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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  What do you expect, its a Honda!!! - 2004 Honda Accord
  By Dave on the Mountain - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I have put off buying my Accord for several years. After driving my 2004 Accord for a couple of days, I cant imagine why I waited so long. This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The build is solid, roomy interior, huge trunk, and 30+ mpg. I bought the 4 cyl coupled with the 5- speed transmission (a loaded EX with leather interior) for a price of $21,600. You cannot beat the price for such value.

• 

  disappointment - 2005 Honda Odyssey
  By mary - May 21 - 3:10 am

  My children encouraged me to purchase a Honda. After driving voyagers and caravans for almost twenty years,I was looking forward to moving up to a town and country, instead purchased the touring model of the Odyssey. The car was in the shop for over ten days, two trips to the dealership, two wasted days of my time, to fix an engine light on the dash. The touring model is supposed to have adjustable armrests, not so, and the dealer said it is within parameters. The interior finish is ok but not what I expected from Honda. Would I buy this car again? No, it is not worth 35,000.

• 

  3rd Civic Ive owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fran P. - May 21 - 1:40 am

  Coming from an old 2003 Civic manual 5 speed, it feels a bit weird to drive the new CVT. It almost feels like the engine has to catch (maybe it is the eco..not sure) as if I am driving manual. So the acceleration feels a bit lumpy sometimes as if the car has to lurch randomly, but very subtly. The electronics are good. I notice a bit of lag from time to time, but other than that - its a great addition to the car for long commutes. When I bought my car brand new, there was an issue with my trunk. I opened it, and after shutting it closed, it would not stay shut. It would continually pop open on its own and beep twice. I noticed the bottom part of the trunk weather strip was bent and distorted. I forcefully had to shut it in order for it to stay - and be mindful not to use it until I went to the dealer to have it repaired (5 hours total.) 2 hours for diagnosis, then another 3 hours another day for them to replace it :( but I still love my car. Feels fast, fun to drive, and lovely to look at. I wish they put more care into the interior of the seats and console - as once you put your arm down, it leaves white residue so that will definitely wear down quickly over the years. My other issue was I opened my trunk to inspect my car on the first night home and there were razer blades on the top of some parts. I figure thats more the dealerships wrongdoing. They admitted they use it to cut the tape and various parts off and forgotten them there. Nervous that they couldve had more that have fallen into the parts of the car...but so far it seems fine. The steering wheel makes a faint click click click noise when you turn it all the way. Not sure what that is - but it does not affect the way it drives. Overall, love the new car. Going to go the extra mile to be careful with the interior because I feel like it will definitely wear down quickly. Everything else is great - feels spacious and plenty of room to get in and out. Trunk space is huge. Love the details on the headlights and tail lights and the storage space in the middle console ! =)

• 

  3rd Civic Ive owned - 2017 Honda Civic
  By Fran P. - May 21 - 1:40 am

  Coming from an old 2003 Civic manual 5 speed, it feels a bit weird to drive the new CVT. It almost feels like the engine has to catch (maybe it is the eco..not sure) as if I am driving manual. So the acceleration feels a bit lumpy sometimes as if the car has to lurch randomly, but very subtly. The electronics are good. I notice a bit of lag from time to time, but other than that - its a great addition to the car for long commutes. When I bought my car brand new, there was an issue with my trunk. I opened it, and after shutting it closed, it would not stay shut. It would continually pop open on its own and beep twice. I noticed the bottom part of the trunk weather strip was bent and distorted. I forcefully had to shut it in order for it to stay - and be mindful not to use it until I went to the dealer to have it repaired (5 hours total.) 2 hours for diagnosis, then another 3 hours another day for them to replace it :( but I still love my car. Feels fast, fun to drive, and lovely to look at. I wish they put more care into the interior of the seats and console - as once you put your arm down, it leaves white residue so that will definitely wear down quickly over the years. My other issue was I opened my trunk to inspect my car on the first night home and there were razer blades on the top of some parts. I figure thats more the dealerships wrongdoing. They admitted they use it to cut the tape and various parts off and forgotten them there. Nervous that they couldve had more that have fallen into the parts of the car...but so far it seems fine. The steering wheel makes a faint click click click noise when you turn it all the way. Not sure what that is - but it does not affect the way it drives. Overall, love the new car. Going to go the extra mile to be careful with the interior because I feel like it will definitely wear down quickly. Everything else is great - feels spacious and plenty of room to get in and out. Trunk space is huge. Love the details on the headlights and tail lights and the storage space in the middle console ! =)

• 

  Love it - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By JIM RICE - May 20 - 4:43 pm

  I have been a car salesman for 7 years and never have i seen a vehicle that is so (out of the box) or showed so much thought and imagination in its design. This vehicle will change the way designers will produce trucks and suvs in the coming years. Excellent job honda and keep up the prefect work!!!

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  Unbelievable - 2017 Honda CR-V
  By Joe F - May 20 - 3:09 pm

  I was shopping around for the best mid size SUV for months but when I sat inane test drive the all new 2017 CRV I fell in love. It truly can be summed up in a single word ... Perfection! If your in the market for a family SUV dont hesitate or take my word or anyone elses word for it, just go drive one at your local Honda dealership and the SUV will sell itself. I have had mine for 2 weeks now and I am loving it more then any other car I have ever owned.

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  Honda Civic 06 - 2006 Honda Civic
  By hury Martinez - May 19 - 2:50 pm

  When I had purchased this car, I thought it was going to give me 40 mpg, but the average it does is 33 . I only take the freeway to work .That was my biggest thing was gas living in California. It becomes my first priority.

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  My thoughts - 2006 Honda Ridgeline
  By Robert - May 19 - 11:13 am

  I have just over 8000 miles on the truck already. The motor is too small. It shifts a lot trying to keep up. I feel it would get better mileage with a bigger motor. Other than that it is a great truck, we use the trunk alot. In short, it needs more horsepower.

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  Excellent Buy - 1998 Honda Accord
  By barrola - May 19 - 10:00 am

  You wont go wrong with a honda. End of story

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  Honda 2002 CRV - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By Jane W. Evans - May 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the 97 CRV the 98 CRV a 2001 CRV and now the 2002 CRV. This new model is a pleasure to drive and handles beautifully but to be honest I miss my old design. I would be interested to know if others feel the same. I do not seem to be able to haul as much in the luggage area since the back seats fold upright and cannot be adjusted forward.