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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  Honda - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By wlodek - June 11 - 9:50 am

  I have driven this car for 2000 miles and I thoroughly have enjoyed it, mileage was great on a parkway otherwise so, so very comfortable, can rearrange 2nd row of seats according to the needs-it was good for long trip, before I owned Nissan Murano I miss some features from that car but I would not go back.It is a great car I do not regret buying it.

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  Great choice - 1998 Honda Accord
  By katyumi - June 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great car. Intetior quality is outstanding, and it handles pretty soundly. The engine is quiet, but road noise on the highway is pronounced. The suspension isnt very good on cracked or bumpy pavement, but not as bad as many cars in the class. The seats in front are comfortable, but the rear seats arent on long trips. Fuel economy is very respectable. No major problems as of yet.

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  Theres a reason theyre so popular - 2000 Honda Civic
  By ThaDC511 - June 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used in January of 2004 with a shockingly low 20k miles on it. While car shopping, I said that I wanted a 4 Door Car and a car that was not a Civic. And look what I ended up with? A easy to drive car that gets you from point A to point B with no trouble at all. I had a 1996 Accord before this and I enjoy driving the Civic more. It hasnt had a problem, which is great for a college student like myself. Decent looking car with excellent sight lines for lane changes or parallel parking, but I do worry about it being stolen. After 6 months with the car, I found myself saying "I know why theres so many on the road."

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  First in Cincinnati - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Ron - June 10 - 10:06 pm

  Great Performance except when the A/C is on. With the A/C on, the automatic transmission shifts up and down often. Great features, like the trunk,GPS, XM Radio. Matter of fact, the radio is fantastic. The truck is more quite than others that I have driven. Nice interior for a truck. The worst attribute is the poor mpg. I have averaged between 15+ to 16+ mpg. including expressway driving.

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  Oil Leak From Day One - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Pissed Off - June 10 - 8:00 pm

  My brother bought the car on 9/18/2006 from ValStrough Honda in Monterey, CA. He drove the car home (30 miles) and parked it in the garage. Two days later, I discovered a puddle of oil under the car. I checked under the car and it seemed to be leaking from the oil pan gasket. My brother took the car back immediately. The service dept was already closed so they checked the car the next day. They acknowledged that there was "oil residue", but were unable to find the source or replicate the leak. They told my brother drive it around some more and bring it back if it leaks again. He drove it home. Still leaking! Big Surprise! Hes going to take it back tomorrow. Ill keep you posted.

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  Serious vibration issue - 2016 Honda CR-V
  By UnhappyHondaOwner - June 10 - 3:51 pm

  Disappointed in the 2016 CR-V. It has a serious vibration issue. It appears that the vehicle was not designed to minimize the impact of the vibration of the engine and the entire car is constantly vibrating regardless of the condition of the road. In stop and go city driving it is less noticeable, but it becomes immediately apparent when maintaining speed at 45 mph and gets much worse at highway speeds - 65 to 70 mph. I did not see this issue mentioned in any online reviews and it was not noticeable in the test drive. I have subsequently discovered that there are many other CR-V owners with the same complaint and a class action suit has been filed against Honda. Honda acknowledges that the problem exists in some 2015 CR-Vs and claim they have developed a fix. They supposedly resolved the issue for the 2016 model, but that is not the case. Dealership has tried to fix it, but to no avail. It appears it is unlikely there will be a fix. In order to get increased fuel efficiency, they have sacrificed comfort for drivers. If you do any long range highway driving, I recommend that you do not buy this vehicle. I know many other loyal Honda owners and they have always been satisfied and impressed with the quality of the vehicles. Sadly, that is not the case with the 2016 CR-V. I will be getting rid of this car after owning it for less than 1 month.

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  You say its NOT German? - 2008 Honda Accord
  By turninghawk - June 10 - 1:23 pm

  After having driven Mercedes and Audis for the past couple decades, we bought an 08 Accord, and Im here to tell you that this car drives more like a German road car than some German road cars! Ride is very good, but seats are just a little firm. A power passengers seat would be a nice addition. Its larger overall this year, so size-wise compares with an E- Class Mercedes, 5-series BMW, or A6 Audi. Price-wise its HALF the money, with historically outstanding value- retention. Fit & finish are excellent. EPA says 31 mpg highway, and theyre right. Consistent 31 mpg hwy, and up to 34.4 mpg on our last trip.

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  Great Car - 2006 Honda Civic
  By Rust - June 10 - 10:20 am

  Love the car. Its been fun to drive and exceeded my expectations.

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  What a Blast! - 2004 Honda S2000
  By Ex-Spider - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Honda has spent money where I care-- engine and handling, while not running up the cost with luxury items like heated seats, etc. It is remarkably powerful, and keeps giving all the way to redline, just like a rotary engine, except you get the added kick of a huge boost at about 6200 RPM when the VTEC kicks in. It corners like its on rails the engine sounds great the car looks great and they arent at every stoplight like some cars. For the enthusiast, there are few cars which can compare at any price, and none with a price tag anywhere close to this cars.

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  LOOKS POWER COMFORT - 2004 Honda S2000
  By RICH - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Power I Have Not Even Seen Yet. Great Ride Great Looks Fun Car