 out of a prelude. this is what im doing. Styling is subjective but i will say this. The car is very bland stcok so you can add body kits ect. and

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2008 Honda Civic
  By S Borden - October 16 - 1:03 am

  I chose this car because dealers were gouging on the Prius. I have been very pleasantly surprised. My mileage has been 48 highway and 43 city-- better than expected. Road noise and stereo have not been issues and both are superior when compared to my 2005 Escape Hybrid -- and the Civic is a lot more fun to drive. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Improved and Again the Best - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Homer - October 15 - 12:20 pm

  Honda has returned to the head of the pack of compact cars with the new Civic. The car is great. The New Civic was appealing to at every angle other then front. Steering is improved as is engine and STANDARD SAFETY IS UNMATCHED.

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  Worst car I ever bought! - 2013 Honda Accord
  By dillon67 - October 15 - 4:04 am

  I traded in my great 2003 Camry for this lousy brand new Accord. Why lousy you ask? Let me count the ways: 1. Big problem with electrical system. In 6 months that Ive had it, it stalled & all indicator lights came on twice. Dealer has no clue what issue is. Tire pressure light comes on nearly all the time even when tires are properly inflated. 2. Very noisy on the highway. 3. Uncomfortable, hard ride especially noticeable on long drives. Coupled with the highway noise, it makes for very unpleasant long trips. Im planning on selling it and buying a new Camry.

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  element - 2004 Honda Element
  By catmark - October 15 - 2:06 am

  excellent driving car; lots of fun and utility. good mileage and can haul most anything. no noise and a very tight build. comfortable on the highway and interstate; ive had the vehicle for about 7 months and have no problems. just change the oil and drive.

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  Best in Class - 2008 Honda Accord
  By hard to beat - October 14 - 10:50 pm

  Bought a new LXP 2 weeks ago. Paid $20.5k with destination and no extras. No complaints. wanted a low maintenance vehicle (no headaches). hard to beat the Honda track record in the price range. Cruises nicely on highway at 70/75. highway mileage slightly over 30 as advertised. mixed driving around 27 mpg. Decent acceleration on the highway for a 4cy. with gas prices, wanted better mileage. stereo much better than my 2004 odyssey. in price range, hard to beat the 08 accord.