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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  Have some common sense - 2016 Honda Odyssey
  By KMan - July 23 - 12:44 pm

  This is a mini van. With all of the electronic doors and computers, it is not the minivan of the 80s. So far so good. Simple to buy a Honda. No trying to figure out stupid accessories and options. They really simplify the process. The seats fold and/or install and remove easy. Easy to open the doors and tailgate. The computer system/setup is terrible. You have two screens showing sort of the same thing, but not really. Trying to figure out how to get the audio working for the RES from the front seat was a challenge for a tech person. Not impressed with the two screen setup. Very Wonky. Not a deal breaker though. I would buy another. I hope the cables last on the auto doors, time will tell. I wish there were covers to put over the metal loops (latches) if you remove on seats from the second row (we have the middle seat removed which leaved 4 U shaped metal pieces protruding from the floor to collect food and mud. I highly suggest adding weather tech mats. A huge life saver.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Honda Accord
  By joeinsacramento - July 23 - 4:03 am

  At 39 years of age, the EX-L is my first brand new car. I always bought used. And coming from a 20 year old BMW 3 series, the Honda is a nice change. Honda has a nice ride. Not too soft and not too harsh. Overall a nice basic mid size sedan with an elegant touch with the leather package. I4 motor could use a little more low end torque. Its a little slow at first, but does well once you get up to speed. Didnt want to spend the extra $2k for the 6 cyl. The styling is growing on me. I hope it stays as reliable as my wifes Odyssey.

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  Honda S2000 - 2004 Honda S2000
  By PolySail - July 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife decided to have herself a sports car for her birthday. One of her colleagues recommended the Honda S2000, earning my lifelong indebtedness. Within an hour of our drive to the dealership, she had her car. Weeks later, she allowed me to drive her home in it following an exhausting week at work. Wow! What fun! No wonder she chose to drive it all the time. (We have two other vehicles.) Its everything I ever wanted in a muscle car in my youth combined with the sporty cars I always coveted as a young adult. Now, at this stage of my life, Id have to say that it compares favorably to Viagra.

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  Going Back to American - 2001 Honda CR-V
  By Edburhop - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Well, a died in the wool Chrysler buyer bought a CRV because we liked the interior room and layout, and the price was good. We wanted to try Honda because we drive our vehicles forever, and heard the quality was excellent. Well, it is underpowered, and at 50000 miles we have a check engine light AGAIN!!! The software that determines the working of the transmission has had to be reloaded TWICE. We had another check engine light, and they charged us 112 bucks to give us a new GAS CAP. We are trading in this lemon and going back to American Cars. I guess the quality thing is just for Accords

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  Think Twice Before Buying! - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By 2001HondaBadNews! - July 23 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle & 100 miles later the CHECK ENGINE & TCS light came on. Took it back to COMMUNITY HONDA where we purchased it 5 days previously & was told that they already had the rebuilt transmission, that the previous owners brought it in 10 days prior to the sale & decided to trade it in instead of pay for a new transmission.Meanwhile, Community Honda certified the vehicle, ordered a transmission but never put it in & put the van on the lot to sell. When confronted they offered to give us $100.00 & said they didnt know. We demanded to cancel our contract & are in the process of returning the vehicle! Very unethical!!

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  Good overall - 2001 Honda Odyssey
  By axr80c - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Good overall since bought. No major problems. Problems with door sticking, taken to dealer couple times. Rick Case is good about repairs etc. Stay away from Motor Cars Cleve Hts. They kept the vehicle all day 3 times for a clinking noise. They couldnt find problem. Eventually they wanted to replace my whole subframe to solve the clinking noise, which was repaired at Rick Case with a simple bolt tightening.

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  Awesome car!!! - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By Janelle - July 22 - 9:59 pm

  This car is amazing. It beats all the other SUVs of its class, and the technology is incredible too. The ride is much quieter than the 2015 model, and looks 100% better too. The front and rear LEDs look great. Get this Honda! You wont regret it.

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  i hate the inside arm rests - 2016 Honda Pilot
  By albuquerque1956@yahoo.com - July 22 - 4:41 pm

  The stick arm rest have got to go, put on console with arm rest like I dont know the CRV. On long trips the stick arm rests dont work for me.

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  MPG is a lie - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By lisab23 - July 22 - 2:48 pm

  I purchased a 2015 Honda CR-V AWD with the sticker claiming 27/33 with an average of 30 mpg. I am barely making it to 27 mpg on the highway. The car is currently in the shop (only a week and a half after I bought it) for vibrating and shuddering. I was told by service that Honda is aware of the problem and is working on a solution. He said, "They believe it is a software problem". I am a previous Toyota owner, and I have to say, I am regretting making a switch to Honda. I am currently thinking about making a trade to Toyota. I am a commuter and the MPG is a big NEGATIVE for me.

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  Montana 2011 CR-V - 2011 Honda CR-V
  By david hospodor - July 22 - 11:22 am

  Great vehicle for road trips. Very comfortable. Handling is not as tight as I would like it to be. Just OK. Otherwise, it is the second most favorite car I have ever owned. First was a 1963 Austin-Healey I owned when I was 19. It is now about a year since I wrote the above review and the CR-V is still the second most favorite car I have ever owned. But, the older I get (74) the greater the distance grows between the second place CR-V and a 19-year olds beautiful red 1963 Austin-Healey........55 years ago!