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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 31,869.00-
One of the best cars I have ever owned. - 2011 Honda Insight
By Chris P - August 4 - 8:38 amThe Insight is hands down one of the best cars I have ever owned. I own and operate a small courier business and drive over 40,000 miles a year and this car never stops impressing me. Even at 148,000 miles this car has never asked for anything except basic maintenence and one set of front brakes. The ride and handeling are very good for the cost of the vehicle and the drivers seat is exceedingly comfortable even for long trips. It is a basic car in terms of luxury but it has a lot of nice features that overall make it comfortable, and the handeling and overall driving experience is impressive for a vehicle Im this price range. I always get better mpg than the car is rated for without really trying. You get a lot for your money with this vehicle.
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2015 Model was worth waiting for! - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Gerrit - August 3 - 1:31 amI have been waiting to get a new vehcile for awhile and had it narrowed down to the rav4 or the crv. After test driving the crv with the new cvt and direct injection. There was no comparison for the value that offers. Its quiet, reliable and gets good gas mileage for being the AWD model. Do yourself a favor and go test drive one. I have more standard features suxh as Bluetooth audio and a backup camera then a bmw 3 series. Also about the cvt vibrations, they are hardly noticeable and not at all a dealbreaker.
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My Last Car Was A BMW - 2014 Honda Accord
By Ray Sheldon - August 2 - 7:42 pmHad the BMW for 13 years and loved the car, but the maintenance became an issue. Bought the 2014 Accord EX with 15,000 miles on it and have had it for 4-5 months now. Two road trips and daily use. Mileage on the road trips averaged 36...around town its less as one would expect. The car is more of an appliance than something which elicits emotions one way or the other. That said, it has some pleasant surprises which were unexpected. back up and the right turn cameras are very helpful. We hadnt experienced bluetooth before and like it a lot. Otherwise no real surprises. Things we like: Fit and finish is excellent. Its a bit spartan but everything is where it should be. Well designed and engineered in this respect. Good storage in the trunk and elsewhere. Carries two golf bags sideways which was a criteria. Large information screen for on-board functions. Love the two cameras. As a result, there are no blind spots. CVT transmission is great. I like the S drive function to help brake going down some of the hills and mountains nearby. Bluetooth is a good thing...plays music from my phone, telephone is hands free, and the navigation system on my phone talks to us through the radio. Keyless entry and starting function is great. Ive left my keys in the car while trying to lock it on several occasions, and it wont let me do so...which I appreciate. Hill stopper works great on the aforementioned hills and mountains. Minor Minuses Seats are a bit uncomfortable on long trips. More road noise than Im used to but less than my daughters CRV...can live with it easily. Acceleration is modest at best...but, at the end of the day, it does get up to speed without much fuss. The fold down rear seats dont fully recline. The trunk cavity into the passenger cabin is quite small.
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15 years going strong - 2001 Honda S2000
By ESTEBAN - July 31 - 9:06 pmHave had this car since new, mostly a weekend cruiser or summer, store it for winters, only 30,000 miles. Love everything about the car, but as I get in my older years would enjoy something a little more softer, years of football and basketball have taken a toll on the joints and this car is not forgiving, a true sports car. Only been in for one repair at Honda besides usual service, how is that for 15 years>
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No concerns whatsoever with this 15 Civic - 2015 Honda Civic
By HondaDad - July 31 - 1:26 pmIm getting 34 mpg with a mixture of city and highway driving. Comfortable ride. Its pushing 100 degrees daily in Memphis right now, and the A/C is strong on this little car. I use it to commute about 50 miles per day. The tech is great. Great car for the money.
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2014 pilot - 2014 Honda Pilot
By Sam - July 31 - 11:01 amI love this vehicle!!! If you want a pilot dont get a base model go with the add- ons .We had many vehicles and I will say Ive been impressed with the pilot the most . If you take a little bit of time to set up radio, phone, gps WOW!! Towing isnt a problem for me and I tow (outdoor toys rzr, grizzly ,and 2 smaller atvs on my trailer ) . Not a problem and I have gone up Nittany mountain with ease . Kids enjoy the videos and can even play video games with the 120v outlet and easy access video /audio inputs. The lighted steps make it easy to get in and out at night. The dealership is definitely very good as well and we will probably be back for another later on down the line. And if you like being outdoor get them to throw in a tent that attachs to the back it does it all! !
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2012 Honda Civic - 2012 Honda Civic
By JoJo91 - July 30 - 9:56 pmGreat, solid vehicle. I had this car for closing in on two years and it never gave me an issue. I purchased it with 7700 miles and put nearly 33,000 miles on with not a single major problem. The biggest issue I had was having to change a fuse. Great car, took me and my sibling from New Mexico to Nevada with not a single hesitation. Drove it 70 MPH is pouring rain and there wasnt a single near accident scare. I loved the heck out of this car and I miss it every day. Never gave me a problem, gave me great gas mileage, and still got many compliments over our year and eight months together. This car was my baby and I think I will always miss it. He got totaled in an accident and I was (and still am) devastated. Airbags deployed perfectly- no question. Great car. I would highly recommend.
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Best vehicle ever! - 2006 Honda Pilot
By CK - July 30 - 7:04 pmI bought new 9/06. This SUV has everything- comfort and capacity, you can haul a lot! This pilot grew with my family! Ive hauled 7 kids...5 kids and their stuff...multiple hockey bags and the hockey kids! We grew up through sports, summer and winter. The reliability of this car has been amazing! Because it will be 10 next year, I have started looking at maybe a new car. I cannot find anything out there that may hold a candle to this SUV. I didnt even mention that this baby got me through a few of the worst winters in Michigan history!!! In a foot+ of snow...I only put it in 4WD to back out my drive...then off and away through about 18" in 2!!! If you only had the 2 wheel version- you would be fine in very deep snow. It handles unbelievably well. Once on a very narrow snow covered road after bad storm there wasnt enough room for an oncoming car to pass...I pulled into the "bank" on the side of the road with the hope "we can do this"...and other car passed and I "plowed" through!! On my way again in 2WD! As everyone has said- the only maintenance...normal, brakes, tires...and very recently an alternator. The warning light went off- my husband checked- it was the alternator. He and my son changed it out for about $200! (It wasnt do-it-yourself super easy...but they managed) and we continue off every day like the "energizer bunny"! Mileage is mediocre...but considering all this vehicle has delivered over 9 years, I can forgive some frequent fill ups! Honda if you are listening- clone this vehicle...it is one of the best ever!
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Nineth Honda and The Best so Far - 2015 Honda CR-V
By Jeff Bracken - July 30 - 5:17 pmI love this vehicle. Its been awesome in every way. Ive owned nine Hondas (Accord, Prelude, 4 Civics and a Honda GL1800 Goldwing along with several other Honda motorcycles.) Of the Hondas Ive owned over the years, this one is the pinnacle. It looks better, runs better, feels better and made better than the rest. Not only do I feel that way compared to the other Hondas Ive owned, but all the American cars Ive owned over the years as well as current vehicles priced tens of thousands of dollars more. This is a VERY practical vehicle that Im proud of in terms of just how good it is made compared to others. Honda and Toyota are the elites of quality and longevity. The key here is "will this car still be running in 10-15 years?" With Honda or Toyota, you better believe it. On the mileage side, if "Ergo" mode is off, the engine is very peppy, but the mileage really goes down. However with "Ergo" mode on, my mileage has consistently been 31-33 MPG average. Almost as good as my 2006 Civic. My drive is mostly highway back and forth to work. However for an SUV thats great! Road noise is only an issue on grated pavement, otherwise its pretty quiet and I have NEVER experienced any rough idle. Could have been an issue on the earlier year models. Honda has appeared to have fixed it on the production line if it was an issue. Mine is smooth as silk with over 1500 miles on it now. I also have a new Toyota Camry XLE with the 2.5L 4 and its rougher than this CR-V. If youre used to the smoothness of a V6 or a V8 and youve just moved to a 4 cylinder engine, well its pretty normal to have a slight rough idle. Ive had Chevy 4 cylinders (Grand Am, Chevette and a Monza) as well that were a little rough at idle. This CR-V is extremely smooth for a 4. The interior quality is terrific and frankly much better than my earlier Hondas. I buy vehicles to last. Every Honda Ive owned had well over 100K miles on them when I sold them. I usually keep a car 10 years and this CR-V is no exception. Oh, and when you go to sell Hondas, they usually take less than a day to sell on Craigs list. Not to mention youll get top dollar too. :-) Heres to a long relationship with one of the best vehicles Ive owned so far.
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Reliable safe car! - 2008 Honda CR-V
By AveriDav - July 29 - 3:08 pmThis car is amazing. Ive put 100k miles on it and havent had ONE ISSUE. Its extremely safe and roomy and GREAT gas mileage. By far the best car Ive ever owned!
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